parenting Archives

Father-Daughter Dances Are Now Illegal?

Public school officials in Cranston, Rhode Island, have banned all “father-daughter” and “mother-son” activities, citing a threat from the American Civil Liberties Union, according to published reports.

The ACLU had filed a complaint on behalf of a single mother who argued such events were unfair to her daughter, who is unable to participate. A school attorney suggested that Rhode Island law banning gender discrimination makes gender specific activities illegal.

My heart breaks for every child forced to grow up without two parents.

Topics: Current Events Tags: family, kids, news, parenting September 19, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

One Consequence of Same-Sex Marriage

By the end of this month it’s likely to be legal for children in California to have three parents.

As of now, the state’s current law only allows two parents per child, which is both the historical standard and the common sense one.

So why aren’t two enough anymore?

Same-sex marriage.

Children of lesbian couples may have two “mothers,” but it’s obviously impossible for a child to be conceived without a father. The same is true for homosexual men; every child is born of a mother, even if the male couple deems her simply utilitarian in nature.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, homosexuality, kids, parenting September 13, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What Do You Tell Your Children About 9-11?

To some, September 11, 2001 seems like a lifetime ago, especially to the parents of young children. Our oldest son, Trent, was just one year-old and Troy hadn’t even been born when the serenity of that late summer morning was shattered by terrorists.

As I drove the boys to school this morning we discussed the anniversary. Over the years we’ve talked a lot about what happened on that tragic day, about the loss of innocent life and how so many dreams of so many families never came true – all because their father or mother never came home.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, faith, family, parenting September 11, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Child’s Ten Commandments to Parents

1. My hands are small; please don’t expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely: don’t restrict me unnecessarily.

3. Housework will always be there. I’m only little such a short time—please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, kids, parenting September 9, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Urban Meyer’s Contract with His Family

Urban Meyer will take the field on Saturday for his first game as head football coach of Ohio State.

In many ways, the 48-year-old will be coming full circle, both personally and professionally.

Born in Toledo, Meyer met his wife, Shelley, while attending the University of Cincinnati. He was hired as an assistant coach at Ohio State in 1986 and earned a master’s degree at the school prior to his departure for another coaching position with Illinois State.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, kids, marriage, parenting August 29, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Have a Quiet Child? Here are Three Things You Must Do

Susan Cain is the best-selling author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking. A popular lecturer, the Harvard-trained lawyer offers terrific insight and advice for everybody in her book, but especially for parents who have “quiet”- tempered children:

“The best thing parents and teachers can do for introverted kids,” she writes, “is to treasure them for who they are, and encourage their passions.”

Here are three things she recommends parents do:

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting, relationships August 21, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Dad Reflects on the First Day of School

Today I want to share with you a poignant reflection from my friend and colleague, James Anderson. If you have children, I know you’ll relate to his words.

A Morning I Will Never Forget

My wife and I walked our first-born daughter, Charlie Mae, to kindergarten the other day. The kids were decked out in new sneakers, sparkly clothes and backpacks so new they were stiff. The scene was full of parents with cameras in hand and tears in their eyes.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, family, kids, parenting, religious liberty August 16, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Dear Stay-at-Home Mom

You’ll never convince me that anybody works harder than a mother. Parenting is a joy-filled experience, of course, but it also requires a tremendous amount of effort. The legendary writer, John Steinbeck, once put it quite succinctly. “It takes courage,” he wrote, “to raise children.”

On the lighter side, the comedian Bill Cosby has always been deft at reminding us to not take ourselves too seriously. “No matter how calmly you try to referee,” he once said, “parenting will eventually produce bizarre behavior, and I’m not talking about the kids.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, kids, parenting August 8, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What One Mom Has Learned from the Olympics

The London Games continue to serve up hours and hours of spirited fun for millions around the world. For parents, the Olympics also provide all kinds of “teachable moments” for our kids, from talking about the dedication required in training to how to handle disappointment when a medal is just beyond reach.

For one mom, the delayed broadcast of the Games has also served to give her some much needed perspective. Christy Cabe is a talented writer who chronicles life with a mother’s heart because, well, she’s a happy mom who is busily raising three young children.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, family, kids, parenting, pop culture August 2, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What You Might Not Know About Olympian Missy Franklin

Missy Franklin has good timing – no pun intended.

At a moment when the country is hungry for some good news, for a hero to root for and an uplifting story about a star who will make you smile, the 17-year-old Coloradoan’s performance at the Summer Olympics seems to be just what the doctor ordered.

Have you been watching the games?

The family and I have been following the Olympics each night, especially the swimming, and we’re really getting into it.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, kids, parenting August 1, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura