Port Group Homes

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

I saw this on my way into my office today, before I even clocked in.

Just a stretch of stairs covered in chalk — hearts, stars, someone’s name in bubble letters, a lopsided strawberry, a big “HI” like whoever wrote it just wanted to say hello to anyone who walked by. Nothing about it was neat. Nothing about it needed to be.

And it stopped me for a second, because I asked myself: when’s the last time I actually saw chalk art? Not a school project, not something pinned up and graded — just kids outside, making things because they felt like it.

Then I asked myself what it actually took to make this happen. And it came down to three things: chalk, time, and space.

The chalk is the easy part. Time, most of us can find if we try. But space — real space, where nobody’s correcting the drawing or asking what it’s supposed to be or rushing them to the next thing — that’s the one we forget to give.

And if you’re a parent, you already know how fast this part goes. One day it’s chalk all over their hands and knees on the floor, and it feels like it’ll be like that forever. Then somehow it isn’t. The chalk gets put away for good and you don’t even remember which time was the last time. So if your kid asking you to come look at what they drew — go look. Let them have the time. Let them have today. Because before you know it, the time to be a child is gone just like the drawings made of chalk.

07/29/2026

❤️ Every parent hopes for moments like these...

A child who admits when they were wrong.

A teenager who makes a good choice without being reminded.

A conversation that ends in understanding instead of another argument.

Those moments don't happen because we're perfect parents.

They happen because we're willing to learn, grow, and try something different.

Over the past few weeks, we've shared stories about responsibility, empathy, and giving children healthy choices instead of power struggles. Those stories reflect challenges many of us face—and the encouraging truth is that there are practical tools that can help.

Love & Logic isn't about raising perfect children or becoming perfect parents.

It's about building stronger relationships, teaching responsibility with love, and creating more peaceful moments at home.

If you've been thinking about attending, we'd love to welcome you.

Only 3 spots remain, and we'd love to fill them with parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, and anyone who wants to strengthen their relationships with the children in their lives.

📅 Love & Logic Parenting Class
🎟️ Reserve your FREE seat here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1993020145907?aff=oddtdtcreator

If someone came to mind while reading this, would you consider sharing this post with them? One simple share could be the encouragement another family has been waiting for.

Thank you, Morrison County, for supporting stronger families. We hope to see you at class!

07/27/2026

Yes, we did have a testimony like this.

"I didn't expect to see a difference so quickly..."

One of the greatest encouragements we receive is hearing from parents after they begin using the Love & Logic tools.

Recently, one participant shared something that really stood out to me.

"I started using the Love & Logic techniques, and within the first three days, I noticed a change in my child. Our conversations were calmer, there were fewer power struggles, and I realized these simple tools were making a real difference."

What made this testimonial even more meaningful is that she's also a social worker.

She shared that the principles she learned didn't just help at home—they also strengthened the way she worked with families professionally.

When a tool is practical enough to make a difference in both your personal life and your professional life, that's worth paying attention to.

If you've been wondering whether Love & Logic really works, this parent's experience is a reminder that even small changes in the way we respond can lead to meaningful changes in our relationships.

❤️ If this post reminds you of a parent, grandparent, teacher, foster parent, or caregiver who could benefit from these tools, would you share it with them? You never know how one simple share could encourage a family.

📅 Our FREE Love & Logic Parenting Class begins in just 3 days, and we'd love to welcome you.

🔗 Register here: https://loveandlogicmc.eventbrite.com

Wishing you a wonderful week, and thank you for helping us encourage stronger families in our community.

07/25/2026

Have you ever watched your teenager completely fall apart over a consequence they knew was coming?

At 3:00 PM, right after school, a mom reminded her 17-year-old son about the agreement they had made.

"If your homework isn't finished before your friend gets here, you won't be going out tonight."

He barely looked up from his phone.

"I'll do it later."

The afternoon slipped by.

Homework sat untouched.

A little after 6:00 PM, his friend's car pulled into the driveway.

His phone buzzed.

"I'm here."

His son grabbed his shoes and headed for the door.

Mom gently stopped him.

"I'm so sorry. I know you were looking forward to spending time with your friend."

His face immediately changed.

"What?!"

"That's not fair!"

"You always ruin everything!"

For just a moment, she felt the temptation to defend herself.

To remind him of the conversation they had after school.

To explain why this was happening.

Instead, she took a slow breath and quietly said,

"I love you too much to argue about this."

Then she gave him a hug.

No lecture.

No yelling.

No "I told you so."

Just empathy... followed by the consequence they had already agreed upon.

The next afternoon, something changed.

At 3:15 PM, before anyone reminded him, he sat down at the kitchen table, finished his homework, and then enjoyed the rest of his evening with his friends.

Sometimes children don't need a longer lecture.

Sometimes they need parents who stay calm enough to let life's lessons do the teaching.

Empathy doesn't remove the consequence.

It removes the power struggle.

❤️ Wishing you and your family a peaceful, joy-filled weekend. May it be filled with moments that strengthen your relationships and create lasting memories.

07/23/2026

The argument was about to explode... until one simple choice changed everything.

"You're not the boss of me!"

The words caught Mom off guard.

The conversation had started over something simple. She had asked her teenager to put the phone away and head upstairs because it was time to settle down for the evening.

Instead, the volume of the conversation kept rising.

"I'll do it later."

"No."

"Why do you always have to control everything?"

