Gentle Parenting has captured the attention of moms and dads everywhere. The idea of raising children with empathy, calm conversations, and respect sounds like the answer we’ve all been looking for. But as more families try to put it into practice, the question arises: Is Gentle Parenting dissolving under the weight of real-life challenges, or is it evolving into something stronger?
Is Gentle Parenting Dissolving or Evolving? What are parents missing?
“Children don’t just need to be understood; they need to be guided. Gentle Parenting without structure leaves them adrift.” — Connie Albers
What Gentle Parenting Promises
Gentle Parenting emphasizes patience, respect, and emotional connection. Instead of yelling or punishing, parents are encouraged to stay calm, validate feelings, and guide their children with compassion. For weary moms who were raised under stricter, “because I said so” households, this approach can feel like a breath of fresh air. rld the way God sees it—through the lens of His Word.
But let’s be honest, real life with kids doesn’t always match the Instagram posts. I remember trying to talk one of my kids through a meltdown at the dinner table. I listened, I validated, I stayed calm. But the food was getting cold, everyone else was frustrated, and the situation wasn’t resolving. That moment was when I realized empathy alone wasn’t enough. My child also needed clear guidance.
When the ideal collides with the everyday, parents start wondering: is something missing?
Why Parents Are Pushing Back
Many moms and dads are realizing that being endlessly patient isn’t always possible—or even helpful. Parenting experts point out that children thrive when they have both compassion and clear limits. In fact, teachers often share that children who aren’t used to hearing “No” at home struggle when they enter classrooms that require structure and following instructions.
Gentle Parenting may meet emotional needs, but without boundaries, kids can become confused or even anxious. They don’t always know where the guardrails are. Scripture reminds us: “Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire” (Proverbs 29:17).
This realization is leading families to ask a new question: how can we blend kindness with firmness?
Where Gentle Parenting Falls Short
The heart behind Gentle Parenting is beautiful, but it can leave parents feeling like failures. Why? Well, social media sets an unrealistic standard: never raise your voice, always stay calm, never use consequences. But that’s not what kids, or parents, truly need.
Children need the safety of knowing that Mom or Dad means what they say. They need to see that love and discipline aren’t opposites—they are partners. Even God models this for us: “The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son” (Hebrews 12:6).
Without this balance, parenting feels incomplete. And as Ephesians 6:4 reminds us: “Do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” That’s compassion and correction working together.
Recognizing these gaps has inspired parents to adjust their approach instead of abandoning it altogether.
How Parents Are Adapting
Rather than abandoning Gentle Parenting, many families are combining its best aspects with tried-and-true practices. They are:
Leading with empathy: “I understand you’re upset.”
Following with structure: “…but it’s still bedtime.”
Here’s a simple 3-step framework that’s helping parents in everyday life:
Pause – Take a breath before reacting.
Acknowledge – Validate the child’s feelings.
Guide – Set a clear boundary with kindness.
This simple shift allows children to feel heard, while also learning that boundaries matter. Parents are also giving themselves grace to admit they won’t always get it right. That humility shows kids what real love looks like.
As more families try this balanced approach, a new version of Gentle Parenting is taking shape—one that’s both kind and strong.
Parenting Through Complex Conversations with Love and Truth
Every family faces tough cultural questions, and for some, those challenges come right to the dinner table.
Whether you’re navigating an interfaith marriage or a child wrestling with identity, these moments can feel overwhelming. But remember, God has not left you alone. When you lead with grace, listen before you lecture, and stay anchored in truth, you show your children what it looks like to live like Jesus.
And that’s the heart of equipping our kids with a biblical worldview: giving them the tools, the grace, and the truth to walk faithfully in a confusing world.
Wrapping It Up
So, is Gentle Parenting dissolving or evolving? The answer is both. The rigid “never correct, always validate” model is dissolving, while a healthier, more biblical version is evolving. This model allows children to feel deeply loved while also being guided by consistent boundaries.
When we choose to parent with both compassion and structure, we give our children the gift of security. They know they are loved, and they also know we’ll hold them accountable. That combination helps raise confident, respectful, and resilient kids who are ready to face the world.
Take a moment to reflect: Does your parenting lean more toward compassion or structure? How might adding the other bring greater balance to your home?
