Understanding the difference between discipline and punishment transforms our approach to parenting. Punishment focuses on the past, seeking to make someone pay for wrongdoing. Discipline looks to the...  Read More

One of the hardest aspects of parenting is allowing natural consequences to teach our children. When a child refuses to eat dinner and later complains of hunger, our impulse is to lecture or provide a...  Read More

One of the most effective ways to help children grow in responsibility is to give them choices rather than constant commands. When we only issue orders, we create either rebellion or unhealthy complia...  Read More

As parents, we often struggle with the tension between rescuing our children from pain and allowing them to experience the natural consequences of their choices. When we constantly shield them from di...  Read More

God's design for parenting follows a beautiful pattern of growth. When children are young, they need firm boundaries with limited choices. As they demonstrate responsibility, we gradually expand their...  Read More

God the Father is the archetype of good parenting. At Jesus' baptism and transfiguration, He spoke words over His Son that every child longs to hear from their parents: words of love, delight, pride, ...  Read More

As children move through the teenage years toward adulthood, modeling becomes one of our highest forms of influence. Truth is more permanently transferred from our lives than our lips. As Paul underst...  Read More

As children grow from toddlers toward puberty, their need for affection and attention remains crucial. Studies show that children who don't receive appropriate physical touch can withdraw emotionally....  Read More

In the earliest years of childhood, children need our nurturing presence. Play isn't just a frivolous activity for young kids—it's how they experiment with different possibilities, learn how to get al...  Read More

Parenting is one of life's most challenging and rewarding journeys. According to Psalm 78, godly parenting produces three outcomes: children who set their hope in God, who don't forget God's works, an...  Read More

After addressing what divides our hearts, we come to the heart of what Jesus wants for us—to remain in His love. Every day, our goal is simply to let His love—like sap in a tree—flow into and through ...  Read More

Perhaps the most subtle way our hearts become divided is through religion—trying to earn God's approval through our own efforts and performance. Jesus reserved His strongest rebukes not for "sinners" ...  Read More