Many parents try to provide for their kids in as many ways as they can. While providing for the material needs of our children is necessary, some might go to extremes in providing for material needs and completely neglect spiritual needs.
In a culture that is attracted to material excess, prayer is a resource that parents would be wise not to neglect. We must keep our eyes focused on God, not comfort and status symbols. …
Some parents, in an attempt to protect their kids from all discomfort, may withhold discipline for bad behavior or block the natural consequences of disobedience from ever affecting their kids.
But does this approach actually protect kids or benefit them at all? Parents need to consider how natural consequences can build character. Denying our kids a chance to learn from their mistakes is often the same thing as denying them a chance to …
In American culture, we often value comfort. While there is nothing wrong with removing unnecessary pain in life, some parents can take this exercise too far when raising their kids.
When parents try to remove all discomforts and nuisances from the lives of their children, they may end up learning that some discomforts—things like consequences or boundaries—are necessary for raising healthy kids. Sometimes short-term discomfort …
When kids attend overnight events, certain risks are involved. Just because one of these events is hosted by a church or youth group, does not mean that temptations will not be present.
While these events may be exciting and fun for kids, parents should be wise and consider if these overnight events, ultimately, will be beneficial or destructive for their children. …
Wise parents will create standards for the music they allow their children to listen to. With some of the language and immoral content in many popular songs today, it is easy to see why this is necessary.
But beyond the actually content of a song, how many parents consider how music relates to spiritual warfare? Parents must allow themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit as they discern what music is productive for their family. …
American culture often emphasizes having, pursing, and feeling things that make us happy. But is constantly seeking happiness fulfilling? Is it possible that we may be missing out on joy in our attempt to gain happiness?
While happiness and joy may appear similar on the surface, joy comes with more of a moral and spiritual element. So as parents raise their kids, they should consider if they want their kids seek happiness or something a little more fulfilling. …
People often think of peace as the absence of conflict. However, in order to achieve peace, people must make peace with each other, and this process often involves things like restitution, forgiveness, honesty, apologies, and, yes, conflict.
Some parents avoid conflict with their children in the name of peace. They try to keep the peace, or the status quo, instead of trying to make peace by addressing wrongdoing. Understanding the distinction between making peace and keeping the peace …
