Category: Parenting

What Are You Tolerating From Your Toddler? Why Wise Parents Persevere in Training

His name wasn’t “Johnny” – that’s just a place-holder to protect the guilty – and, his name wasn’t “Nero”, but it fits because the little dictator with the pouty lips pretty much ruled wherever he was. Tyrants come in all shapes and sizes but some of the cutest tyrants in the world are two feet…
Are You Giving God a Bad Reputation With Your Kids?

Based on your parenting, what do your children think God is like? Do they have a general sense that God approves of them or that they better watch their step and look over their shoulder? We’re told in the Word to raise up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4.…
No Disrespecting Mommy (or Daddy!) – Ever!

No parent is okay with disrespect coming from their child . . . at least in words. Practice . . . reality . . . that’s another matter. In fact, what many parents of young kids say about their children defying them and how they parent resembles the distance between stars. Why the disconnect? Why…
She’s Not 12 Anymore – How to Have The Relationship with Your Young Adult You’ve Always Wanted

We are as gods to our children when they are young – safe haven in every storm, a comfort from every hurt, dispensing absolute wisdom and truth with every question. In the minds of our young kids, there is nothing we can’t do . . . which is easy when you’re all powerful and all…
An Open Letter to The Boy Becoming a Man, From His Father

Dear Son, It is a great honor and privilege to be able to write this letter to you. I’m blessed to be your dad. Son, you are becoming a man. What follows comes from a heart that truly wants the very best for you in this life and, more importantly, the next. THE NEXT LIFE…
Successful Parents: 4 Things They Believe & Do

Parenting . . . it’s a full-time job with lots of overtime, even if you have only one child! When our first came along, we’d fall exhausted into bed at night wondering how people with two kids managed. Then we had two. Okay, we’ve got this. Divide and conquer. It’s two-on-two. (Single Mom, wow, how…
Modesty and What My 12 Year Old Son Has To Do with How You Dressed Today

Show up with your personal standards and you are automatically deemed to be judging others who don’t share your conviction. And when you say, “I’m not judging others, this is my personal conviction,” you are automatically deemed to be judging others who don’t share your conviction. Why? Because there is one value you can’t challenge…
Can Young Children Repent and Be Truly Saved?

As parents, sometimes we do the wrong thing for the right reasons. Take the salvation/conversion of kids. Often eager to hear a profession of faith, parents can push the process along until the child does what he thinks dad and mom want him to do: Ask Jesus to come into his heart. But, is that…
How To Teach Your Child to be a Good Friend

How do you find good friends for your kids? You might begin by asking yourself what other parents think about your kids. Would your kids make quality friends for their kids? You know what they will say when you’re listening. “We just love your kids! They’re just great!” Everyone has positive things to say when the camera is…
Raising a Faithful Family in a World Against God

It’s only a matter of time before the Bible is officially designated “Hate Speech”. It’s inevitable and we’d do well to sober up about that eventuality. This world won’t be giving Christian parents help with raising their families to know and love the Lord any time soon. We are surrounded by a culture that diminishes…
What “Voice” Did You Put Inside Your Child’s Head Today?

The Voice. Every person has one – that internal message center that speaks nonstop into the mind and heart, informing the “listener” of who she is, what he does, and what others think about him/her. In the quiet moments of your child’s life, what are the thoughts he has about himself? What does the voice…
GROWING UP FREE: Encourage Your Kids to Explore, Dream, Play, and Build Forts

Last night, the wind whipped through the trees, flailing against the house. Each new gust stronger than the last. For a moment, I get a little anxious. Will my youngest three (8-12) be safe, camping out in the shed with their dog, Jesse? Then I have to smile at myself . . . If your…