Parenting Boys in a Confused Culture is possible when we focus on Biblical principles.
How can we raise boys to become godly men in a culture that no longer honors biblical masculinity? That question weighs heavily on many parents’ hearts; mine included.
As a mom of three boys and grandmother to three boys, I’ve seen firsthand how critical this calling is. Boys today are growing up in a world that often mocks manhood, undermines virtue, and erodes moral foundations.
That’s why I invited Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA, to speak with me about what it takes to raise boys into men of character, conviction, and courage. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, mentor, coach, or ministry leader, this message is for you.
With that in mind, Mark and I outline biblical principles and practical steps to guide boys into maturity, raising not just good boys, but godly men.
The Crisis Facing Boys Today
Let’s begin by acknowledging the reality: boys today are struggling. Many are retreating into virtual spaces: video games, social media, and online platforms in search of adventure, achievement, and identity. While these digital worlds offer escape, they often rob boys of the real-world skills and relationships they need to thrive.
Too many boys are retreating into digital worlds—video games, online forums, social media—in search of success, power, and purpose. The result? A generation that’s disengaged from real-world challenges. Apathy and rebellion are often symptoms of an unmet longing for adventure, meaning, and a sense of purpose.
As a result, we must call our boys into something higher. They don’t need to be managed; they need to be mentored. And most of all, they need to be discipled.
God’s Design for Boys Becoming Men
Before we dive into the practical steps, it’s important to remember this: God designed boys to grow into men, not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally. And that formation begins at home.
Boys need to see, hear, and experience what it means to walk with God. It starts with us modeling it. They’re watching how we handle pressure, how we treat others, and whether we live what we preach. That’s why we must:
Live with integrity even when no one’s watching
Take responsibility for our mistakes
Pursue God in prayer, Scripture, and service
Our example speaks louder than any lecture. Our character becomes the blueprint they’ll follow. So if we want to raise godly men, we must first become godly models. Let them see what it means to be a man under God’s authority.
Principle One — Lead by Example
First and foremost, boys learn by watching. If we model honesty, integrity, and humility, they’ll learn to walk in those same truths. If we take responsibility for our actions and own our mistakes, they will see that strength includes vulnerability.
Boys don’t need perfect parents; they need real ones. When we admit fault, ask for forgiveness, and stay faithful, we teach them more than words ever could.
Here are some simple but powerful ways to model this daily:
Apologize sincerely
Speak truth kindly
Pray dependently
Serve faithfully
That’s why it’s essential to remember that a boy learns how to be a man not by lectures but by legacy. Whether you’re a mom, dad, or mentor, your faithfulness is shaping the future of a man.
Once we lay that foundation through our actions, we can begin building trust through our words.
Principle Two — Foster Honest Communication
Next, our boys need to know they can talk to us and be heard without fear or shame. Open communication is the bridge to their heart.
In a noisy world, our boys need space to process their thoughts and emotions. Ask questions. Listen well. Be slow to lecture and quick to connect. When they know they can talk to you, they’ll come to you, even when the stakes are high.
Use conversations to explore:
What truth means
What integrity looks like
What Scripture says about identity and leadership
When a boy feels heard, he’s more likely to internalize what matters most—your values.
Principle Three — Establish Clear Values
Boys thrive when they know where the boundaries are and why they’re there. Set biblical values as your family standard. Talk openly about culture’s confusion and God’s clarity. Teach discernment by walking through media messages and peer pressures together.
Take time to talk about things like:
Honoring others with words
Telling the truth, even when it’s hard
Treating women with respect
Serving others without expecting applause
Then, as culture’s messages come flooding in, help your son compare them to God’s truth. This practice doesn’t shelter him; it strengthens him.
Of course, these lessons are magnified when taught by more than just one voice.
Help your son measure everything against the truth of God’s Word. Not only will this guide his decisions, but it will strengthen his faith.
Principle Four — Provide Godly Male Role Models
While moms play a powerful role, boys also need men to look up to. If Dad is active and involved, that’s a gift. But if not, don’t lose hope—God can still provide.
Whether it’s a father, grandfather, coach, or youth leader, boys need men in their lives who show them what godly manhood looks like. If Dad isn’t present, pray for and pursue trustworthy male mentors who can come alongside you.
Their presence speaks to a boy’s value. Their guidance shapes how he sees himself and his future.
Remember, boys learn best from being with men who love God.
As we surround them with guidance, we must also strengthen them from within.
Principle Five — Build Resilience and Purpose
Boys will face disappointment, failure, and hardship. But instead of protecting them from every challenge, we must prepare them to grow through it.
Godly men don’t avoid hard things; they persevere through them. Start by teaching boys to set and pursue goals with perseverance. Break big goals into smaller steps. Celebrate progress. And most importantly, remind them that their worth isn’t in success, it’s in being faithful.
To build resilience and a sense of purpose, you can encourage :
A growth mindset: “I can learn from this.”
Biblical coping strategies: prayer, wise counsel, and worship
Reflection: What did I learn? Where did I grow?
Help your son see that even setbacks are part of God’s refining process.
In moments of struggle, our boys also need to know who they are—and whose they are.
Principle Six — Speak Life and Encouragement
Every boy carries an invisible question: “Do I have what it takes?” Your words help answer that.
Boys need encouragement that speaks to their identity in Christ, not just their performance. Affirm their character. Praise their effort. Speak truth to young boys who are becoming men.
A simple “I see God working in you” goes further than we think. Our words water the seeds of godly manhood.
When they know their identity is anchored in Christ, they won’t need to chase the world’s approval.
Final Thoughts — A Call to Courageous Parenting
Raising boys to become godly men isn’t easy, but it is possible. It takes prayer, purpose, and patience. And most of all, it takes parents with clarity, courage, and conviction to rise above the cultural noise and lead with faith. The world may question manhood, but God defines it.
The world may question manhood, but God never has. His Word is clear, his design is good, and his grace is sufficient.
Let’s raise boys who are strong in spirit, tender in heart, firm in truth, and faithful in the little things. Let’s raise men who reflect Christ.
So take heart, Mom and Dad. You’re not alone. God chose you for this boy, at this time, for His purposes. And that makes all the difference.
Bios, Sponsors, Related Shows, and Links
Mark T. Hancock began his career by founding an advertising agency that grew to national prominence over the course of fifteen years. His conversion to Christ led him into ministry as a Youth and College Pastor, Associate Pastor, Homeless Ministry Director, and Global Event Director for an international ministry, organizing events on five continents.
An award-winning author, writer, and conference speaker, he serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Trail Life USA and resides near Greenville, SC, with his wife of over 30 years. They have two sons.
Overscheduled Kids? How to Balance Extracurricular Activities and Free Play is a question more parents are asking as childhood calendars fill up faster than ever.
In the race to provide every opportunity, from music lessons to competitive sports, we often overlook the quiet warning signs: tired eyes, anxious hearts, and lost joy. While enrichment activities can be wonderful, too much of a good thing can crowd out the space kids need to rest, play, and simply be.
In this episode, I’ll explain how to spot the signs of overscheduling, why free play matters more than we think, and practical ways to create a healthier, happier rhythm for your family.
The Modern Childhood Calendar: Full or Fulfilling?
It starts the same way for so many of us: you’re looking at your planner, thumbing through text reminders—piano at 3:30, soccer at 4:15, math tutor by 6—and you catch your child’s eyes looking at you. They look exhausted, not exhilarated. Why? Because the race to give our kids every opportunity can quietly squeeze out the very childhood we’re trying to enrich.
Pediatric experts have been sounding the alarm. A 2024 review found that children who log extra activities “hour after hour” show higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even anger than their less-scheduled peers solutionhealth.org. Dr. Deb Lonzer, a Cleveland Clinic pediatrician, puts it plainly: “Kids whose time is overly organized don’t have time to be kids, and their family doesn’t have time to be a family”
Translation? A bursting calendar isn’t automatically a fulfilling one; the magic is in the margin.
Signs Your Child Might Be Overscheduled
Mood swings & irritability – abrupt tears after practice or a hair-trigger temper at home.
Sleep troubles – trouble falling asleep or waking up tired despite a full night.
Loss of joy – once-beloved sports or clubs feel like chores.
Foggy focus – slipping grades or blank stares during homework time.
Physical complaints – frequent headaches or stomachaches with no apparent medical cause.
Mary Catherine, a pediatric nurse practitioner known as @the.mom.np, warns that children who rarely get downtime “may develop unexplained physical symptoms and rising anxiety,” nypost.com. When these red flags cluster, your child’s calendar—and nervous system—may be begging for breathing room.
How Much Is Too Much?
Let’s take a realistic Look at 2–3 Activities. Whether two or three activities are “too many” depends on:
Guiding Questions for Parents
Why It Matters
How much homework does my child average each night?
Academic load + rehearsals may crowd out sleep.
Does my child’s personality recharge alone or with people?
Introverts need more unscripted solitude.
Is at least one afternoon per week completely free?
Brains and bodies recover in empty space.
Does my child ask for this activity or merely tolerate it?
Are meals, faith gatherings, and family nights suffering?
When core relationships slip, the schedule needs trimming.
Keep evaluating each season: a heavier fall sports schedule might mean a lighter winter with more cozy family nights and outdoor play.
Why Free Play Matters More Than We Think
Play isn’t a frivolous break from “real” learning; it is real learning. The American Academy of Pediatrics describes play as “a powerful, brain-building activity that buffers toxic stress and builds executive function,” according to publications.aap.org. Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child notes that unstructured games enhance working memory, creativity, and self-control, skills that children will rely on throughout their lives. gse.harvard.edu.
Picture a backyard stick-sword turned spaceship: in ten minutes, your child has solved problems, negotiated rules with siblings, managed frustration, and, bonus, had fun. No adult-crafted curriculum required.
Building a Balanced Schedule
The “One-At-A-Time” Rule: Pediatric nurse practitioner Mary Catherine limits her own kids to one extracurricular per season and sees calmer, happier children because of it nypost.com. Try choosing a single focus each term (e.g., spring soccer, summer swim).
Time-Block Rest: Put “nothing” on the calendar. Literally block out unscheduled afternoons so chores, Lego builds, or cloud-watching can unfold without hurry.
Family Check-Ins: Over weekend breakfast, ask: “Which activity lit you up this week? Which one drained you?” Let kids’ answers guide next season’s sign-ups.
Protect Evenings: Aim for four shared meals at home each week. Research shows that family dinners are correlated with better mental health and academic performance; they’re worth protecting.
Model the Margin: When parents book every minute of their own lives, children copy the cadence. Show them how to say no—and how to savor a quiet walk or a board game.
Final Thought on Overscheduling Kids
Your child’s schedule should feel like well-paced music, moments of lively crescendo, followed by calm, restorative rests. When you strike that rhythm, you give them more than resume fodder; you give them space to discover who they are. And that, more than any trophy or recital, is the opportunity that matters most.
The sudden rise in parents seeking parenting advice makes some experts ask: Is AI the New Parenting Expert?
Would you ever trust a chatbot to help raise your kids? According to new statistics, 71% of parents are utilizing AI tools to aid in parenting decisions. The trend of AI in parenting is rising fast. Today, I will unpack: the benefits, the concerns, and what parents need to know. And research-backed truths about using AI tools.
While I am not recommending or endorsing the use of AI for parenting advice, I believe it can be helpful if used wisely.
Why Parents Are Turning to AI for Parenting Help
In today’s fast-paced, always-on world, more parents are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT to help lighten the mental load of parenting, and the reasons go far beyond mere convenience. With families juggling more responsibilities than ever, it’s no surprise they’re looking for quick, smart support.
The Rise of AI in Daily Family Life
In recent years, the rise of AI in daily family life has reshaped how parents manage their homes, routines, and relationships. Tools like ChatGPT, Alexa, and a growing number of parenting apps are stepping in as digital helpers, offering everything from meal ideas to discipline strategies at the tap of a screen.
For many families, these platforms are filling what some call the “mom gap,” easing the mental load by helping with decision-making and planning. Moreover, the appeal lies in their 24/7 accessibility and judgment-free nature. It’s a place parents can ask tough questions without fear of criticism or shame.
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday parenting, it’s tempting to wonder: Are we looking at a new kind of parenting expert?
