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Parenting

Real Boundaries for Teens

How do you set effective boundaries that build character and establish a proper relationship with your teen?

Baby on the phone and laptop - growing up too fast

Growing Up Too Fast

Before she was a teenager, Chelsea* had a cell phone. She also had her own bedroom complete with a TV and a computer with Internet access. As she continued growing up into a young teen, she made regular salon visits and had an artificial tan that made her look much older than she was. By …

Close up of a young girl's face

Your Child’s Adoption Life Story

Why children who have been adopted need to know their story — and how to tell it

The Power of Perseverance

God doesn’t expect parents to get everything right. But He expects us to keep trying!

Young girl listening to her mom

Healthy Discipline for Adopted Children

When you discipline your adopted child, you need to consider her chronological age as well as her emotional age.

Kids and Moving

Helping your child find new friendships after the big move

The Power of Permission

Fathers must recognize and exercise the “Power of Permission,” a vital discipline not only for the child’s development but also for the parents’ peace of mind!

Teaching Servanthood

Teaching Servanthood

If your kids ever wonder, “What does God look like?” send them to me. I’ve seen His hands. I’ve seen them all my life – on an Iowa couple named George and Ruth. Before I could even read, I watched those hands empty bedpans, prepare sponge baths and feed Ruth’s elderly mother. During my teen …

Options and Successful Strategies

Requests for visits with the child by birth families are on the rise.

The Power of Presence

Sometimes, a parent needs to set his own lifestyle aside and take advantage of the opportunities we have to spend quality time with our kids.

Teens and Smartphones

Teens and Cell Phones

A Wireless New World My husband is a college student. Since he’s about a decade older than the average freshman, he has an interesting combination of insider and outsider perspectives on campus life. One phenomenon he finds fascinating is walking from one class to another and watching groups of people walking and talking. But not …

Staying On Top of Your Teen’s Technology

Bewildered by instant messaging, iPods, online social networking, and other technology your teen is using? This article series aims to help you better understand how you as a parent can relate to your kids technologically, while giving good guidance spiritually.

Launching Your Child’s Faith: Too Hard or Too Scary?

Take a look at seven common faith-launching worries parents face.

One Family’s Story

How can parents stop enabling and set boundaries for adult children?

Surround Yourself With Comfort

This may be the holiday season to do what brings you comfort. Choose to be around people you can count on to understand your sorrow, people who offer the support you need to get through the season.

Family playing in sunset

Traits of Successful Adoptive Families

The adoption journey is resplendent with unforeseen detours, mountaintop experiences, formidable challenges — and magnificent views of God’s grace all along the way. Without preparation, this journey can be more than challenging. With awareness and planning, the journey can be one that promotes growth, blessings and healing for all involved. Here are a few things …

Raising Caring Kids

How do you help your children care for others?

Losing Ourselves

Finding volunteer opportunities for your kids is a good way to teach them compassion and stewardship as part of their service to God.

toddlers and sexual discovery

How to Respond to Toddlers and Their Sexual Discovery

Your toddler’s new sexual discoveries are fueled by age-appropriate curiosity. For toddlers, this exploration is normal. However, you now have an opportunity to create a healthy foundation for biblical sexuality in your toddler’s future.

Questions Children Ask

The respect you show for each birth parent’s intrinsic value and humanity will boost your child’s own self-respect.