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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 Myth of the Perfect Parent

Why the best parenting techniques don't produce Christian children.

CT Classic: Parenting in the Bible

As my daughter leaves for college, packing up her belongings, she is still a stranger to me.

Philip Yancey: 'To Rise, It Stoops'

How parenting mirrors the character of God.

More on Parenting

Is Fatherhood Fading Out?

A Christian response to the boom in absent dads.

The Awkward-but-Important HPV Vaccine Conversation

Why I changed my mind about vaccinating my kids—boys and girls.

Confessions of That Mom, the One on Her Phone

A work-from-home parent during summer vacation.

Grace for the Not-Quite-Happy Homemaker

Gloria Furman’s call to find joy at home, through the gospel.

News Flash: Not Everyone With Down Syndrome Is Suffering

Setting the record straight on special needs and disability.

The Double Shock of Unexpected Pregnancy

How faith meets this scary, stressful, but ultimately divine surprise.

Prom's Biggest Drama Queens? The Adults

Striving for moderation on high school's biggest night.

Where Have All the Women Leaders Gone?

Seeking lives that steward our giftedness wisely and well.

Runaway Mom and the Madness of Midlife

After 40, life doesn't have to fall downhill.

Not 'That' Kind of Housework

Why many contemporary women are embracing knitting, home cooking, and a variety of domestic arts.

The Good Heart of the Adoption Movement

Kathryn Joyce's book, 'The Child Catchers,' misses out on how adoption benefits women.

My Teenager Made Me Finally Grow Up

The unexpected surrender of parenting adolescents

Saying No to the Cutesy Baby Nursery

We made room for our newborn, just not a room of her own.

Thrift Shop Theology

Poppin' tags with an unlikely spiritual teacher.

Sex Ed and the City

New York's text campaign doesn't connect with teens.

Snap Judgments: Our Societal Obsession With Taking Pictures

Honoring God in over-captured, over-shared, picture-perfect lives

How Breastfeeding Brought Me Closer to God

Nursing became the spiritual discipline that taught me to slow down and rest.

Big Theology for Little Kids

Thanks to catechism, my young ones can tell you a thing or two about justification, salvation, and repentance.

When New Moms Can't Stop Worrying

Facing OCD, mental illness, and depression beyond the "baby blues."

Single Ladies Need Better Work-Life Balance, Too

Sheryl Sandberg's lessons for all of us, including the church.

My Child's Backstory Is None of Your Business

A call for discretion, respect, and neighborly love in adoption.

The Not-So-Perfect Pastors' Family

Getting honest about your own struggles can help your kids' faith.

It Takes a Church to Raise a Child

How my community taught me the true cost of parenthood.

The Quest for a Bigger, Better, Cuter Pregnancy

In an age of gender reveal cakes and ultrasound parties, it's not enough to just be pregnant anymore.

Can You Teach Modesty Without Body-Shaming?

Girls told to cover their "irresistible" bellies, boobs, and bodies.

Orphans in Limbo  Subscriber access only

Russia's recent adoption announcements leave American parents confused—and 700,000 Russian children waiting.

God Made Boys to Play with Dolls

The role of a caring dad reflects God's nature as Heavenly Father.

The Secret to Having It All? Work from Home

Technology lets us blur the line between job and family.

Don't Call Him 'Mr. Mom'

Quit patronizing. It's OK for dads to be dads.

Should Christians Pursue Prenatal Testing?

New tests present pregnant women with more options.

Watching What They Watch

Even 'Veggietales' can be too much for young viewers.

Hold Baby Showers, Not Political Debates

How to approach unplanned pregnancies with Christian grace and acceptance.

Let Boys be Boys: Play-Fighting May Actually Be Good for Kids

Differentiating between reality and the pretend violence of playtime

Breast-feeding in the Back Pew

Why are we so uncomfortable when nursing mothers imitate God in church?

What to Do When Your Child Is Nothing Like You

The gospel answer to the challenges posed by family differences.

Moms on Trial: How Judgment Became Today's Parenting Advice

And how Christians can opt out of joining the public jury.

Opening the Adoption Files

Secrecy gives way to relationships with birth mothers.

Adoption: Not a Justice Cause But a Spiritual Reality

Together for Adoption responds to Megan Hill's recent Her.meneutics post.

The Regnerus Affair

The embattled sociologist talks to CT about the controversy over his study of homosexuality and parenting.
News Feed
Easter vs. Passover: In Interfaith Marriages, Mom's Faith Wins Out
For those couples who are trying to raise kids in both religions, I found it’s not really a level playing field. It turns out that children are much more likely to adopt the faith of their mother than the faith of their father. (NYT)
'Virtual' public schools draw interest of religious families
Like home-schooling parents, parents of students in virtual public schools, which have enjoyed dramatic growth, like having their children home so they can integrate religion and values into the school day. (RNS)
Family clings to faith, hope for baby girl with rare illness
Eric and Ruth Brown of East Nashville believe nothing about their infant daughter Pearl Joy’s life is a mistake. (The Tennessean)

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