Rebecca shares how intentionally noticing positive moments and seeking connection opportunities with her children is transforming her summer parenting experience, despite the challenging start.

• Summer began with significant struggles, including a moment when Rebecca needed to leave the house after a lawn chair broke in her hands
• Progress with one child who historically couldn't participate in simple conversations without going into fight/flight/freeze mode
• Celebrating her young son's decision not to "scream like a pterodactyl" during a frustrating moment
• Working through attachment challenges with her daughter who typically ignores her after absences
• Finding simple connection points through pool time, popsicles, and tech-free activities
• Embracing the "1% change" concept from James Clear's Atomic Habits – small, consistent changes that alter trajectories
• Meeting children at their comfort level for connection rather than forcing interactions

If you're trying intentionally to notice positive moments or create connection with your kids this summer, I'd love to hear about it. Drop a comment on our Instagram page or send me an email about what you're hoping for this summer.

Bio Kids Retreat Registration:

Website: https://www.havenretreatsinc.org/store/p/biokids

Email: sara@havenretreatsinc.org

Rebecca Harvin and Courtney Studard share their hard-won wisdom on traveling with children of all ages, from essential packing strategies to entertainment tips that really work. We offer practical advice for making family travel more enjoyable, less stressful, and filled with meaningful memories rather than meltdowns.

• Start children traveling young whenever possible - they adapt quickly and become great travelers
• Lower your expectations dramatically - it's a trip, not a vacation
• Always have a designated driver and entertainer in the car
• Pack novel toys and activities, introducing a new one every 15 minutes
• Reserve special road trip snacks that kids don't get at home
• Prioritize movement at every stop with games and physical activity
• Always choose hotels with pools - this will be your children's favorite memory
• Pack a separate, single overnight bag for hotel stops
• Organize clothing by day or outfit to prevent car chaos
• Start with shorter trips and gradually work your way up to longer adventures
• View initial trips as training exercises for bigger adventures later
• Remember simple experiences often create the most lasting memories

Bio Kids Retreat Registration:

Website: https://www.havenretreatsinc.org/store/p/biokids

Email: sara@havenretreatsinc.org

Jenn Ditges shares her powerful journey from infertility to motherhood through foster care and adoption, revealing how she came to mother six children after experiencing twelve pregnancy losses.

• Always dreamed of being pregnant since witnessing her mother's pregnancy at age 8
• Received a spiritual promise of having six children while walking in Africa
• Experienced twelve pregnancy losses, with doctors eventually stopping treatment
• Bought a six-bedroom house in faith before having any children
• Turned to foster care after a day of prayer with her husband
• Eventually adopted six children—two sets of twins and two "Irish twins"
• Struggles with the complex emotions of Mother's Day and questions of maternal identity
• Finds strength through faith and community support during grief
• Embraces her unique motherhood journey despite it looking different than expected

"There's nothing wrong with you. There is no sin that you've done that God is punishing you for. You don't know what's on the other side, just fall into the arms of Jesus."

Bio Kids Retreat Registration:

Website: https://www.havenretreatsinc.org/store/p/biokids

Email: sara@havenretreatsinc.org