family Archives

A Living Nightmare

Those who knew Chandler Grafner described him as a sweet and thoughtful little guy. He was shy, yet tender in spirit. The kind of boy who would pick flowers for his babysitter.

Which is amazing considering how Chandler’s brief life was nothing short of a living hell. By the time he reached age seven, Chandler’s home life was nothing more than a revolving door of unconventional living situations. His mother, Christina, bounced around between a number of men, including a stint with boyfriend Jon Phillips with whom she bore another son, Dominick.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, family, kids, parenting August 21, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Barbie Doll Controversy

There’s a growing flap over a new Barbie Doll. For reasons that escape me, Mattel has decided to dress Barbie in what looks like a “street walker” outfit. Understandably, parents are enraged. What adult in their right mind would want their eight-year-old playing “make believe” with a doll that looks like a hooker? What message does Barbie’s Black Canary” persona send to youngsters?

However, before jumping on the bash Barbie bandwagon, I did a little research.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, family, kids, pop culture August 12, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Planned Parenthood Takes Aim at Teens

If you are a parent, do yourself a favor. Spend a few minutes reading the advice offered to teens at TeenWire.com. That’s the website created by Planned Parenthood whose information on sexuality is both irresponsible and dangerous. My guess is that it won’t take but a few minutes before you’ll see that Planned Parenthood’s advice on sex and abortion is contrary to the view of morality you’ve worked to instill in your young person.

Among the things you’ll discover, teens are told that Abstinence-Only Sex Education Programs don’t work.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, homosexuality, news, pro-life August 8, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Monster in Your Modem

I heard a story that still breaks my heart. Joann Condie is a state-licensed counselor and member of our staff who speaks with those who call us with various needs. She shared the story of a mother whose eleven-year-old boy had been using porn on the home internet for quite some time. When this mom found out, she wisely and carefully dug a little deeper.

That’s when she learned that an eleven-year-old neighbor friend had introduced her boy to pornography on the computer.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, family, kids, parenting July 24, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Camping With Bears

Jean and I love to camp with our boys. Last week we pitched our tent, hiked, played ball, cooked dinner in the fire pit, and then hit the sack for what was to be a restful night. After all, we had perfect sleeping weather—the kind of Rocky Mountain cool air that produces a refreshingly deep rest. One problem. A rather hungry black bear decided to hunt around for a midnight snack just one campsite over from our tent.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, kids, wife July 21, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Is Your Baby a Racist?

Jane Lane, a “racial equality advocate,” published a new book this week in which she suggests a link between a toddlers reaction to foreign foods and possible future racist attitudes. In Young Children and Racial Justice: Taking Action for Racial Equality in the Early Years, Jane believes society should pay closer attention to children “who react negatively to a culinary tradition other than their own by saying ‘yuck.’”

Why? Jane believes such nose-thumbing at ethnic food could be an early indicator that your baby is a racist.

Topics: Current Events Tags: family, kids July 9, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Modesty is the Best Policy

Nancy introduced herself to me as a “gender-queer lesbian” after reading my post, Not In My Shower regarding Colorado Gov. Ritter’s signing of SB200 into law. In case you didn’t hear, SB200 is a bill that has stripped men, women, boys, and girls of their privacy in a locker room, a shower, or a bathroom by permitting members of the opposite sex, as well as cross-dressers, transsexuals, bisexuals–or people who are just curious about their sexuality–to use whichever restroom, locker room, or shower that they like.

Topics: Current Events Tags: family, news, policy July 3, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Children ‘Bad for Planet’

Believe it or not, that’s an actual newspaper headline. The article, which ran last year but which I only now just caught wind of, cites the work of an organization called Optimum Population Trust (OPT). John Guillebaud, co-chairman of OPT, believes couples should weigh the impact of children on the planet in their family planning. Which is why this green think tank is suggesting that you and I cut down on our carbon dioxide (CO2) output by having smaller families.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, kids, pro-life June 19, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Giving Thanks for My Family

I’m in Washington, D.C. for a series of meetings this week as well as to participate in the National Day of Prayer. Tomorrow’s activities include brunch at White House which is a real honor. My wife Jean and the boys are with me and, with an eye on the National Day of Prayer, I can’t help but reflect and give thanks to the Lord for the joy that my family brings me.

One of the things I love about my wife, for example, is her incredible nurturing heart.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, kids, wife April 30, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Be Our Guest

I enjoy starting my day with a fresh cup of Starbucks coffee – Grande vanilla latte, low fat, half caff, thank you very much. Not only do I enjoy the coffee, I’m blown away by their level of customer service. When I walk in the door of our local Starbucks, I’m still surprised that the barrister knows what I like to drink, what size cup I typically order, and even how hot to brew it for my taste – before I order!

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, family, staff April 9, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura