Navigating Parenting Advice and Trends is best achieved not by using Google or AI, but by looking through the lens of God’s Word.
Have you ever searched for one piece of parenting advice and found yourself spiraling down a rabbit hole of conflicting voices, perfect images, and trendy tactics? You’re not alone. In a world overflowing with how-to guides, social media influencers, and unsolicited advice, knowing what’s right for your child—and your family—can feel overwhelming.
How do we know which voices to trust, especially when everyone seems to have an opinion? And what do we do when the advice we follow… doesn’t work?
“Your family is unique. Let God write your parenting story, not the internet.” – Connie Albers
How To Navigate Parenting Advice Through Biblical Wisdom
Seek God Not Google In Your Parenting
Before we open our phones, we need to open our hearts to God. The Bible reminds us in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God… and it will be given to him.” When parenting gets noisy, God’s voice brings clarity.
Example: A mom struggling with a toddler’s tantrums googles “how to stop screaming.” One article tells her to ignore it, another says to comfort the child, while a video suggests a reward system. Confused, she takes a moment to pray and remembers the importance of understanding her child’s heart, not just fixing behavior. That simple pause brings peace and a wiser, calmer approach.
When we pause to invite God in, we begin to see parenting differently. That’s when we can start to filter advice with discernment.
Not All Advice is Good Advice—Even if It’s Popular
Be Discerning About Parenting Advice You Listen To
The pressure to follow trending methods is strong, especially when someone looks like they’ve got it all together. But just because it works for one family doesn’t mean it’s right for yours. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Example: A friend of mine followed a rigid “perfect bedtime routine” she saw online. It promised better sleep, smarter kids, and even more alone time. But her child’s anxiety worsened. After speaking with a trusted mentor and praying, she gently shifted the routine to be more peaceful and flexible. It was then that everyone began sleeping better—especially her.
Practical Tip: Ask yourself:
Will this advice bring peace or pressure?
Does the given advice align with my values?
Is the nature of who my child is being respected?
When we begin to discern which voices to trust, the next step is freeing ourselves from the pressure to live up to every parenting standard we see. That’s when we can finally let go of the myth of perfect parenting—and embrace the peace that comes from simply being faithful.
Navigating the Myth of Perfect Parenting Advice
Pursue Faithfulness, Not Flawlessness
We all want to get it right. But perfect parenting is a myth. What God asks of us isn’t perfection—it’s faithfulness. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Example: A parent scrolls through Pinterest and sees elaborate holiday traditions. Feeling guilty, she tries to replicate them but becomes stressed, snappy, and resentful. Her kids? They just wanted to cuddle and bake cookies. She learns that meaningful moments matter more than perfection.
God’s grace fills in the gaps of our parenting. He isn’t measuring our worth by our crafts or color-coded calendars.
Once we release the unrealistic expectations of perfection, we’re free to parent with intention, not imitation. Then we can begin to navigate advice, trends, and decisions confidently, grounded in wisdom and grace.
Practical Tools for Navigating Parenting Advice and Trends
Build a Biblical Filter for Navigating Parenting Advice
Pray first. Ask for discernment before you act.
Check for alignment. Does it match up with Scripture?
Talk to godly mentors.
Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Create your own Wisdom Checklist:
Is this advice rooted in truth or trend? Does it align with our family’s values? Will it bear good fruit in my child’s heart?
Equipped with wisdom, discernment, and a few practical tools, you can face the noise of parenting culture with confidence. But before we wrap up, I want to leave you with some final encouragement straight from the heart.
Closing Thoughts on Navigating Parenting Advice and Trends
Navigating parenting advice and trends are noisy today, but God’s wisdom is steady, sure, and available to us. You don’t have to chase every trend. Or a parent like the mom down the street or the influencer on your screen. You just have to show up, trust God, and lead your family with the wisdom He provides.
Are you ready to let go of guilt and embrace what really works in parenting? Or at least for this year! As we settle into 2025, it’s time to leave behind the trends that made us question our sanity and welcome ones that actually make life easier. Today, I want to focus on 5 Parenting Trends to Embrace to help you simplify your routines, connect with your children, and watch as your family flourishes.
Parenting trends evolve with the times, but not all of them are worth carrying into the future. Some modern parenting practices are creating unnecessary stress for parents and children alike.
Before jumping into these parenting trends, let’s start with one that will instantly lighten your mental load and bring more peace to your daily routine. Ready? Let’s begin with simplifying your schedule—because less really is more. For instance:
Over-the-Top Celebrations: Are They Really Worth It?
Let’s be honest—who hasn’t felt the pressure to throw an Instagram-worthy birthday party or go all out for the holidays? It’s easy to get swept up in the idea that bigger is better, especially when social media is filled with picture-perfect celebrations. But here’s the thing: those elaborate parties and inch-stone celebrations (yes, even for trying new food) often come with more stress than joy. Between the cost, the planning, and the pressure to impress, it can leave you feeling drained rather than fulfilled.
Here’s the good news: your kids don’t need a Pinterest-perfect party to feel loved. What they’ll remember most is the way you made them feel—special, cherished, and celebrated in a way that’s true to your family. A simple gathering with their favorite cake and a game of tag in the backyard? That’s the stuff memories are made of. Let’s take the pressure off and focus on celebrating in ways that bring joy, not stress.
Parenting Trend: Overscheduling Kids
Does it ever feel like your life is one big carpool, from soccer practice to music lessons to tutoring, with barely a moment to breathe? You’re not alone—so many parents find themselves in this nonstop cycle, believing it’s the best way to help their kids thrive. But here’s the truth: overscheduling can leave both you and your kids feeling burned out. Children need downtime—those unstructured moments to play, daydream, and let their creativity shine. Without it, they miss out on opportunities to recharge, and so do you.
Remember, packed schedules can cause family connections to take a backseat. Dinner conversations, game nights, or just relaxing together on the couch become rare luxuries. So here’s a thought: Try focusing on one or two activities your child truly loves, and reclaim your evenings with family nights that are all about laughter and connection. Because in the end, those simple, shared moments are what your kids will treasure most.
Parenting Trends: Goodbye Perfection, Hello Real Life
Let’s address the elephant in the room: perfectionism. Social media has made it easy to fall into the trap of curated parenting, where every post looks like a magazine spread. But in real life? It’s messy, chaotic, and beautiful.
A word of caution: If you have perfectionistic tendencies, you need to ask the Lord to help you change. But it’s worth noting to give yourself some grace while you change.
Parenting Trends: Simplify Holiday Madness
Remember when holidays were about simple joys—family traditions, laughter, and the excitement of the season—rather than stress and exhaustion? Lately, every holiday has turned into a full-blown production, with back-to-back school parties, neighborhood events, and costume changes rivaling a Broadway show. And while making memories is important, so is your sanity. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to do it all, but sometimes less really is more. Instead of stretching yourself thin, choose one or two meaningful activities that truly bring joy to your family. Reuse decorations, repurpose costumes, and permit yourself to slow down. Your kids don’t need a Pinterest-perfect holiday; they need a happy, present parent who actually gets to enjoy it with them.
Less is often more when it comes to celebrating. It can take a little practice, but you will enjoy making memorable moments when you do.
Parenting Trends: Focus on Simplicity and Connection
Today is your fresh start. Let’s make it the year we let go of trends that add stress and focus on what truly matters: building stronger connections with our kids and creating memories that last a lifetime. These five parenting trends can have a dramatic impact on your family.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to trends or commitments that don’t serve your family’s well-being.
Focus on What Matters: Ask yourself, “What will my child remember most about this moment?”
Embrace Authenticity: Celebrate the perfectly imperfect journey of parenting.
5 Parenting Trends to Embrace in 2025
These 5 Parenting Trends to Embrace are simple, practical ways to take the pressure off, reconnect with your kids, and enjoy family life.
Thank you for joining me today on Equipped to Be. Remember, parenting isn’t about keeping up—it’s about showing up. Let’s commit to a year of simplicity, connection, and flourishing.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might need this reminder.
Have you ever told your child to say “thank you” even when they weren’t feeling grateful? We’ve all been there, pushing for politeness in moments when our kids might be feeling anything but thankful. But what if this well-intentioned nudge towards gratitude is doing more harm than good? Could we inadvertently teach our children to mask their true feelings, leading to a future of emotional suppression and confusion? Let’s explore the complexities of gratitude and how it might not always be the virtue we think it is at face value.
As parents, we often encourage our children to be thankful – for their meals, for their gifts, for the roof over their heads. Gratitude is, after all, a virtue that can lead to a more rewarding, happier life. But what happens when this well-meaning push for gratitude turns into something that might actually be harmful? Let’s explore the nuances of gratitude, particularly the dangers of forcing it upon our children.
Let’s look at the dark side of gratitude and how we can avoid the common pitfalls that could harm your children.
The Beauty of Genuine Gratitude
Gratitude, when it comes from the heart, is truly beautiful. It’s about recognizing the good in life, appreciating what we have, and acknowledging the efforts of others. Studies have shown that gratitude can improve mental health, enhance relationships, and even boost overall well-being.
Benefits for Children: Teaching kids to appreciate the small things can be incredibly grounding. It’s about fostering joy, resilience, and a positive outlook on life.
However, the transition from here to the dark side of gratitude isn’t as wide as one might think.
When Gratitude Becomes a Burden
Forced Gratitude: What Does It Look Like?
Forced gratitude happens when we expect or demand thankfulness from our children, regardless of how they truly feel. It’s the “Say thank you!” command without considering the child’s actual emotions or the context of the situation.
Emotional Dishonesty: This can lead to children suppressing their true feelings, teaching them to wear a mask of false positivity. Over time, this can hinder their ability to express genuine emotions, leading to confusion or even resentment.
The Dark Side of Gratitude
Gratitude isn’t always a straightforward path to happiness. Here’s where it can take a turn:
Toxic Positivity: When gratitude is used to dismiss or minimize negative emotions, it can become toxic. If children learn to only express thanks and never sadness, anger, or disappointment, they might struggle with emotional regulation.
Guilt and Shame: When children aren’t feeling grateful, but are told they should be, this can lead to feelings of inadequacy or shame. They might feel there’s something wrong with them for not feeling the “right” emotions.
Real-Life Implications for Our Kids
When you laugh with your children, you’re creating shared moment that bring you closer. Those funny, silly moments remind your kids that you’re on their side, even when things get tough.
Example: Your child struggles with math homework and starts to get upset. You say, “I could help, but last time I tried, I think I broke the calculator!” Your lighthearted comment shifts the energy, and suddenly, tackling math doesn’t feel so overwhelming. Use something that your child can relate to.
Real-Life Implications for Our Kids
Imagine a scenario where your child is upset about a situation, but instead of acknowledging their feelings, we urge them to be grateful for unrelated blessings. While well-intentioned, this can alienate them from their own emotional experiences.
Suppression of True Feelings: This might lead to a child who grows up afraid to show vulnerability or who doesn’t know how to deal with life’s more challenging moments because they’ve never been allowed to experience them fully.
Balancing Gratitude in Our Homes
Cultivating Authentic Gratitude/h3>
Here’s how we can guide our children toward a healthy expression of gratitude:
Mindful Gratitude: Encourage moments of genuine thankfulness. Maybe it’s the joy of a sunny day or the comfort of a family movie night. Let these moments be about sincere appreciation.
Emotional Literacy: Teach your children that all emotions are valid. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or frustrated. Gratitude can coexist with these feelings, not replace them.
Tips to Avoid the Dangers of Forced Gratitude
Lead by Example: Show your children how you practice gratitude, but also how you handle other emotions. Share your feelings openly.
Create Space for Reflection: Instead of demanding thankfulness, encourage reflection. “What was a good part of your day?” can be a starting point for genuine gratitude.
Wrapping It Up: Love, Gratitude, and Emotional Growth
As loving parents, our goal is to raise well-rounded individuals who can navigate life with resilience and joy. Gratitude is a part of that journey, but it must be approached with care. Let’s teach our children to be thankful when they feel it, but also to embrace and express the full spectrum of their emotions. This balance is where true emotional growth and happiness lie.
In our homes, let’s foster an environment where gratitude enhances our lives without overshadowing our humanity. Here’s to raising children who understand the value of all emotions, making them truly equipped to show gratitude and honor the Lord.
Teaching kids to form coherent arguments is a skill children should learn to develop during childhood to become confident and effective communicators when they are older.
As parents, we all want our children to grow into confident, effective communicators who can express their thoughts and beliefs clearly and respectfully. However, learning how to form a coherent argument is a skill that takes time to develop, and it starts with simple, everyday conversations. Whether explaining why they should stay up a little later or sharing their opinion on a school project, teaching kids how to make a case for what they think, using facts and reasoning sets them up for success.
By helping our children think critically and present their ideas clearly, we’re helping them develop a lifelong ability to communicate thoughtfully and respectfully. In this episode, I will share how we can make this habit second nature for our children.
Understand Your Topic
Before starting any argument, ensure you know what you’re talking about. Teach your children to learn about the topic by reading or asking questions so they are not just guessing.
Example: If your children wants you to consider later bedtime, your children need to understand what’s healthy for them at their age and how much sleep is really needed.
Clarify Your Position
Teach your children to be clear about the point or points they want to make. Help them think about and decide what they are trying to prove or change and say it.
Example: “I think I should go to bed at 9:00 instead of 8:30 because I’ve been getting my homework done on time.” This is a clear position.
Gather Supporting Evidence
Don’t just say what you want—back it up with reasons! Find facts or examples that help explain why your point makes sense. Help them gather evidence to support their position.
Example: For the bedtime argument, you could say, “Studies show that kids who are a little older, like me, can stay up later and still get enough sleep if they manage their time well.”
Consider Counterarguments
Encourage your children to consider what someone else might say about their argument and be ready to respond to it. This shows that they’ve considered both sides.
Example: “I know you might think I’ll be too tired for school if I stay up later, but I’ve been waking up easily for a week now, and I’m not sleepy during class.” Model for your children how to address a counterargument.
Structure Your Argument Clearly
Make sure your children learn that an effective argument has a beginning, middle, and end. This will make it easy for them to follow and understand.
Example:
Introduction: “I think I should go to bed later because I’ve shown I can handle it.”
Body: “First, I finish my homework on time. Second, I don’t feel tired in school. Third, I’ve been managing my time well.”
Conclusion: “So, for these reasons, I believe going to bed at 9:00 is a fair idea.”
Use Simple, Clear Language
Teach your children to talk in a way people can easily understand. Don’t use big words or confusing language. Just say what you mean.
Example: Instead of saying, “The situation is rather inequitable,” you can say, “It’s not fair.”
Stay Calm and Confident
When you’re making your argument, don’t get upset or start yelling. Speak in a calm voice, and stand tall.
Example: If your parent interrupts and says, “But you need your rest,” calmly reply, “I understand, but I’ve been getting enough sleep and feel great.”
Teaching Kids to Form Coherent Arguments by Concluding Effectively
When you finish, sum up your main points so it’s clear why your argument makes sense. Ending strongly helps people remember what you said.
Example: “To sum up, I finish my homework, wake up easily, and don’t get tired during the day. That’s why I think I can handle going to bed a little later.” This version uses relatable examples for kids and makes the instructions easy to follow, helping them understand how to make their point clearly and respectfully.”
Wrapping It Up
Ultimately, teaching our children how to form coherent arguments isn’t just about winning debates—it’s about helping them become thoughtful, confident communicators. As they learn to express their ideas clearly, listen to others, and back up their beliefs with facts, they’ll develop skills that will serve them well in every part of life. Whether they’re navigating friendships, school challenges, or future careers, the ability to communicate respectfully and logically is a powerful tool. By investing in this now, we’re preparing them for a lifetime of meaningful conversations and connections.
Have you ever wondered if your hopes and dreams for your child might be more about you than them? It’s a tough question, isn’t it? As parents, we want the best for our children. We want them to succeed, to be happy, and to reach their full potential. But sometimes, in our desire to guide them, we unintentionally place our expectations on their shoulders. This is why rethinking parental expectations that we have for our children offers possibilities for them to follow their God-given bend without damaging our relationship.
But what happens when those expectations don’t align with who our child truly is?
Today, let’s explore how we can rethink our parental expectations and learn to honor the unique, wonderful individuals our children are created to become. It’s about letting go, embracing the unknown, trusting the Lord, and finding joy in the journey of discovering who they are, not who they think they should be.
