We are entrusted with the joy of diligently discipling our children. Here is what Daniel Tiger taught me about spiritually raising our kids.

Do you want a low-stress holiday season for you and the loved ones in your life? Then ask these 3 questions.

I walked into class and saw friends scurrying through their notes, stuffing their brains with facts like squirrels hoarding nuts. I froze. I forgot about the science test. Instead of studying the night before, I played Rummy with mom and watched an episode of Quantum Leap with a bowl of popcorn. I sat down and quickly skimmed my notes. The teacher handed out the exam and I filled in circles with graphite, half-guessing. I passed the test—barely. It’s been decades since memorizing facts about neutrons and electrons, but sometimes I feel the same way. Like I show up to my life, unprepared. Especially in raising three kids. I’m busy, sure.…

My husband and I rushed out the door like scrambling chicks to drop the kids off at their check-in time at camp. Signing the kids up for a week-long day camp after 4th of July late-night fireworks may not have been wise, but who wants to listen to kids fighting over the game controller all summer long? After a smooth drop-off, running errands, and hosting our neighbors for sub sandwich lunch, 5:00 pm pick-up came fast. The kids shuffled into our suburban and the first words out of their mouths were, “It was so-o-o boring Mom! . . . Don’t take us there again . . . Why did you…

Sometimes we wonder if we do enough as Christian parents. We may feel the pressure to make sure we check-off all the “good Christian parent” boxes—but still wonder if there is more we should do. The story of John and Elizabeth Newton provides much encouragement for Christian parents and those who work with children.

I sat discouraged and exhausted at the end of the table. I needed a sabbath rest and instead sat between sibling rivalry. The rest of the afternoon the bickering continued, and I complained to the Lord.  I just wanted to unplug and avoid the family drama. I longed for much-needed rest. God heard my prayer of complaint—and taught me two truths about Christian parenting that might encourage you as well.

The weeks sometimes feel like a whirl—is it already Monday again? The days swirl with loads of laundry, work deadlines, dentist appointments. Sometimes I wonder how I maintain any friendships in this cyclone of activity. A few years ago, a friend and I wrote about how we cultivate our sisterhood in the whirl of motherhood. I think our insights are just as timely today (and a good reminder for me too).

The crowd hooted and whooped. Handclapping sounded like thunderous downpour. I walked across the stage and received my diploma from Dallas Theological Seminary, and it felt monumental. Spiritual. Euphoric. Friends stopped by our Airbnb after the ceremony. We ate large amounts of General Tso’s Chicken—and hugged deeply. Then, my family and I flew back home.  I woke up the next day to tired kids complaining about going to school. The GI Joe battlefield exploded in most of our living room. The empty milk carton signaled the urgency of a Kroger run. No crowds. No awards. Just me faced with a task list big enough for a CEO, but simple enough…

Parenting is not an easy journey—even for the most faithful Christian. And at times we all feel shame. Here are three truths to remember to combat parenting shame.

Sometimes we forget the faithfulness of God. When we face mountains impossible to move, it’s time to remember how God has already led us through. Here are two ways families can remember the faithfulness of God together.