Here's what's new this week at CareLeader.org

Are you giving bad parenting advice?

True or false: Blended families require different parenting advice than traditional families. Learn why Ron Deal of FamilyLife Blended (a division of FamilyLife ministries) says the answer is (drumroll, please) ... true.

And before you think "I don't have many blended families in my church," consider that Ron says that 40 percent of US families are blended families, and one-third of the people in this country have a step relationship. So blended family members are likely in your church, and they're definitely in your community. Discover how to avoid giving parents of blended families unhelpful and even harmful parenting tips.

Self-harm

A teen or young adult tells you that she's been cutting herself. How would you respond? What questions would you ask to figure out what's motivating her behavior? Would you assume she's suicidal? Not sure?

No worries. Dr. Kristin Kellen, counseling professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, has written an article to answer those questions. And even if you wouldn't be the person to provide primary, ongoing care to someone who engages in self-harm, this post will help you understand why some people intentionally wound themselves. Then you can respond wisely and compassionately when someone discloses this struggle.

How my church helped me when I was grieving

In her book Grief Undone, Elizabeth Groves shares her husband's yearlong battle with cancer and how her church cared for her after his death. She recently did an interview with our Jeff Forrey (who learned Hebrew at Westminster Seminary from Elizabeth's husband). In the interview she reflects on how her church cared for her during her season of grief. You might find it helpful to see how another church responded to a grieving person.

Other CareLeader.org news

Which "Friend" logo received the most votes?

Thanks for taking the time to vote on the logo for the new curriculum. And I appreciate all the emails and comments you sent explaining why you made the choices you did.

Want to see which logo received the most votes? Here are the results.