Why Parents Often Have Expectations and When Those Need to Shift
Parents, we’ve all been there—we set expectations for our kids because we love them so much and want the best for them. Maybe it’s because we value certain things, like a good education or a stable career, or maybe it’s just because we want to see them succeed and be happy. Sometimes, those expectations come from our experiences, the things we’ve learned, or even the dreams we never fulfilled.
It isn’t always easy to examine why we have certain expectations of our kids. But if we focus too much on molding them into our image, we risk stifling their growth and suppressing the qualities that make them unique. It also takes their Creator out of the picture, which is the opposite of what the Lord has planned for our children.
Impact of Expectations on Children
When we set expectations for our kids, it can really shape how they grow and develop. If our expectations are supportive and match who God made our kids to be—their strengths, interests, and personalities—it can boost their confidence and help them feel good about themselves. But when our expectations are too high or rigid, it can make them feel stressed, anxious, or even like they’re not good enough. That’s why it’s so important to find a balance. By being flexible and really listening to who our children are, we can help them grow into confident, resilient individuals ready to face whatever comes their way.
Learning to Honor Your Child’s Unique Nature
Honoring a child’s unique nature means recognizing and appreciating the individuality that each child brings into the world. It’s about seeing beyond the surface, beyond what we might expect or want for them, and truly understanding who they are—what makes them tick, what lights them up, and what makes them feel understood and loved.
When we honor our child’s unique nature, we say, “I see you. I value you for who you are, not for who I think you should be.” It’s about allowing them to explore their interests and passions, even if those paths differ from the ones we might have imagined for them. This approach fosters a sense of security and self-worth in our children. They begin to trust themselves, to believe in their own abilities, and to feel confident in expressing who they truly are.
Reframing Your Expectations
Guiding a child’s path is like being a supportive coach on the sidelines while controlling it, which is more like trying to direct every play in the game. When we guide our children, we’re there to offer advice, share our experiences, and help them navigate choices, but we also give them the freedom to explore, make their own decisions, and learn from their mistakes. It’s about trusting them to find their way, even if it’s different from the path we might have chosen.
On the other hand, controlling a child’s path means trying to dictate every step they take, deciding what they should do, who they should be, and how they should live their lives. It often comes from a place of love and wanting the best for them, but it can feel stifling to a child. It can prevent them from developing their own sense of identity and confidence in their abilities, and if we aren’t careful, it can also keep them from seeking God’s direction for their life.
Think of it this way: guiding is like giving your child a map and teaching them how to read it, while controlling is like holding the map yourself and telling them exactly where to go. Guiding helps them learn, grow, and become independent, while controlling can lead to resistance, frustration, and even a lack of self-confidence. It’s all about finding that balance between offering support and allowing them to be who they are meant to be.
How to Rethink Parental Expectations
Setting expectations that align with a child’s capabilities and interests starts with really getting to know your child—who they are, what they love, and what they’re good at. Here’s how you can do it in a simple, practical way:
Observe and Listen
Pay attention to what your child naturally enjoys doing and where they excel. Notice the activities that make them light up and lose track of time. Listening to their interests and passions is key.
Open Conversations
Talk with your child about their goals, interests, and what they find challenging or exciting. Ask them what they enjoy and what they’d like to try. These conversations can help you understand their dreams and fears, making setting expectations that match their abilities and desires easier.
Set Realistic Goals
Based on what you observe and the conversations you have, set goals that are challenging yet achievable. If your child loves writing but struggles with grammar, encourage them to write stories while gradually improving their grammar skills. The idea is to build on their strengths while gently supporting them in areas where they need growth.
Be Flexible and Discerning
Understand that interests and capabilities can change over time. What your child loves today might not be what they love tomorrow. Be open to adjusting expectations as your child grows and explores new things. It’s okay for goals to shift as your child discovers more about themselves.
Celebrate Effort and Progess, Not Just Outcomes
Focus on your child’s effort rather than just the end result. Praise them for trying hard, learning from mistakes, and showing perseverance. This approach encourages a growth mindset and helps them feel confident in taking on new challenges.
