Parents are busier than ever. In today’s crush of responsibilities and activities, it can be really tempting to allow electronics to “babysit” our kids. Is it harmless – socially, emotionally and spiritually – for children to spend time on electronic devices? As it turns out, all that touching and clicking on bright screens is powerful brain candy. It has an addictive quality. Letting your baby have access to an ipad or allowing your teen to stay up at night on their cell phone has an adverse effect. The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain right behind your forehead. It Continue Reading

During the Russian and American space race, a communist teacher proudly told her grade school classroom what an atheist astronaut said after his voyage into outer space. "I have been far beyond the earth," said the astronaut, "And I didn't see God anywhere." One seven-year-old girl piped up in response. "He must not have a pure heart," she concluded, "because Jesus said only the pure in heart shall see God." How great would it be if your child could respond to ungodly cultural pressures with such innocence, confidence and profound wisdom! I believe this young girl's parents Continue Reading

As part of the alleged wisdom floating around these days on the subject of parenting, you've probably heard that parents who shield their children from the influence of our anti-gospel culture are guilty of "sheltering." I wish more parents were guilty of protecting their children from spiritual harm. Here are some reasons why. Children are not born wise. They are born with an innocent naivete and a default of trust. Therefore, parents have a big responsibility to filter what comes at their children. Children are born into a spiritually dangerous world. Ever since Adam and Eve Continue Reading

It started when he was an infant. His dad hung a football mobile over his crib and supplied him with a plush pigskin for a cuddle toy. This father had a big dream for his boy. He was determined for him to succeed as a football star. That meant no ice cream at birthday parties for this boy; he needed the best nutrition. It meant endless drills and devoted discipline. In the end, the boy indeed excelled at the game. I don't recall how well-known he became -- I read this true story years ago --but here's what I do remember. This son deeply resented his father for turning him into Continue Reading