Parenting

Christian couples are unanimous that children are to be raised in the “fear and wisdom of the Lord.” But principles for how best to do that has divided evangelicals, who lack a central authority on spanking, attachment parenting, and entertainment choices, to name but a few hot-button issues. In the post–James Dobson era, when writer-gurus, religious and otherwise, offer quick-fix guidelines on raising kids amid technology saturation and divided families, Christians are learning to extend grace to fellow believers who parent differently.

The book on a blue background.

Excerpt

Competence Is Deeper Than Confidence

David Thomas

An excerpt from Capable: How to Teach Your Kids the Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience.

Jennifer Crumbley looks at her husband James Crumbley during their sentencing on April 9, 2024 in Pontiac, Michigan. They are the first parents in U.S. history to be criminally tried and convicted for a mass school shooting that was committed by their child.

News

When Parents Pay for a Child’s Violence

Jack Panyard

The father of a school shooter was convicted of murder. What is lost and gained by the new precedent?

A young child on a phone.

Low-Tech Parenting Must Be a Big Tent

If we want to parent wisely in a digital age, we must pair courage with grace—not judgmentalism.

Two people holding signs, one that says "war no more" and the other a picture of Uncle Sam. The individuals are torsos emerging from their phones.

The Bulletin

Joe Kent Resigns, Iranian Threats, and a Victory for Parents’ Rights

Mike Cosper, Clarissa Moll, Russell Moore

Public opinions on the Iran war, homeland security risks, and disagreements about gender transition in the classroom.

The book on a gray background.

Excerpt

Joy Is in the Waiting

Grace P. Pouch

An excerpt from Savoring Childhood: Practical Wisdom for Slowing Down.

Illustration of two silhouetted people sitting at a table with a covered dish between them.

Qualms & Proverbs

What’s the Difference Between Privilege and Blessing?

Karen Swallow Prior, Kevin Antlitz, and Kiara John-Charles

CT advice columnists also weigh in on enjoying unnecessary luxuries and the nature of fun.

Three books on a yellow background.

Review

Parenting Takes Courage. These Books Offer Hope.

Gretchen Ronnevik

Three books on parenting and family to read this month.

The book on a purple background.

Excerpt

Parents of Prodigals Can Trust God is Good

Cameron Shaffer

An excerpt from Cameron Shaffer’s Keeping Kids Christian.

A mother kissing her baby.

We All Want to Be the Right Kind of Parents

Kelsey Kramer McGinnis

Parenting books—even Christian ones—capitalize on fear and longing, sometimes making promises that don’t hold true.

An eye and an artist's canvas.

I Failed to Mature as an Artist—Until I Learned to See

Drawing is a way of entrusting what I can see to the care and attention of God.