Before having children, author Heidi St. John’s confidence in God felt unshakable. A few years and a few children later, Heidi felt so discouraged that she could barely get out of bed.

She remembers waking one cold January morning and hearing her children arguing in another room. The day hadn’t even begun, and she was already defeated. She willed herself to her feet by opening her Bible and reading from the Psalms. She soon realized that, while she had placed her confidence in her own abilities, King David’s praises were rooted in his confidence in God.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting November 17, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

When author Becky Baudouin’s girls were little, strangers would comment about how cute they were. Then they’d share a mommy platitude. Something like, “Enjoy every minute! It goes by fast!”

Becky knew what they meant, but she also thought to herself, “What about moments that are terrible and the only good thing about them is that they don’t last forever?”

Here’s another one: “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” Out of balance, this one puts a lot of pressure on mom to act like she’s happy and together when she’s really not.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting September 8, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

I refused to go to kindergarten.

On my first day, I dug in my heels and wouldn’t walk to school with my siblings. I told my mom no and meant it. I was so stubborn about it that she personally had to usher me down the block and into the building.

I didn’t want to go, but I’m glad I did because something magical happened that first morning.

Her name was Mrs. Smith. My kindergarten teacher.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting August 8, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Nature has incredible influence over us.

Studies show that plants and flowers help post-surgery patients raise their spirits, experience shorter hospital stays, require less medicine, and recover faster.

An article from the Yale School of Environment reports that spending a cumulative time of two hours in nature each week has significant health benefits.

Nature is also an incredible classroom for teaching children about God’s character. Even young children can perceive God’s hidden attributes through creation (Romans 1:20), connect God’s Word to the natural world, and develop a deep understanding of the rich nature narratives strung throughout Scripture that point to the Creator.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting June 21, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

When my boys were 6 and 8, Jean and I took them to Disneyland. That day, they were tired, wanted their own way, and had meltdowns. My solution was to say, “Control yourself, or you will never come here again.”

It was a silly parenting strategy on my part because Jean and I enjoyed going to Disneyland as much as the boys did. Which means I would have never followed through on the consequences I threatened.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting May 25, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

If you have a teenager who’s not working a job, the question is, “Why?” Working a job will bring out qualities in your teenager that you won’t always see from them at home.

When teenagers work – whether it’s scooping ice cream, working the drive-thru at a fast-food place, or cashiering at a grocery store – they’re developing valuable life skills. They’ll learn to submit to authority and to handle responsibly when they’re in charge. They’ll learn how to serve others and to be accountable for their choices.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting November 8, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura