Parenting Update

Moms and dads who ascribe to the authoritative parenting approach are often more in tune with their children’s needs. They prefer to guide their kids, using honest and open communication methods to impart their values. Children with authoritative parents are usually self-disciplined and can express their own ideas.

Fathers are just as involved with their kids as mothers are. Parents are more apt to apologize for their mistakes. Yet children of a future generation may still adopt the model they saw in their house growing up. Some generations often used control and punishment as ways to curb bad behavior and reward good behavior—yelling and other forms of corporal punishment that may not be appropriate today were appropriate back then. Therefore, kids of younger generations have trouble understanding what it means to parent their child in a gentle way that allows them their own autonomy but still helps them become selfless, well-adjusted individuals.

Becoming a parent is not for the faint of heart. Kids are wild, crazy, loving creatures, and it’s normal to feel nervous or anxious when your child arrives. It’s easy to prepare by buying everything: the crib, bottles, pacifiers, cute bedding, etc.You know what you need for your child, but what about the actual parenting part? How do you do it well and in a way that aligns with God’s teachings on how to raise a child?

Helicopter parenting goes past our normal and healthy desires to protect and be involved in the lives of our children. Here's why it actually hurts your kids in the end.

Being an authentic and honest parent goes way further with our kids than trying to be perfect. Here are 4 ways how to be real with your kids.

Your child says the teacher’s being unfair. Now what? Here’s how to handle it without turning the classroom into a battlefield.

When your child dates someone who concerns you, your response can either build walls or open doors. Discover biblical wisdom for balancing love and firm convictions.

There are very few things in parenting where numerical benchmarks are useful. Instead, we should ask, “What characteristics does my child need to show in order to get a cell phone?” This gives our kids something to grow into rather than passively waiting for that magic number. We know we are responsible for their moral character and development, ultimately teaching and modeling the gospel.

May they know to their core that your love does not change due to any grade or achievement, for it is by grace they have been saved, not the works of their own hands.

This clear-eyed look at discipline compares today’s trends to God's own model, and shows how truth and love must walk together.

Adults are glad the kids are going back to school, but they have the pressure to get the entire family re-acclimated to schedules and possibly a new routine.

Being uncomfortable with the idea of my young daughter having a future love life shouldn’t stop me from praying about it.

Gracious God, as my child begins another school year, I come before You seeking divine protection. Please surround them with Your love and shield them from any harm or danger they might encounter. I pray for the safety and well-being of every student, teacher, and staff member in the school system, and I ask for a hedge of protection around the building and school grounds.

Your child may be ready for college, but are you ready to let go? These four truths will help steady your heart and strengthen your faith in this emotional new season.

When your child begins to question their faith, resist panic and instead walk alongside them with patience, honesty, prayer, and trustworthy resources, recognizing that doubt can be a vital part of forming a personal, lasting belief in Christ.