All Articles for Parenting

Peer pressure can be subtle. Other times your child's friend sports a Michael Kors bag. Or their second grade class splits into boyfriend-girlfriend duos.

“No jumping on Mimi’s couches. No snacks in the living room.” Welcome to disciplining kids at Grandma's. But whose rules do you follow? Yours or Mimi's?

I wanted to be shocked that my 5-year-old kid wants a cell phone. But it’s the world we live in. Mandy at NextTalk says the digital world changes parenting.

No one tells you all your dreams can’t fit in one life. You may wonder if a strong woman follows or leads. Is she in the boardroom or the kitchen?

Do my high expectations create a stressful environment? Am I helping my kids succeed? Or am I hurting their chances of experiencing the joys of life?

Americans choose sides as if the entire country is getting a divorce. Shouting in ALL CAPS. Colorful @#$% thrown in. Outrage culture is our world today.

I spent most of my 20’s trying to be someone else. Finally marriage, motherhood, depression, and my 30’s forged my self-discovery and acceptance.

The move from New York to Arkansas was painful for our family, but the journey taught us a few things.

The college years can be a tricky transition not just for students, but for their parents as well.

My daughter Sam is 12, but I’ve only known her for a year. No one’s story is as straightforward as it may seem. Families are made in many ways.

Their teachers have encouraged their strengths (and helped them find them), instilled confidence, prayed for them, praised them, and lovingly disciplined them when necessary. “Thanks” just doesn’t seem enough.

Later that night I told my husband thank you. “What you did this afternoon changed our whole day. Thanks for saying what you said and doing what you did.”

Research shows millennials may be the most family-oriented generation in the last 50 years. Millennial parents are changing the norm to raise healthy kids.

I’ve been a high achiever all my life. I didn’t expect a kid with meltdowns, dismal spelling tests, embarrassing social skills. I had to get over myself.

As a mom, I am guilty of saying no too often simply out of laziness. Even though saying yes would delight my kids, I let my selfishness get in the way.

When you’re picking out little baby outfits, you don’t anticipate someone telling you, years later, your teenager may have lymphoma.

As a kid, I identified with the boy in the song who wanted more of his Dad’s attention. 30 years later, I was the dad leaving my son wanting more.

You can be intentional with your kids over the summer. Here are 3 ways (+ a printable) to help you pull off a meaningful summer.

Requiring respect is a gift we give our kids (and ourselves!). But in a parenting age aiming to be gentler and more aware of kids’ emotions, it's not easy.

Unlike the advice of Teen Vogue that robs teenage girls of their value, true advocacy and social responsibility should be in God-glorifying ways.

My son's first day of first grade introduction worksheet: What do you like to do with your friends? His answer, in wonderfully legible pencil: Chase girls.

Right now there’s a mom whose 18 summers are up with her child.18 sounded plenty when empty sippy cups scattered the backseat. Now 18 doesn't feel enough.

You've detected trends that are leading your kids away from church in college. But, let's be honest. Kids do what they like. Why can't that be church?

When fear and anxiety threaten to take control of how I parent my children, I remind myself of four truths.

Changes in educational costs and in the job market should prompt teens and their parents to consider some great alternatives to college.

Spending the night with friends seems like a normal part of growing up. But my wife and I wonder: should we let our kids go to a sleepover?

Our Passport2Purity® weekend didn’t go anything like I had planned, but what came out of it was even better.

For 18 years, you have parented through a maze of joys, laughter, confusion, and even bruises. Now your child is a graduate. You have big changes ahead.

I have three sons. My oldest still wets the bed. My youngest says two words. They're just boys. How do I start this whole "man-thing"?

My kids need to see that their value isn’t tied to their grades or what school accepts them. I need to encourage them to follow God’s design and purpose for their lives and not insist they conform to a specific formula for success.

One woman says her upbringing was based in fear and shame because of the concept of sin. God was a megaphone in my head: “You’re bad, you’re bad!”

When my 6-year-old daughter with long, lanky legs called her thighs fat, I knew something had to change. I didn't know body image issues would come so early.

In a first world country, our kids know that everything they could ever want to buy is accessible. How do we teach them the value of things and money?

Here’s to our mothers. Thanks for letting us see you struggle, ask for help, and never give up on the ones you love.

For one couple, becoming foster parents happened in a really unexpected way.

I see you, single mom. I know you’re out there and  you may be struggling today on Mother's Day. You deserve this day the most.

While we might relate to the laundry list of women pressures, we have to be honest about why working moms and our husbands believe them.

Children this age are unique because they still invite participation and closeness with parents—an attitude that will be changing soon.

You can make your home a place of peace and safety for you and your spouse and kids. Here are some ways to create the setting.

I shudder at the times I’ve acted irritably toward my kids because I was still stressed from work. How do we come home as the loving parents we want to be?

Who is responsible for making ends meet when a new baby joins a family – the new parents, their employers, or the government?

Many parents fall into the well-meaning mishap of clearing an easy path for their kids, regardless of the cost. Have you?

How much should you tell your kids about the mistakes you've made in the past? Pastor Drew Hill believes parents should unveil some of the ugliness in our lives ... to show what God has done.

Many married couples are putting off the decision on whether to have children ... and an increasing number choose to not have any.

Most kids on today’s campuses probably fall into the category of “bystander.” They know they should probably do something, but they don’t.

The sex talk and gender conversations in your home don’t have to be big, awkward productions. But they do need to happen. The sooner the better.

Making responsible, though not always fun, parenting decisions pays dividends and yields goodness that lasts well beyond the moment.

Making memories, passing on our faith to the next generation, is what our moments are made of. I try to focus on fully living in every single one.

These parents wanted the best for their children. But is any college worth what those families are facing now?

Staycation or vacation? Either way spring break is a time to take advantage of for having fun and creating family memories.

One of the greatest lessons motherhood is teaching me is that I cannot do it alone. Baby showers remind us of the help we need from family and friends.

What if our generation of moms decided to love the mom bods we’ve got? Motherhood puts a glow on any woman! It’s a look that’s well worth the wear.

From a FamilyLife Today^® broadcast, a list of ideas to help your kids think missionally about life.

My kid's birthday party means I include and find commonalities with nearly total strangers. And it’s a really beautiful thing.

Moms today have enough on their plates without adding unnecessary drama to the list.

I’ve always believed that’s what birth mothers really are—heroes.

We cannot live redemptive lives and hate our neighbor. Diversity in relationships not only shows unity to the world but also builds in our own hearts a love for others.

In order for your teenagers to be able to make adult-level decisions, they need guidance. You can help them by asking good questions.

My kids need to grow up with the knowledge that I require a Savior just as much as they do.

After the unexpected death of our son, my wife and I learned that faith informs pain, but it doesn’t erase it.

I finally realized that my children had all the father they needed; all I had to do was point them to God for their needs.

Talking to my kids about shootings doesn’t come easily—how do I answer questions about things I don’t understand myself?

How do we treat ourselves well while also remembering that God cares more about our hearts? Can we keep our hearts pure but also enjoy fashion?

My husband and I are raising our daughters to identify with who God designed them to be, embrace the characteristics He gave them, and develop confidence in the goodness of their Maker.

You have the privilege of growing a child who knows the love of God personally and knows how to love people well.

Is foster care messy? Of course. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Guilt doesn’t freshen us and give life—it suffocates us and takes more than we have to give.

When my youngest started preschool, I took my first job outside the home in nearly 10 years. I was frazzled, guilt-ridden, and late everywhere I went.

The time we have with our children before they enter into adulthood is limited. We have a responsibility to use it well, with a heart of wisdom.

Teachable moments are opportunities for us to imprint God’s values on the next generation.

Consider mornings, mealtimes and bedtime as opportunities for making a heart connection with your child. And trust that God, in His sovereignty, will fill the gaps in between.

Pretty much everyone has an opinion on "mommy wine culture." Here's a few factors to consider if you're thinking about sipping a glass.

I want more for Drew Brees and his sons than just what they can earn. And Jesus offers more.

Of all the stories about raising six children we’ve told over the years, this is probably our favorite.

The patterns I saw in my child’s behavior opened my eyes to the damage my phone had done.

While my generation will associate Michelle Williams with suggestive song titles, the next generation might associate her with something entirely different—being a champion for the biblical model of marriage.

It’s not always practical to eat dinner as a family. The solution? Give yourself and your family some grace and cancel dinner tonight. 

We advise against giving your children a phone if you are not ready to have a conversation with them about it multiple times a week for multiple years.

Instead of my husband abandoning us for the woods or holing up in a man cave glued to ESPN, we’ve made fall Saturdays family days.

Kid-free trips either alone or with girlfriends is an idea I can get behind.

Here are eight ways we can fight for, not against, our children in their hard-to-handle moments.

A list of questions to help you engage your teens about their beliefs on LGBT issues.

Five steps to prepare them to withstand peer pressure, stand with the truth, and display the love of Christ.

The school year is filled with other obligations, but the summer belongs to us.

Helping a child understand this world is not our home.

God put inside every boy something that stirs him to be brave and protective.

If you view your kids as sinners who need salvation, you’ll see parenting as a rescue mission.

Having another mom who’s already been through both the calm and rough waters of your current stage in life can be a beautiful gift from God. Here are some suggestions for finding that kind of mentor.

A list for parents who want their children to know their love and God’s love.

These verses can become the centerpiece of kitchen table discussions and a tour guide for difficult conversations.

Use this helpful list as a springboard for spending quality time with your sons.

Facing the upcoming birth of our first baby has caused me to struggle with my change in identity … but perhaps it isn’t a “new” identity after all.

We all want connection with our daughters, but when we become overly close, it can hinder their transition to adulthood.

My son, Aaron, taught me valuable lessons on how to choose my battles … and win them.

Dating for two is difficult; dating in a crowd is downright complicated.

What role should parents play to steer a child away from the traps in the most popular sport for many teens—the dating game?

Teaching your children to help others is a lifetime gift to them and to everyone they encounter.

Don't ever think that training your child's language is in vain.

Filling our hearts and minds with the things of God will quench the hunger that the world cannot.

How Doug and Deb Gulbranson used Passport2Purity® to teach their children about the pressures they would face as teenagers.

Your kids will encounter this issue someday. How will you handle their questions?

The practice of family worship is a crucial discipline for spiritually healthy families.

My parents showed me how to walk as a believer and honor Christ in all things.

Here’s a ‘game’ I developed to help my kids understand spiritual priorities as they begin to face the pressures and temptations of their world.

Rather than only teaching them simple prayers they can memorize and recite, we need to intentionally educate our children about what prayer should look like.

Stories of resurrected marriages Stories of good marriages strengthened Stories of lifelong marriages Premarriage stories Stories of parenting challenges Salvation stories        At FamilyLife, we love to tell stories about what God does in families. He saves marriages. He strengthens homes. He changes lives for eternity through the gospel of Jesus Christ.   We hope that you […]

If you don’t shape your children, with God’s help, the world will.

“I sat down to type a scathing rant about gay marriage,” wrote blogger Matt Walsh. “I sat down to tell the world that gay marriage is the greatest threat to the sanctity of marriage.  But then I remembered … a sign I saw on the side of the road a little while back. Divorce for sale! […]

Sincere love and an emotional haven are worth so much more than a perfect house and a gourmet meal.

An important part of parenting is determining who you are, what things you stand for, and how you’ll pass those values on to your children.

The Art of Marriage® Couples devotionals Explore FamilyLife eMentoring™ Global Outreach HomeBuilders Couples Series® LifeReady® Military   Passport2Purity® Preparing for Marriage  Resurrection Eggs® Stepping Up™ Weekend to Remember® marriage getaway What God Wants for Christmas®   At FamilyLife, we love to tell how God works through ordinary people to changes lives for eternity. And we’re so […]

Your calling as a parent is to model a faith that is authentic and strong.

Four practical suggestions for facing uncertain times with faith and courage.

In the minds of most teenagers, there is no universal standard for sexual morality of absolutes beyond a person’s own view as to what makes sexual activity right or wrong.

Even when we see no visible evidence, we can trust that God is at work.

Your love for your child should define your relationship—just as God’s love defines His relationship with us as His children.

Training preschoolers can be overwhelming, but starting small will build a strong foundation for more lessons to come.

As much as we hate it, our children lose control, make poor choices, and deal with shame, grief, and remorse. That’s when they need you the most.

It's a daunting era to raise a son into a man, but here's a game plan for shaping growing boys into godly men.

Ideas for men who want to leave a spiritual legacy.

When I'm in a hurry, I tend to plow over my children.

Seeing the fruit of correcting your children requires delayed gratification.

There is no such thing as a superhero mother. Here’s how to stop trying to do it all and start learning to be you.

Truly excelling as a mom is not about showing our kids how amazing we are, but how much we need Jesus.

Looking back on my life, I have found one of the most helpful ways to gain perspective on your current situation is to see life in terms of seasons.

Here are a few steps you can take to create the right environment for your son to grow in his faith while he’s still living in your home.

Just as failing to discipline your children will lead them to running the house, failing to trust your children will lead them to leaving the house.

As a father, you need to love her not only when she is your sweet, affectionate girl, but also when she’s a real pain in the neck.

Helping your children understand God’s design for sex … and how to save themselves for marriage.

Editor’s note: This article was adapted from the story of a woman who attended one of FamilyLife’s I Still Do™ events between 1999-2002.  As we prepare to hold three new I Still Do events this summer and fall, we thought you’d be encouraged by this testimony about the importance of the marriage covenant. Soon after […]

The undeniable fact is that God expects parents to lead the family.

Here are five questions to consider as you seek to help your daughter grow in godliness.

Ideas for creating a gravitational pull that brings family members closer to each other and to God.

As parents we can grow accustomed to doing everything for our young children and lose the opportunity to teach them responsibility.

While we should strive to be a godly example by the way we live, we must be proactive in teaching our children about God.

My desire is to incorporate these truths into the fabric of my family’s values.

Quality time speaks love to a young child.

How the high school coach of NBA star LeBron James teaches his players about the value of serving others.

The definition of the word mean is to be unkind or malicious. But a good mean mom defines the word quite a bit differently.

When the abuse first begins, many women in abusive relationships aren’t sure if what they are experiencing is abusive. In fact, one of the biggest hurdles to addressing domestic violence is that very few victims self-identify as experiencing abuse. Many think abuse happens to “those women” and don’t want to have the stigma of being […]

When we learned that the nature of parenting is sacrifice, we went from trying to have it all to having everything that matters.

Letting your child know your expectations before you go out in public together can act as a deterrent to inappropriate behavior.

Just because you failed in the area of sexual purity doesn't mean you can't be committed to upholding God's standard for your kids.

Marriages and families were dishonored on Presidents’ Day when AshleyMadison.com, the online dating site that promotes adultery and extramarital affairs, launched its latest national campaign for infidelity. One of the billboards landed in my community, only miles from FamilyLife headquarters … and my home. The billboard boasts, “Who said cheaters never prosper? Happy Presidents Day!” […]

My wife and I hoped that by the end of the Passport2Purity weekend our son would be seeing things about life more clearly.

Fifteen years ago last month, my brother was killed.  A drunken driver cut short his life as he pulled a late-night shift for a fellow police officer in Hawaii. Jay took every opportunity he could to earn enough money to move his wife and two young children from their apartment into a real home. He died […]

A compilation of creative tips for the lazy days of summer.

Tom and Brenda Preston waited for years for a prodigal son to come to God.

How do we, as parents, dream new dreams for our children when we have no idea what the future holds?

The arsenal of weapons employed against this generation of teens is unmatched in human history.

We need to help our kids carefully discern good from evil without developing hearts that condemn others.

Part of raising daughters is knowing that, at some point, you probably will turn your responsibilities over to another man.

Too many kids grow up seeing their parents endorsing one thing and living out another.

It’s often not easy for parents to find reliable babysitters they can afford and trust.

Brian Yak didn’t want to get married until he had the chance to meet his biological father … and get some answers.

Spiritually healthy parents walk each day, step by step, with God as their guide.

Jessica Thompson learned that being a good kid doesn’t equal being a Christian.

Answer these questions with honesty, humility, and dependence on God's power.

Here are a few Bibles and works of Christian literature that my family enjoys reading together.

If toddlers can memorize favorite songs and stories, why not help them learn the Word of God?

Your job is to help your children grow into the adults God intended them to be.

I lost my dad recently. He was the first really close person that I had lost, and the emotions of it all continue to be excruciating. I’ve gone through cycles of grief and sadness, feeling alone as I lost one of my biggest cheerleaders. Standing beside a casket gives an incredible sense of finality—no more […]

“Some of the greatest needs we have are understanding and friendship.”

Our life with Annie hasn’t been easy. But it’s been worth it.

Our journey began when doctors told us our unborn daughter would be born with half a heart. In the last year we’ve learned to rely on God’s faithfulness.

A list for those who—like me—struggle with overcommitting and overworking.

My ancestors have kept His commandments and have passed them on to the next generation. Now it’s my turn.

Do you trust God with your love life?

A list of helpful resources.

Editor’s Note:  Here are three recipes mentioned on the July 12, 2014, broadcast of FamilyLife This Week®. The bon bon recipe is very old; if you try to make it, we hope that you are successful and have fun! Bon Bons (Dalcie Rainey)  2 cups sugar 1/2 cup white corn syrup 1/2 cup whipping cream […]

Training our kids to be good conversationalists is an example of living out the second great commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

A parent can influence children to become who God created them to be—not by manipulation or force but by watering the seeds God has planted.

My ancestors left me a godly heritage, and my passion is to pass that on to my own kids.

It all begins with a foundation of God's Word.

Three players from this week’s game, and the fathers who influenced them.

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is disciplined speech.

Karis Kimmel Murray describes the “Murray Family Code.” She and her husband developed these rules to emphasize practical and biblical expectations for how family members will live and treat each other.

God’s grace serves as the self-healing mechanism for our inadequate lenses when we fail at love, forgiveness, and grace itself.

You are God’s first responders, called to run in with help when your child is in danger because of burning desire or an attack of temptation.

Christians share a common identity in Christ, which takes precedence over ethnicity and every other difference that tends to divide us.

When we scutilize our parenting priorities, we often find that, although we are followers of Christ, we are also products of a compelling Western mindset.

A potentially dangerous accident with my son taught me a lesson in temper management.

The kids are back at school, and I'm alone.

Youth entitlement seems to have reached epidemic proportions in both my family and society as a whole.

If we had only 30 minutes to talk with you, here's the advice we would pass on.

Accepting the responsibility of teaching the Bible in your home will equip your kids to live by it when they are grown.

The importance of praying parents.

It was a real revelation to me that I could pursue a relationship with my daughters by dating them.

I’ve been swept up in a wave of longing—for the old familiar, for the sweet memories of days gone by.

A list of ideas for developing an ever-elusive character trait.

Ten ideas to help you diffuse your anger when a child misbehaves.

One of the hardest things about raising young children is that we feel we’re making no progress.

Sometimes there are more important things than a clean house.

Some solid convictions that we believe every family should embrace.

Six guidelines for controlling your emotions while correcting your kids.

Here are some tips for bringing balance to the hectic pace of life.

A nervous father interviews his daughter's date.

A Passport2Purity weekend gave me the opportunity to talk with my daughter about the issues she would face as a teenager ... and we had fun, too!

I wondered how I could communicate biblical truth to my daughter during her bedtime prayer. Then I remembered one great phrase from my childhood.

What worked yesterday with a child may not work today, and you have to be flexible

What’s the best way to discipline my older child? Barbara: The toddler and preschool years are a time to lay the groundwork for behavior and for moral choices in your children. Once you’ve got a problem conquered in your 4-year-old, it’s easy to think, That’s been taken care of, and my child won’t ever do […]

A few specifics that teenagers need to learn about the opposite sex.

No matter how skillful you are, only God is sovereign over your children.

How do I know when it's needed and when it isn't?

Advice on how to meet all their needs, but not all their wants.

Here are some things I wish I could go back and tell myself when I was a brand new mom.

There’s more to mothering than keeping your kids amused.

A well-controlled passionate personality is a powerful thing. But a passionate personality that is unbridled can cause a world of damage.

Stephen and Jill Kendrick's story of adopting Mia

Learn how to leave your children a heritage, not just an inheritance.

What happened when a 15-year-old boy appeared in a Florida church, asking for a family.

A father's positive presence and parental participation are huge factors in raising children who love the Lord.

My parents’ commitment is a source of strength for their children and grandchildren.

When Laura and Steve Byers traveled 5,000 miles to Ukraine, they didn’t know the name of the little girl they would adopt. They had no idea what she would look like, or how old she would be. And they couldn’t comprehend how much she would change their lives. “How will we know it’s her?” Laura […]

Before you rush to fix your child's problem, ask yourself whether you are truly helping him or her.

I felt under-prepared for my new role as a father, but I’m learning quickly

The idea of taking my 4-year-old daughter on a date had never crossed my mind. It didn't occur to me that I should treat her any different from her brothers.

I can't remember the last time I've been the only one at home and really experienced silence.

A worksheet to help you determine what you believe in.

It's time to start considering how the sin we tolerate in our lives is impacting future generations.

Two tips for beginning a new marriage and a new stepfamily.

One of the hardest things I've done as a single parent

A happy love life is good for your children.

"I am grateful for proof that two people can love each other for an entire lifetime."

Quick advice regarding various areas of your child’s life.

Make it a priority to teach your children to do things for themselves and others, even if it means those things aren’t done perfectly.

When it comes to motherhood, plenty of land mines exist that we risk stepping on.

For too many years, husbands have abused their God-given role by eliminating the concept of servanthood from leadership.

The pain was indescribable, but somehow I found peace.

Kids learn how to resolve conflict by watching us do it.

Three suggestions for modeling conflict resolution to your kids.

Relationship secrets for girls entering adolescence.

Our assignment as parents is to tenderize the child’s conscience to the Holy Spirit and to the law of God.

Dealing with a child who makes the same request over and over again.

How do you relieve the pressures you feel as a family?

How can we slow down this crazy pace of life?

I've heard some Christians lately urging their children to save their first kiss for a wedding kiss.

What are some ways to teach my children about money?

When your child is angry you can help him understand what hurt him and work through that issue.

Getting a grip on schedules and activities is a gift that will never lose its value.

God created sex, and your children need to know His purpose for it.

When your child is angry you can help him understand what hurt him and work through that issue.

It’s not easy to wait until marriage to begin having sex. But Tee Uzoigwe was determined to wait for God’s best.

Two qualities you must develop if you want your children to turn to you.

What are you going to do with the influence you have in your daughter’s life?

Dating can be a trap for teens.

Helping your children learn to live within limits.

Form convictions that you can hold with integrity as you shape the life of your child.

Help your children take responsibility for their actions.

Editor’s Note: John Bryson and Robert Lewis are co-creators of College Ready™, an innovative video-guided experience for high school juniors and seniors. John and Robert were interviewed on FamilyLife Today by radio host Dennis Rainey, and his co-host, Bob Lepine. The following was adapted from this interview: Robert: College is one of life’s most defining moments. It […]

Combing the day for things you’re thankful for can replace your old way of seeing the world.

My father loved me enough to let me feel the full extent of my actions.

You must set the rules and the boundaries, not your toddler.

Recognizing the roots in sin can head off disputes before they start.

Remembering special moments while walking through the mall with my mother.

By inviting a friend into my messy home, I gave her a way to connect with me on a real level. I extended her an invitation into my heart.

The protection of our lives and the lives of our children is best left in God’s hands.

God has good reasons for wanting us to wait until marriage for sex.

I've been told that the most emotionally stressful event in a man's life is the birth of his first child.

Helping your child maintain innocence in a world obsessed with sex.

God uses our children to help us learn to walk in the Spirit and build our character.

You can’t do everything. Here are nine strategies to help you set some boundaries.

Great organizations and great families are fueled by loving leaders.

Our daughter is in heaven, but we here on earth have have an incredible opportunity.

A sample devotional from FamilyLife’s newly revised Passport2Purity®.

If you let guilt over divorce cripple you, it can keep you from giving your children the love they need.

The choice between sexual purity and sexual experimentation is an key battle for Christian youth today. This deadly trap snares millions of teens.

My second daughter reminded me that laughter should be an important ingredient in our family.

We did not have a definite plan to transform desires into reality.

Why parents need to help their children navigate the sexually-charged adolescent years.

From watching my single mother as I was growing up, and from watching many women in that situation, here are four essentials to succeed as a single mom.

How can we break our 3-year-old of throwing tantrums when the sitter comes over?

Dennis and Barbara Rainey, parenting, ages and stages, teens

What might seem like just a sweet little encounter could be giving the guy a mixed message. And it could lead you to more sexual intimacy than you imagined.

Providing the foundation children need.

A mother reflects on the days when her daughter was young.

I was at a crossroad. Would I stand in the Lord's way and deny my husband this opportunity because I was afraid?

The birth of our twin granddaughters reminds me of the lessons God teaches us in the joys and the hardships of life.

When I trusted God enough to call out to Him, I learned that He wanted to share in my grief.

We suggest four convictions that all parents should consider and uphold.

The battle for a child’s purity is real, and as parents it’s our task to set them up for success.

Few things occupy the hearts and minds of modern young people more than dating relationships. Having a boyfriend or girlfriend strokes a lot of core needs. First, it strokes the need for significance. You can almost hear the cry for validation when you hear a teenage person say, “You’ll never guess who I dated this summer …” You feel […]

Learn why freedom is so important to teens and how to help them channel that freedom without causing a revolution.

In order to teach our children, we parents must embrace three core convictions.

There are three critical tasks that parents must personally embrace before helping their children.

A champion gymnast learns that healing for her troubled relationship with her father takes more than hard work and determination. An excerpt from a new book, Growing Together in Forgiveness.

Good parenting is often the difference in choosing between self-sacrifice and self.

Being purposeful doesn’t mean taking everything super seriously, it just means thinking about things we may not otherwise think about in the busyness of life.

Helping your child practice the right thing to do is just as important as identifying the wrong thing to do.

Stop the spread of slime in your home.

Though it encourages socializing in groups, it also leads to casual sex among friends

By building your child's character, you can help shape the future.

Many girlhood Cinderella dreams are being dashed by teen pregnancy

Contrary to what the culture might say, being a full-time mother is not settling for second best

I’m a Type-A person, and helping my girls make a dollhouse was not on my agenda for the day.

Don’t waste the time you have with your children.

One parent's trash is another child's treasure

Three lessons I learned on how not to be prepared for mommyhood.

A collection of lessons from parents who have been through the battle.

It's been around as long as there have been children, but what do you do when they're your children?

The courageous choice of one mom gives us confidence to also be strong with our teens.

Many Christians have not taken a strong look at what they believe in.

Even if you don't intend to leave a legacy, you will.

God will help you focus your family toward making a strong impact for His kingdom.

God used this volatile time in my daughter's life to teach me a lesson, too.

The popular Netflix series seeks to address a worthy issue, but it has some troubling flaws.

Observations about the Netflix series from a junior high teacher.

Your kids need you to hold them accountable in the area of dating.

Since we live in a media-driven world, how can we stay on top of the media?

We need to realize that we are not just asking for an apology, but we are also training their consciences.

Being a mother requires faith, not fear.

Six lessons from Solomon's writings.

There are no foolproof methods of parenting, because there are no perfect parents.

Healthy ways to deal with grief from the parent of a prodigal.

Distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate expressions of anger.

Copyright © 2003 by FamilyLife. All rights reserved.

Four lessons from a mom and dad who have been there.

Stay-at-home mothering doesn't have to be so hard, and you don't have to do it alone. There are resources all around you to help you be the kind of mom you want to be.

A tribute to J.T. Walker, a man who was passionate about his God, his family, and his church.

It's time for a heart-check about children in the Christian community. Do we truly have God's heart for children? Do we really believe children are a blessing?

September 2006 Like many Christians I know, my wife, Erin, and I had discussed whether adoption is something we would ever do. We liked to think that we would. The topic never really came up more than a handful of times. Then some friends of ours who had adopted invited us to an “If You […]

Traditions are a lot like heirlooms ... both probably have come to us through our families. Some you love; you can't imagine life without them. And some you're stuck with..

How was I going to instruct my daughters about the importance of purity when I was so immoral as a teenager?

Part of our responsibility as parents is to help our daughter navigate appropriate relationships, especially dating relationships.

We face an unprecedented crisis in America today—the physical and emotional absence of fathers.

The most important task had been missing from my to-do list.

Yes, I was overcommitted and working my tail off for good, even great things. But why in the world was I doing this?

We need to realize that emotions are a part of God’s image imbedded and imprinted within us.

To invest your time and best efforts into children and to watch them grow, develop, and excel is to be part of the creative majesty of life itself.

Whatever their story, prodigals need a safe haven.

What’s the best approach to discipline with my young child? Barbara: When a child is a toddler, he or she is in what I call “the training 2s.” When children are 2-5 years old, I call this the “intense training” stage. During these early years, you will notice your children becoming more defiant and rebellious—more […]

Keep your ears and eyes open and in tune to what’s going on in your child’s life, and to all that he is exposed to. Keep the lines of communication open.

The do's and don'ts of going out with the opposite sex.

Children must be taught that cutting others down in any way is repulsive because every person is made in the image of God.

Children must be taught that cutting others down in any way is repulsive because every person is made in the image of God.

They thought their "baby days" were over, but they didn't know what the Lord would do next.

Whether your family is taking a short trip to Grandma's house or a cross-country vacation in the family car, these interactive activities will help the time pass more quickly.

What would happen if families went on trips together without all the electronic distractions?

When we give ourselves without reservation to our children, we draw them to us.

Is dinnertime also family time in your home?

Early on, we realized we needed to plan our time in the car as well as we planned the activities at our destinations.

Your family should be found guilty of having too much fun, rather than too little.

It's never too early to begin praying for your children.

Three characteristics of prayers God answers, and three characteristics to avoid.

Increasingly, girls are aggressively pursuing boys—in high school, middle school, and even earlier—in numbers we never saw in the past.

Sometimes the most courageous thing a man can do is to simply open a door.

Being the father that our children need does not require perfection—it requires courage.

How can you best create a loving relationship between brothers?

The greatest commandments are to love God and love others, but what does this look like for a college student?

A creative way to celebrate this milestone.

Building a simple fire pit in the backyard was key in building up the spiritual condition of our children.

Listening to FamilyLife Today has given me the encouragement to persevere.

A few ideas on how parents can start cultivating an attitude of service in simple ways, by weaving threads of humility, consideration, and an "others-first" attitude into the fabric of everyday life.

In the battle for the hearts and minds of our children, we need to recognize that they need our intentional guidance in countering the deceptions of life.

Explaining natural disasters and help children work through the issues.

Parental love is the first love a child experiences and the first love he (she) understands.

How can Christian parents encourage their children to become followers of Jesus Christ?

The second requirement of teaching children to be peacemakers is to help them understand the root cause of their conflicts.

Dividing responsibilities between Dad and Mom.

Helping children understand that significance is found in fulfilling God’s purpose for their lives.

What kind of exposure should my children have to a relative who is in an inappropriate or ungodly lifestyle?

What's a parent's number one need?

Encouragement for those who have doubts about adopting.

It begins with the process of attachment—the deep sense of belonging to each other.

If you spend much time studying God and His priorities and passions, you will learn why caring for orphans matters to Him.

Gratitude is not natural; it must be nurtured.

When we got out of the car, I could tell I had picked a bad day to bring a little kid to the mall.

Lying, no matter how small, is a big deal. If our children are going to develop the discipline to always embrace the truth, it will be with our help.

These steps will help you keep track of the truth.

As we shape our children’s convictions we need to be careful to give them God’s perspective of lies, false appearances, and misrepresentations of the truth.

Here are some ways to test how well your child is handling the deceit trap.

We need to model and teach a commitment to excellence.

A life of integrity is a life you can trust.

Using chores to teach responsibility.

This can be a time in your child’s life when she can begin to wean herself from her parents and begin to form her own identity.

The child who is developing more complex thinking abilities now has a better set of tools to use in being deceitful.

Do your children know what you expect of them when they spend the night with a friend?

Our children have approached their simple household chores with all the enthusiasm normally expressed for a root canal.

You can use all sorts of methods to teach your children how to earn, save, invest, and spend wisely.

Your children are watching where you spend your time, money, and resources.

Parenting isn’t just a manual task—it’s the shaping of a life.

In a FamilyLife Today interview, Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine say that all of us are called by God to leave something behind—to have an impact on the next generation.

We need to work at modeling appropriate expressions of anger.

The beloved coach was raised by a father who believed in building character.

Our love will be the stabilizing power that I hope God will use to pull this child through these turbulent times.

Guidance for teaching your children to be sensitive to potential danger.

Toddlers make mothers feel like they have lost control of the family.

Our children need to catch a vision for being an ambassador for Christ.

Some financial advice to help you re-orient your values and save money.

Becoming involved in your child’s friendships can mean taking on some interesting roles.

Parents often feel tired from fighting the influences of the culture, but let me encourage you to hang on.

Eight "foundation builders" to help parents as they seek to cultivate strong friendships with their young children.

A day full of frustrating challenges gave me a good laugh years later.

Practical tips for relieving some of the natural rivalry between siblings and helping them to develop an appreciation for one another.

Four observations to note and discuss.

As we learned more about our son, it felt like we were unwrapping a precious gift. Each testing day brought new insights into how his amazing brain worked.

Don't waste the incredible opportunity you have during the "golden years" to prepare your children for adolescence.

What chores can children do at specific ages? The following chart gives some ideas of what is possible.

In most cases I find boredom to be a function of attitude—a result of my own selfishness and lack of vision or initiative or creativity.

These ideas won't cure every problem in your home, but they will help you refocus on kingdom purposes.

Three steps that will help you spiritually invest in your family.

A day full of frustrating challenges gave me a good laugh years later.

Here are some issues to consider as you consider adding to your family through adoption.

Somewhere between the deadlines and the to-do list, I'd forgotten the most important ministry God had entrusted to me: my family.

Are you making memories with your children? Those moments may be the best times of their lives.

Steering clear of peer pressure can keep your standards from being trampled.

Your kids know all about the latest phone and internet technologies. So do pornographers. Donna Rice Hughes talks about the importance of protecting your children.

A special blessing to my sons and son-in-law.

Manners were God's idea first.

God allowed me to spend a few precious hours with a husband, father, and grandfather finishing the race strong and loving his family during his last hours on earth.

If the gospel is central to your life, it also must be central in your family.

We can’t take the gospel for granted; instead we need to safeguard it and deliver it unaltered to the next generation.

Copyright © 2009 by FamilyLife. All rights reserved.

The story of one couple's journey from infertility to adoption.

Exercise can help you feel better, and also provide a great way to connect with your kids and loved ones. I well remember some childhood games of touch football with Dad and my siblings—right in front of two big magnolia trees. And who could forget the family obstacle course that Jim and my sons once […]

Practical suggestions to help you remember what shapes your family’s life and legacy.

Enjoy a break from the hectic pace of life.

Sometimes we learn great things about life from our kids. In this case, I learned the hard way about not exasperating my son.

Suggestions for fostering creativity in your children.

Just because God promises us that all things work together for our good doesn’t mean all things are easy.

Loving wayward children even when you don't approve of their behavior.

Be patient. Don’t complete their sentences. Let them finish, even if it seems they are rambling. Don’t interrupt. Face your child and make eye contact. Lean forward, if you’re seated, to show you’re interested. Take advantage of passive moments such as watching a video, listening to music, or sitting on the edge of their bed […]

A mother’s work is never done: Feed the baby, change the baby, wash the dishes, sweep the floor, cook dinner … There’s nothing worse than filling the dishwasher twice in one day only to find that there are still dishes left in the sink! Since the birth of my son, I have found myself working […]

How to prove to your kids that you're not weird.

Here's a list of values and character traits that helped us focus on biblical priorities in our parenting.

Ten ways to ensure that your child will not succeed.

Four tips for interacting with a stubborn child.

Here's help if you're concerned about how your children talk to you and to each other.

We used these ideas to help our children on their spiritual journeys.

Many well meaning parents mistakenly focus on a child’s conduct and miss the root cause … the heart.

You never know when God will give you an opportunity to imprint His values on your children.

Too many parents focus on changing a child's behavior. More important is what's going on in the child's heart.

Parents must identify false gods in their children's lives that distract them from the truth.

In today’s activity-packed society, it’s more important than ever to intentionally connect with your kids.

These ideas will help you develop deeper relationships with your children despite a hectic schedule.

Connect with your children by getting outside for these fun activities.

In today's transient society, when family ties are weakening, children need to know their heritage.

Your most valuable family possessions are the shared experiences and memories that link your hearts together.

A creative idea for remembering all the cute things your kids say.

When we discipline our children, we need to use words that have the power to heal and restore.

Having raised five children, I’ve learned a few things I hope might encourage you.

How could a child be happy after being disciplined?

Take a stroll down a typical American neighborhood, and you’ll find families who desperately need a break from the rat race

Our family continues to work on refining these three convictions.

Setting a tone in my home that allows for the spiritual disciplines of quiet and solitude is my responsibility.

Busy schedules can overtake a home if parents don't maintain a proper balance between activities and leisure time.

Sexy clothes are hallmarks of fashion today, even for young girls. How can you help your daughter make choices that show off her heart, not her body?

These four convictions helped guide us as we taught our teenagers about appearance issues.

The process of shaping convictions needs to begin early.

Challenging your child to the higher goal of purity.

Five steps for developing and implementing a sex education plan.

We're seeing a surge in girls taking the initiative with guys at younger and younger ages, and aggressively attempting to lure them into sexual activity.

Talking about sex may be the single most powerful way parents have of stepping into the lives of their children.

A survey in a teen Sunday school class reveals a desire to know the honest truth.

Raising teenagers means pursuing their heart even when they don’t demonstrate love in return.

Shaping your child’s convictions about deceit begins as you teach him to fear God.

Many parents make the mistake of releasing their kids to make their own choices at the very time when they are most tempted to follow the crowd.

Many parents make the mistake of releasing their kids to make their own choices at the very time when they are most tempted to follow the crowd.

Eleven ways to ensure that your teenager will not be prepared for the future.

As a parent you do need to set some limits.

There is beauty in learning to let go of your adult children.

A mother's difficult decision about her married daughter.

Will what you do today make a difference tomorrow?

No mom is perfect, but if you're looking for a standard, I would encourage any mother to grow in these five areas.

Sons need the model of maleness that they can best find in their father.

My great-grandfather Peter continues to influence his family—several generations after his death.

Every Christian can make a difference in caring for orphans and children in foster care.

By giving you a brief glimpse into our story, we pray that we will encourage you to prayerfully consider getting involved in adoption and orphan care.

The greatest shield of protection we can provide for our children is prayer.

What we learned about prayer for our children as they prepared for and entered adolescence.

We should be working hard to save the hearts and futures of our sons from the pervasive decadence of a generation that is spinning aimlessly out of control.

The only quality time that you will enjoy with your daughter is what flows from the quantity of time you invest with her.

It’s not easy for a girl surrounded by testosterone.

As the bride of Christ, young women must learn to present themselves as valuable, priceless princesses.

A biblical battle plan for parenting.

When our children get married, we must let them grow independently of us, no matter how much it hurts.

At some point, all parents need to release their children and trust in God's plan for their lives, no matter where that plan takes them.

A quick course on being a godly father.

Just one day can make the difference in a life wasted and one that leaves a legacy that will outlive us all.

As a husband and father, you are the warrior who has been charged with the duty of pushing back against the evil that seeks to prey on your wife, daughters, and sons. If you don’t step up, who will?

I realized I needed to be intentional in raising my children. Fortunately, I had a good model: my own father, Hook Rainey.

The constant love of a mother becomes a bedrock of security for her children.

Ten ideas to help keep you sane during the exhausting, overwhelming years with young children.

How to keep from being burned-out by your full-time, stay-at-home-mom job.

Grandmothers share what they would do differently as young moms.

Every time I read the story about the Prodigal Son, I feel it's a story about me.

A crisis with a child means your family is headed into a period of testing ... and of growth.

Seven promises for brokenhearted parents

As we raised our six children, Barbara and I had many opportunities to train them to get along with each other.

Because teens are trying to figure out who they are, what they are supposed to do, and what’s expected of them, all of these issues focus on the big me.

Here are three convictions to build into your child’s life.

You need to give your child the freedom to express frustration or dissatisfaction, but train him how to do this respectfully—and at the proper time.

As you face some of life’s most challenging issues with your child, do not forget that love ultimately changes a person’s life.

Lessons from my daughter's teenage pregnancy.

Recalling memories from the past can be a family-bonding experience.

The story of an orphan who weighed only five pounds at six weeks, yet taught me about God's love and compassion.

Here are five reasons my family loved the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter and why you should take your family there, too.

Forty-six thousand men took a breath as Tom made his way to his son.