Let’s be honest: most of us had some ideas about parenting before we actually became parents. Maybe you imagined peaceful family dinners where your kids said, “Why yes, Mother, I would love another serving of broccoli.” Or you thought your child would naturally share your love for books, baseball, or the perfect cup of coffee.

Your teen isn’t going to abandon social media overnight, and honestly, they don’t need to. But with your guidance, they can learn to engage with it wisely while still experiencing the deep, real-world connections that shape their character and faith. What is the best way to lead them there? Model it yourself. Show them that life beyond the screen is richer, deeper, and far more meaningful.

The best part of parenting isn’t knowing all the answers—it’s walking beside our kids as they discover them. When we validate their confusion and feelings, we’re not just helping them process emotions. We show them they are deeply known, unconditionally loved, and never alone. And that? That’s the kind of truth that sticks.

Remember those awkward moments as a kid when an adult hissed, “Say you’re sorry!” and you mumbled it because you were told to? Real apologies start with real understanding. Kids need a safe space to make mistakes, see how those mistakes affect others, and learn to make amends.

Maybe you’ve noticed your child suddenly dragging their feet when it’s time for the family movie night they used to love. Or, maybe they’re not sleeping well anymore and waking up grumpy. These shifts can be subtle or glaring, but either way, they matter. By zeroing in on your kid’s everyday habits, like how they spend downtime or who they’re hanging out with, you can get a pretty good read on their emotional weather forecast. Sometimes, they’re just tired or had a rough day at school. Other times, they might be silently waving a red flag, saying, “I need help!”

Pay attention to those quiet signals. Maybe they started a new school project and seem extra stressed, or they aren’t meeting your gaze at dinner. It may feel like detective work some days, but it’s worth it! By spotting these behavioral breadcrumbs, you’re giving yourself the chance to ask the right questions: “Hey buddy, everything okay?” or “You seem sad lately—what’s going on?” A simple conversation can bring the biggest sighs of relief and lead to solutions that fit your family.

Fostering close relationships with your kids doesn’t mean perfect, shiny family photos or endless hours of “quality time.” It’s about loving consistently, admitting mistakes, and allowing your children to feel safe, understood, and cherished. Real life is beautifully messy, and through every story, every tear, every triumph, the bond you’re building will help your kids develop into secure, resilient, and purpose-filled individuals.

Here’s a secret: When we see our kids conquer the backyard obstacle course they designed themselves, it builds our confidence, too. Instead of feeling pressure to entertain them 24/7, we begin to trust both them and ourselves. Fostering independence through play is not just nostalgic romance; it’s necessary to prepare our kids for a future where adaptability, self-awareness, and empathy all matter more than ever. It also builds courage and confidence for us to let go because we know they can overcome hard things. So, if you want your kids to be prepared and well-adjusted adults, let them play and watch them risk early. If they’re older and you’re having a hard time letting go, open up that conversation and talk about the courage you want to have with your kids.

Ultimately, raising discerning, servant-hearted leaders isn’t about adding something extra to your to-do list. It’s about weaving into daily life the values of kindness, humility, and respect for others so your kids naturally learn to spot and emulate leadership that truly benefits the people around them. With a bit of intention and a whole lot of love, you’re helping them grow into the compassionate, thoughtful individuals our world desperately needs.

As winter slowly gives way to the promise of spring, many of us find ourselves thinking ahead to summer. And what better way to kick off the season than by thinking about summer camp? Camps allow kids to break free from the usual routine, dive into new experiences, and learn things they never expected. But let's face it, choosing the right camp isn’t always a no-brainer. With so many options, how can you ensure your child’s summer camp experience is the best fit?

In our fast-paced and often complicated world, you may wonder how to raise kids who are confident, curious, and ready to take on life’s challenges. Let’s chat about how to encourage resilience, help them stay safely aware, and, most importantly, rest in God’s daily grace.

Handwriting isn’t just about forming letters; it’s about giving your child a hands-on way to harness their natural gifts, build new skills, and connect with others. By walking at their pace and offering supportive, fun opportunities to learn, you’ll help your kids discover that real joy and achievement can come from slowing down. Embrace these moments, celebrate the little wins, and watch them bloom into confident writers and thinkers, one handwritten word at a time.

Technology has a funny way of slipping into our day-to-day rhythms until it practically becomes a fifth member of the family. But maybe there’s a deeper reason why all those apps, memes, and endless scrolling grab our attention so easily. Dr. Kathy suggests that our struggles with tech often reveal bigger heart issues—like self-centeredness or impatience—things we’ve wrestled with as humans long before smartphones entered the scene.

While having support as parents is essential, we can't give up our role. This isn't about rejecting help or running on empty, it's about knowing when to lean on others without losing sight of what our kids need most: our presence, guidance, and love.

Parenting is an adventure, full of unexpected twists and sweet moments that make you laugh (or cry!) until your sides hurt. When we listen longer and affirm our kids’ worth for simply being who they are, we set them on a path of confidence and resilience. And trust me, you don’t need a grand speech or expensive gadgets to show them you care—just your genuine, engaged presence.

You’ve likely heard the headlines: smartphones can affect kids’ mental health and overall well-being. But don’t worry, this isn’t a doom-and-gloom post here. Let’s explore the good and the not-so-good and how we can guide our kids in a healthy relationship with their screens without sacrificing sanity.

No child should feel like they have to earn your love. Acknowledging everyone’s unique strengths—and yes, occasional quirks—makes your family tapestry all the richer. So celebrate those differences, share the love fairly, and watch your kids’ identities flourish under your unwavering support.

One of the trickiest parts of raising kids is deciding how much of our past to share, especially the cringe-worthy parts we’re not exactly proud of. We want to be honest but also worry about setting the right example.

Embracing AI doesn’t mean letting the bots do all the thinking for us. Instead, it’s an opportunity to help our kids develop sharper minds, stronger relationships, and deeper faith. As you guide your children through this high-tech terrain, remember to keep the big picture in view: our relationships matter more than any gadget, and God’s truth is always worth more than quick convenience.

Recent insights suggest that children can learn effectively while they’re in a state of awe and wonder—sometimes even more so than when they’re laser-focused on a single task. The trick is finding the balance between letting them roam freely in their imagination and giving them the skills to zero in on goals. Think of it like a dance: a graceful back-and-forth between structure and spontaneity.

Keep nurturing those budding friendships and helping your kids find their voices. One day, they’ll look back and realize that these moments of compassion and understanding helped shape their resilience—and that you were right there cheering them on every step of the way.