Parenting

Self-control is very different from culture’s self-entitlement. Goodness and kindness are not the same thing. Patience isn’t a sign of weakness nor an invitation to accept abuse. By teaching our children these principles and their proper definitions at a young age, they will grow into the depths of their meaning and application as they mature.

As I've seen young women develop relationships with the legacies of the women who have gone before, I have become more convicted that it is important to teach the "feet on the ground" examples of those who have gone before us and now surround us as a part of that "great cloud of witnesses."

When we pray to God, asking for our children to be protected from Satan, we should remember that we aren’t praying to a distant, indifferent entity. No! We’re praying to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! As you pray through the following scriptures, pray expectantly.

Whether you interpret Proverbs 22:6 as a promise for raising your kids “in the Lord” or a warning about not doing so, there’s one thing we know: what you do as a parent matters and it will lead to results.

It is important to get quiet and still, so we can seek to hear the Lord (Psalm 46:10). We can etch this practice into the hearts of our children by example. Lent is a perfect segway to beginning the practice of being still and calm before the Lord. Bring your family together at the beginning or end of the day and share a Lent family devotional.

Creating a structured environment with clear expectations and consequences can help your children internalize the concept of responsibility and practice it daily. To reinforce responsibility, consider giving your kids ownership of specific areas of their lives without overstepping by doing tasks for them that they can do for themselves. Assign them age-appropriate tasks such as taking care of a pet, planning their schoolwork, or preparing simple meals.

What you hear may be difficult to swallow. It may even feel like an attack. Your instinct may be to go into self-defense mode. Instead, take instruction from James 1:19 and be “Quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”

Validate your child’s emotions, even if you don’t fully understand them. Let your child know that it’s okay to feel sad or angry, and that you will be available whenever they want to talk with you. Promote open communication and create opportunities for your child to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism. Pay close attention to what your child is saying, both verbally and nonverbally.  

When you’re the cook, the cleaner, the taxi driver, and everything else, there’s lots of room for wise parenting to be overlooked.

Praying for your adult children will connect you to the only perfect Parent – God – and invite Him to act powerfully in their lives...

If your child doesn't seem to enjoy reading or, let's be honest, if reading isn't your favorite thing, here are some ways for mama and kiddo to get excited about books...

Give yourself some time to develop this bond. It is not unusual for a new dad to feel unsure of his role and experience a lack of confidence in that role. What is certain is that God specifically chose each father to be his little one’s dad. God didn’t pick a perfect person, He chose the right person!

God reminds us over and over in the Bible how crucial it is to know the His Truth and the freedom it brings to our lives.

Captain America: Brave New World introduces a new era in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, continuing Sam Wilson’s journey as the new Captain America while bridging the franchise to upcoming Avengers films. Featuring themes of courage, leadership, and unity, the film explores Wilson’s struggle to step out of Steve Rogers’ shadow while confronting a mind-controlling villain threatening world peace. Though action-packed and thought-provoking, the film’s increased strong language and darker moments may give parents pause, making it a more mature entry in the Marvel lineup.

The scrolling addiction isn’t just a future concern—it’s already reshaping the minds, identities, and faith of the next generation. From shrinking attention spans to the relentless craving for validation, young people are caught in a cycle of distraction that’s quietly stealing their focus, relationships, and even their connection with God. But there’s hope! By recognizing the problem and taking intentional steps, we can help them reclaim their time, attention, and identity before it’s too late.

Seeing your child face this heart wrenching disease will most likely start causing your own well-being to suffer. It's unnatural for a parent to outlive a child. Remind yourself at these times that you will be with your child again in Heaven. This life will go on, but never forget the promise that you will be with them in Heaven and for all eternity. Leaving this earth is just a "I'll see you later," not an eternal goodbye.

Ask God to help your child have faith in him in every situation and for them to bolster their faith in him. To help this, you can encourage your child to study the Bible or even have a Bible study with them every morning or evening. Pray with them every night and before they leave for school in the morning.

You can’t help but feel a sense of loss when everyone else is celebrating their own relationships.

That moment of holy awe, sprinkled with a bit of holy trembling, is exactly where God wants us as parents to be. He wants us to come to him. He wants to partner with us beyond just the creation of life but in raising life, too.

Let’s face it, we must know our own weaknesses and limitations because if we don’t, we will fall into this dark hole of feeling like we have to be somebody that we’re not!