Parent conversations: Ideas to foster a family-friendly church
We tell parents that they are supposed to bring their children to church, but how do we support and encourage them in that endeavor? Here are some family-friendly ideas. They…
Previously heart to heart
Parent conversations: A children’s Christmas service to remember
I’ve sat through roughly one hundred children’s Christmas services so far in my life. Each one has been special—honestly. The familiar parts are like an old friend—comforting and steadfast—while the…
Parent conversations: What is the role of a Christian parent?
In our fast-paced world, it’s pretty easy to get distracted. Our time with our children can become a blur of after-school activities, rushed meals, and hectic bedtimes. That’s why stopping…
Parent conversations: How should families with young children approach going to church?
The words of Proverbs 22:6, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it,” and Matthew 18:5, “Whoever…
Parent conversations: What is bullying? How can parents help children who are struggling with relationships with their peers?
My mom radar goes up quickly when my kids talk about interpersonal problems with their classmates. As I talk through situations with them, I always struggle because I know that…
Parent conversations: If our kids are to be the church leaders of tomorrow, what should we be doing to prepare them today?
Laying the foundation for a child’s life of faith is a critical part of a Christian parent’s job. Clearly it’s important for the child, but it’s also vital for a…
Parent conversations: What can I do to help a young person who is struggling with suicidal thoughts?
It hurts my heart that this topic is prevalent enough that we all need to be prepared to address it. I’m thankful that two Christian mental health professionals with experience…
Parent conversations: How do I keep my kids busy this summer?
Kids approach summer very differently than parents do. For kids, summer symbolizes freedom, laziness, lack of structure, and all the best vices—staying up late, sleeping in, and consuming a ridiculous…
Parent conversations: How do parents adjust to an empty nest?
My nest is not empty, but it is emptying. Just writing that makes me a little emotional. My oldest went off to college last fall, and the entire family is…