Mom could feel herself getting pulled into an argument. Every part of her wanted to prove she was right.

Then she remembered one of the Love & Logic tools.

Instead of demanding obedience or matching the emotion in the room, she calmly said,

"You have a choice. You can head to your room now and cool off, or you can continue arguing and head to your room upset. I'll let you decide."

For a moment, there was silence.

Her teenager looked frustrated but realized something important...

The choice wasn't whether to go to the room.

The choice was how to get there.

A few seconds later, the phone was set down, and the teenager quietly walked upstairs.

The problem was solved without a shouting match.

Love & Logic teaches that children don't stop needing control as they grow older. In fact, they often crave it even more.

The key is learning to give them appropriate choices before they try to take control in unhealthy ways.

As one Love & Logic principle reminds us:

It's almost always better to give children control on your terms than to have them take control on theirs.

If you're tired of daily power struggles and want practical tools that bring more peace into your home, we'd love to have you join us for our FREE Love & Logic Parenting Class, because every family deserves fewer power struggles and more peaceful conversations. ❤️

🌮 Free meal provided.
🎟️ Please register in advance so we can prepare enough meals and materials for every family. https://loveandlogicmc.eventbrite.com

What's one power struggle in your home that you wish could end?

07/23/2026

This sounds like a great time!

🚗 Rev up for a great cause! 🚗

Relationship Safety Alliance (RSA) is excited to be part of Atwater GM's 4th Annual Car Show on Saturday, August 1st! We're incredibly grateful that Atwater GM is donating proceeds from this event to support RSA and the individuals and families we serve throughout our community. ❤️

🚗 What: Atwater GM 4th Annual Car Show
📅 When: Saturday, August 1 | 8:30 AM–12:00 PM
📍 Where: Atwater GM, 702 2nd St. NE, Aitkin, MN

🚘 Vehicle registration is FREE and the show is open to everyone! If you'd like to enter your vehicle, you can pre-register here: https://forms.gle/uZsPUVkPxboEFiNLA

The event will feature:
🏆 Awards in over 10 categories
🌭 Free food & drinks
🎁 Prizes
👕 Free T-shirt with registration

Be sure to stop by the RSA information table while you're there! Two of our advocates will be available to answer questions about our programs and services, share resources, and talk about how RSA supports individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse.

Whether you're showing off your vehicle or just coming to enjoy the fun, we hope to see you there! Thank you to Atwater Chevrolet GMC for your generosity and continued support of RSA.

07/21/2026

"I already told you to put your bike away." How many of you experienced a positive outcome when you told a child that? So many times, the way we communicate with children can be misunderstood.

A parent shared this story with me recently.

Their 10-year-old had been reminded several times to put his bike back in the garage after playing outside. Instead, he left it lying in the driveway and ran inside to play video games.

Later that evening, Dad backed the car out of the garage and accidentally bent the front wheel. No one was hurt, but the bike couldn't be ridden anymore.

The child immediately became upset.

"It's not fair! You broke my bike!"

Instead of arguing or rescuing, Dad took a deep breath and responded with empathy.

"I can see why you're disappointed. That would upset me too."

After everyone had a chance to calm down, Dad simply asked,

"What do you think you can learn from this?"

There was a long silence.

Finally, his son quietly admitted,

"I should have put my bike away when you asked."

Dad nodded.

Then he asked one more question.

"What do you think you'll do differently next time?"

His son answered,

"I'm going to put it in the garage as soon as I'm done riding so it doesn't happen again."

No lecture.

No yelling.

No hour-long argument.

Just a child who took responsibility for his own choice and made a better plan for next time.

That is one of the most powerful goals of Love & Logic.

We can't protect our children from every mistake—but we can teach them to learn from those mistakes, own their choices, and grow into responsible adults.

What if the next mistake your child made became one of their greatest learning moments instead of another argument?

At Love & Logic, you'll learn practical tools that help children think through their choices, accept responsibility, and make better decisions the next time—without constant yelling, nagging, or power struggles.

If you're ready for calmer parenting and more confident kids, we'd love to have you join us.

🎟️ Reserve your FREE seat today before registration closes.

🌮 Free meal provided.
❤️ Real-life parenting tools you can use the very same day.

RSVP below

https://loveandlogicmc.eventbrite.com

06/22/2026

🚨 4 DAYS LEFT 🚨

Parents...

What if one FREE day could save you months of frustration?

If you've ever found yourself saying:

😩 "I've told them 100 times."
😩 "Why does everything turn into an argument?"
😩 "I don't know what to do anymore."

You're not alone.

That's exactly why we're bringing the Love & Logic Parenting Class to our community.

In just one day, you'll learn practical tools to:

✔ Reduce power struggles
✔ Encourage responsibility
✔ Build stronger relationships with children
✔ Respond calmly and confidently when challenges arise

And the best part?

🌮 FREE TACOS & LUNCH
📚 FREE CLASS
💡 REAL-LIFE TOOLS YOU CAN USE IMMEDIATELY

📅 This Friday
📍 Northland Arboretum

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, foster parent, childcare provider, or healthcare professional, this training can make a lasting impact on the children you serve.

⏰ Registration closes soon.

If you've been thinking about it, don't wait.

Come for the tacos.
Leave with tools that can change the way you parent forever.

👇 Register today and help us spread the word by sharing this post.

Join us in person for Love and Logic, where fun meets real-life wisdom in raising happy kids!