I want my kids to get a degree, but…
College or trade school—which is the right path? We all want our kids to be successful and provide for themselves and/or their families when they’re adults. The Bible doesn’t tell us, “Thou shalt go to a university,” but it does tell us to seek wisdom and work hard. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” God calls people to different vocations. Some are wired for academics, others for hands-on skills. Instead of pushing one path or another, let’s help our kids seek God’s will and use their gifts to serve Him—whether they’re in a classroom, a workshop, or on the mission field.
They’re getting so big and it’s unhealthy!
Weight is a tough subject—especially when our kids struggle with it. But should weight loss be about appearance? Not really. God isn’t concerned with size—He’s concerned with stewardship. Our bodies are His temple, and we’re called to honor Him with how we care for them. That means making healthy choices—not to fit a mold, but to live well for His glory. If you’re encouraging your son or daughter to lose some weight for health reasons, do it with love and grace. 1 Corinthians 6:19 reminds us, “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…so glorify God with your body.” Health isn’t about perfection and looking better—it’s about honoring the Lord and being a testimony to others.
We don’t agree on anything politically!
Political division in families is hard—especially when our adult kids embrace views that contradict God’s Word. While we should always listen and engage with love, we can’t compromise biblical truth for the sake of unity. Jesus said in Matthew 10:34, “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Standing firm in God’s truth will sometimes bring division. But that doesn’t mean we stop loving our kids or speaking truth in love when unbiblical views are espoused. We speak truth with grace and without wavering. Our job isn’t to change their hearts—that’s the Holy Spirit’s work. We remain faithful, prayerful, and committed to God’s Word, no matter what culture or politics say.
How do I teach kids about budgeting?
Money isn’t just about dollars—it’s about stewardship. Are we teaching our kids that everything they have actually belongs to God? Whether they get an allowance, a part-time job, or birthday money, they need to learn how to manage it wisely. A simple budget? Give first—because generosity honors God. Save next—because the future is uncertain. Spend last—because wise choices matter. Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all you produce.” When kids understand money is a tool for God’s kingdom—not just their wants—as they follow Christ they’ll grow into faithful generous stewards. How are you handling YOUR money – with open hands, or closed fists?
How do I help my kids process the news?
Wow, your kids watch the news? I can’t get my 18-year-old to watch it very often. Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram are common distribution points for kids. I’ve been a journalist since 1983. EVERY journalist is biased. In times past, the goal was to present both sides. That’s not the case anymore. My suggestion is to find a news channel you trust—then only believe half of it. Question everything. Then research it for yourself. Trusted commentators like Janet Parshall on Moody Radio can help you process what you hear. Ultimately, though, encourage them to process news through a biblical worldview. Then, encourage them to pray. When you know what’s happening in the world, you can be more effective in sharing your faith.
We just want them to pray the prayer.
I was one of those kids. I prayed the prayer. It was fire insurance. Then I lived my own life—not a Christian at all. As parents, our job isn’t to save our kids. That’s up the Holy Spirit. But our job IS to teach our kids right and wrong and, most importantly, the gospel. The gospel must be on our lips 24/7. Jesus was among the people, and THEY lost sight of it. It needs to be ingrained in their little brains that man is sinful, that we’re separated from God, and that Jesus—God’s Holy Son—had to die for us to repair that relationship. We don’t deserve it, but have to confess and believe it. Then, out of gratitude for it, we worship God and share it. We can help you teach it with our free devotional: https://keysforkids.org/subscribe
They want to marry SO BAD!
Do you have an older son or daughter who’s longing to get married but hasn’t found the right person? Maybe they’re discouraged, wondering if something’s wrong with them—or with God’s timing. It’s hard to watch your kids struggle with unmet hopes. But this is a great time to remind them—God’s delays aren’t denials. His plan is always better than ours. Encourage them to trust His timing, grow in their walk with Him, and focus on becoming the kind of spouse they’re praying for. Our peace isn’t found in a relationship—it’s found in Jesus. Let’s keep pointing them back to Him. And remember Psalm 37:4 – “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Why is she afraid of EVERYTHING?
Monsters under the bed. Storms. Darkness. Babysitters. Busses. Little kids get scared—it’s normal. But fear doesn’t have to win. As Christian parents, we have an opportunity to speak peace and truth into their hearts. We need to teach our kids that Jesus is bigger than any fear—and He never leaves us. Read Scripture with them. Pray over them. Sing worship songs at bedtime. Psalm 56 says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” That’s a verse even a preschooler can learn. And one we adults should quote often. Also, could our kids be seeing fear in us? Let’s raise kids who don’t just cope with fear—but conquer it through a relationship in Christ alone.
They’re all about everything sports!
Is your son or daughter a competitive athlete? That’s great! Sports teach discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. But let’s not forget—their identity isn’t in stats, trophies, medals or scholarships. It’s in Christ. Celebrate their hard work, but make sure they know they’re loved whether they win or lose. Sometimes sports get in the way of school and church. Help them prioritize and manage time. It’ll help when they’re adults. And if they’re the only girl on the team living for Jesus, remind them they’re not alone. Encourage them to compete with character, lead by example, and glorify God in all they do. Sports are temporary—faith is forever. And remember 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
My son has no desire to marry?
As parents, we often picture our kids getting married and having families. But what if your godly adult son or daughter chooses to stay single? It can be hard to understand—but singleness isn’t a second-rate calling. In fact, Scripture honors it! In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul even highlights singleness as a way to serve the Lord without distraction. So, let’s support our kids, not pressure them. Encourage them to pursue God’s purpose for their lives—whether married or single. And remember, what matters most isn’t their relationship status—it’s their relationship with Christ. 1 Corinthians 7:32, “An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs…”