I Want Godly Boys
Parents, we need strong, godly men in this world—men who lead with humility, courage, and integrity. But that starts when they’re boys. Are we teaching our sons to serve others like Jesus did? Are we showing them how to lead by example, not by force? Model it at home—prayer, repentance, responsibility, love. Show them what a servant-leader looks like. Encourage them to stand firm in their faith when it’s not popular. Remind them they don’t need to be the loudest voice to be a leader—just the most faithful one. And when they mess up, use it as a chance to teach grace and accountability. Boys become biblical leaders when they see it lived out every day—by you.” Remember 1 Timothy 4:12b, “set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.”
April Fools’ Day: Fun or Foolish?
April Fools’ Day—some kids love it. Some hate being the target of practical joiks. Silly pranks, harmless jokes, a little fun. But let’s be honest… sometimes it crosses the line. So how do we guide our kids? First—laughter is a gift from God, but not at someone else’s expense. Proverbs says a fool enjoys causing trouble, but wise people speak with kindness. Let’s teach our kids that fun should never be cruel, deceitful, or ungodly. A silly joke? Sure. But lies or hurtful humor? That’s not Christlike. Remind them: we represent Jesus—even on April Fools' Day. So laugh a little—but lead with love.
The problems are fewer, but they’re bigger.
Our kids are adults. They have kids of their own. A lot of us dreamed about this. Happily married. Grandchildren. Utopia, right? Wrong. While our kids have good jobs, a spouse, and have those prized grandchildren we love, divorce, sickness, and abandoning their faith can be defeating. These are problems that many times we can’t help with. We can only come alongside our kids and cry with them, hold their hand, wrap our arms around them, and pray with them. No matter your situation, remind yourself that God is in control. There isn’t a reason things are happening, but maybe 15,000 reasons they’re happening. What’s most important? Be faithful, be supportive, look to God for guidance, and be ready to share your faith.
6 in 10 Christians don’t read their Bibles.
We’re all busy. Kids’ activities. Your activities. You feel more like a taxi service and juggler than a mom or dad. Adding one more thing seems overwhelming. Especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. Mom and Dad, the only way to ensure God’s Word is in our kids’ hearts is to read it to them and help them practice what they’re learning. Try this. Pick a Proverb each week. Read it. For example, Proverbs 13. Then pick a verse each day, and practice that verse. “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes” is just one example (Proverbs 13:1, NIV). When your kids obey, tell them they’re following Proverbs 13:1. You can also download our free Keys for Kids devotional app. Get the app: https://www.keysforkids.org/app
Do I MAKE my kids play outside?
It’s still technically winter, right? Our kids are under our feet. They’re teasing each other. The bickering is exhausting. You’re feeling not only a tension headache coming on, but you’re about to get frustrated. Blowing your cool is NOT an option this time. You’re going to make it. How? “Everybody OUTSIDE. Outside, on the double.” Everybody piles into their snowsuits and they go outside. You feel horrible. DON’T. It’s good for them. Fresh air. Physical exercise. And, they’re learning something: how to get along. A lot of times we’re quick to be the referee. Being away from them forces them to work out their disagreements and negotiations. It doesn’t always work that way, but a lot of times it does.
My youngest still isn’t talking.
Your oldest started talking right on time. Your second, early. But your third? She’s STILL not talking. Other than asking for a bottle or calling your name, it’s just gibberish. You encourage her. You coach her. Still, nothing. And then you realize, your OTHER kids are talking FOR her. In our family, our older two would actually put words in her mouth, saying things like, “Mom, she’s just asking for a cookie.” Or, “She’s saying that I didn’t do it.” Just be patient. When it comes to communicating, remind your other kids that little sissy needs to talk for herself. Then, ask her to point to things she wants. Then coach her. Mine talked late, but then didn’t stop. Spiritual lesson? Sometimes it CAN be serious, but don’t worry. Seek help if you need to, though.
U.S. Christians are pretty weak.
As we look around the world today, we’re seeing persecution against Christians. In China, churches are being closed. Believers—jailed. Evangelism for those under 18—prohibited. Yet Christians keep working. In the Middle East, Christians are beaten. Ostracized. Yet outreach continues there. More Muslims are coming to Christ than ever before. What are we teaching our kids? Are we telling them that following Christ is easy or a battle? Are we telling them stories of our brothers and sisters who are suffering for their faith, yet joyful because they love God so deeply? Suffering for Christ is an honor for our friends—is it for us? We need to remind our kids that being teased for our faith is expected. Remember, Jesus said if they hated Him, they’ll hate us, too.
I think I found it in Hezekiah.
Do you love your Bible? Most Christians will tell you they do, but did you know that 60% of Christians in the United States don’t read it? In an article in Christianity Today, Ed Stetzer tells us the biblical illiteracy rate among churchgoers is awful—he says almost 1 in 5 say they never read the Bible1. If that’s the case, no wonder they can’t name the Gospels, the disciples, or more than 5 of the 10 Commandments2. How often do WE read the Bible? And how often to our KIDS? Mom and Dad, as Christians our top priority is to train them in the way of the Lord. How can we do that if we’re not READING His handbook? Get our free Keys for Kids app and start today. Get the app: https://www.keysforkids.org/app 1LifeWay Research study, as quoted in “The Epidemic of Bible Illiteracy in Our Churches” by Ed Stetzer, ChristianityToday.com 2From Barna Research Group, as quoted in “The Scandal of Biblical Illiteracy: It’s Our Problem” by Albert Mohler, AlbertMohler.com
Four kids in sports? What am I going to do?
Cara is a mom with four boys. She says, “Cost, time...no matter how you shake it, it’s a challenge.” She suggests one sport per kid per season. Even THAT’S expensive and time-consuming. She actually prays over her calendar every season, and so far God has provided. Because eating together is a priority for her family, “portable meals at fields or chips and cheese after games” when they get home are frequent. But she says, “DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR FAMILY”—and never feel guilty about “what…works for you.” She says sometimes she misses being home, but while it’s crazy-busy, it’s fun watching your kids “do what they love, try new things, step out of their comfort zones, and learn.” Spiritual lesson? Don’t let these events become idols. Based on a Facebook post by Cara Campbell, a mom to four boys. Used by permission.
“You’re homophobic”—is that good or bad?
That comment came from a young person claiming to be a Christian. The adult who was the target of that criticism was a bit taken back by it. First, the accused was shocked that the person had said that about him. Secondly, he wondered if he failed to love people who need Jesus who practice that way of life. The accuser said, “You HATE being around gay people.” To which he said, “Well, I’m uncomfortable around openly dogmatic gay people, but I’m also uncomfortable being around drunks, people who swear, and gossipers.” Jesus was accused of being a friend of sinners. What will our kids say about us? Do we love people—even sinners? Let’s teach our kids to follow Jesus’ example and share God’s Good News, which IS love.