By setting expectations that are in line with who your child truly is, you’re helping them grow in a way that feels natural and empowering. You’re not just guiding them; you’re partnering with them in their journey to becoming their best selves.
Encourage Social Connections
Remind your child that getting involved on campus can help them feel more at home. Joining a club, playing intramural sports, and participating in a study group can be great ways to meet new friends and build a support system. We are created for community and relationships, and getting involved is an excellent way to ease homesickness.
Wrapping It Up
Honoring a child’s unique nature creates a supportive environment where they feel free to be themselves. We give them the room to fail, succeed, grow, and learn in their own ways.
This approach not only helps build a stronger, more authentic relationship between you and your child but also helps raise confident children who can listen to the Lord’s leading. And isn’t that what we all want for our children?
In today’s increasingly connected world, it’s nearly impossible to shield our children from political discourse. As parents, our role is to equip our kids with the tools to navigate Political Conversations with Kids Part 2 respectfully and confidently. In Part 1 of our series, we explored why political conversations matter and how to prepare your child for these discussions. In this second part, I’ll share how to handle political conversations with friends, navigate family gatherings, and encourage ongoing political conversations with your kids in the safety of your home.
Handling Political Conversations with Friends
Respect and Understanding
When it comes to politics, our kids are going to encounter different opinions, especially among their friends. It’s so important for them to learn that while we don’t always have to agree with others, we do need to respect their viewpoints. Encourage your child to listen first and think before responding. This simple approach can make all the difference in keeping conversations friendly and open. Remind them that it’s perfectly okay to say, “I see your point, but I think differently,” rather than brushing off someone else’s opinion. By teaching respect and understanding, we’re helping them build strong, compassionate relationships—even when opinions differ.
Peer Pressure
We all know how impact peer pressure can be, especially when politics enter the mix. We simply must prepare our kids for those moments when they might feel the urge to go along with their friends just to fit in.
When we talk about ways kids can stand firm in their beliefs while still being kind and respectful. Encourage them to use phrases like, “I think we just see this differently, and that’s okay,” to gracefully handle these situations. By building their confidence, we empower them to stay true to themselves, even when peer pressure is at its peak.
Real Life Political Conversations with Your Kids
To make these lessons stick, share a story from your own life or someone you know who successfully navigated a political conversation with a friend.
Real-life examples are powerful—they make the lessons more relatable and show our kids that it’s possible to stand firm in your beliefs while keeping your friendships intact.
Navigating Family Gatherings
Encouraging children to ask questions and think critically about political issues is vital. Teach them to evaluate information, consider different perspectives, and form their own opinions. Provide examples of questions they can ask, such as “Why do people have different opinions on this issue?” or “How does this law affect our community?” Role-playing scenarios where they practice discussing these questions can build their confidence and understanding.
Setting Boundaries for Political Conversations with Children
Family gatherings can be a mixed bag, especially when politics come up. It’s important to talk with your child about setting boundaries for these discussions. You might agree as a family to steer clear of politics during meals or certain family events. Setting these boundaries ahead of time can prevent uncomfortable situations and help everyone enjoy their time together. After all, gatherings should be about connection and fun, not about heated debates.
Dealing with Heated Discussions
Even with boundaries in place, sometimes political conversations can get a little heated. Teach your child how to stay calm and collected if things start to escalate. Practicing how to respond to intense comments can be incredibly helpful. Let them know it’s okay to step away from a conversation if it becomes too much. Simple phrases like, “Let’s agree to disagree,” or “Maybe we should take a break from this topic,” can be lifesavers in diffusing tension and keeping the peace.
Encouraging Ongoing Conversations
One of the best things we can do as parents is create a safe space at home and stay informed about these conversations. Let your child know that your home is a judgment-free zone where they can share their thoughts and questions without fear of being judged. This kind of environment encourages them to explore their ideas and engage in meaningful, thoughtful discussions.
Wrapping it Up
Talking about politics with our kids is an ongoing conversation that requires patience, understanding, and a commitment to open dialogue. By teaching them how to handle political discussions with friends, set boundaries during family gatherings, and keep the conversation going at home, we’re helping them grow into thoughtful, informed, and respectful individuals. Remember, these conversations aren’t just about politics—they’re about preparing our kids to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence and care.