The Convenience of Instant Advice
Another reason AI is becoming a go-to parenting resource is its ability to provide instant, customized answers. Whether a mom needs a quick meal plan, a dad wants a screen time contract, or a caregiver seeks gentle discipline phrases, tools like ChatGPT respond immediately, with no wait time, appointments, or guilt. In the chaos of family life, that kind of speed feels like a gift.
Furthermore, AI tools often adapt to your preferred parenting style, offering Montessori-based ideas, positive parenting techniques, or faith-based reminders. It’s no wonder so many are wondering if AI is the new parenting expert; it meets stressed-out parents right where they are.
However, while the draw of digital parenting support is strong, it’s worth asking: can AI actually understand the essence of parenting?
What AI Gets Right About Parenting
Despite its limitations, AI has carved out a surprisingly helpful role in modern households, offering support in areas where parents often feel overwhelmed or stretched thin: meal planning, budgeting, and organizing are just a few of the ways moms find AI tools helpful.
Reducing Decision Fatigue
One of the most praised uses of AI in parenting is its ability to reduce decision fatigue. Instead of overthinking every detail—from what to pack in lunchboxes to how to respond to a tantrum—parents can offload those repetitive, low-stakes decisions to AI. This frees up precious mental energy for the moments that matter most: connection, listening, and guiding with intention.
As AI tools become more intuitive, they provide just enough structure to make parenting feel more manageable without taking over. For parents juggling the emotional weight of raising children, this small but consistent relief can feel like a lifeline.
Enhancing Learning and Connection
AI isn’t just offering practical help; it can also enhance learning and connection in family life. Apps and bots are being used to prompt emotional intelligence exercises, spark meaningful dinner table conversations, and even generate custom bedtime stories based on your child’s interests. While it’s not a replacement for prayer, scripture, and human interaction, when used with discernment, AI can create moments of engagement that deepen parent-child bonds.
Some families report that these tools offer a fresh way to connect and gain a deeper understanding of their children, especially when navigating new developmental stages or addressing unique needs. In this way, AI may not be the parenting expert, but it’s becoming a supportive sidekick in the learning journey.
The Risks of Relying Too Much on AI
While AI promises convenience and calm, the truth is that over-relying on these tools can lead to unintended consequences that impact both parents and children. There’s a caution: just because it’s helpful doesn’t mean it’s harmless.
Misinformation and Inaccuracy
However, while AI can feel like a trustworthy shortcut, it’s not always accurate, and that’s where things can get concerning.
AI tools like ChatGPT are trained on vast amounts of online content, but they don’t always filter out outdated, biased, or even dangerous information.
In parenting, where nuance matters and every child is different, one-size-fits-all responses can lead to poor decisions. There have even been documented cases where AI provided inappropriate or unsafe suggestions. This raises a critical question for parents: Can we truly call AI a parenting expert when it doesn’t always get the facts or context right?
Emotional Disconnection & Dependency
In addition to concerns about accuracy, there is a growing worry about emotional disconnection. As families increasingly rely on AI to solve problems or provide support, the subtle risk is that it replaces meaningful conversations with convenience. Children, especially teens, may start turning to bots instead of their parents for answers, missing the warmth, empathy, and guidance only a real relationship can provide.
Furthermore, parents themselves may begin to depend on AI not just for help, but also for emotional regulation, decision reassurance, or companionship. Over time, this dependence can quietly erode the essential connection between parent and child, a bond that no chatbot can replicate.
Data Privacy and Safety Concerns
Equally important is the issue of privacy, especially when AI tools are used by or around children. Many parenting apps and devices collect sensitive information, from voice recordings to behavioral data. Without strong protections, that data could be used in ways parents never intended, such as for targeted advertising or third-party analysis. Children may also interact with AI in ways that feel harmless but reveal personal information. Since kids often don’t understand boundaries around data, the responsibility falls on parents to ensure the tools they use prioritize safety. And that means being as intentional about choosing AI tools as you are about who cares for your child in real life.
Knowing these risks, it’s essential to weigh both sides and consider what researchers and child development experts honestly think about AI’s role in parenting.
What the Experts Say: AI Should Support, Not Replace, Parents God Given Discernment
With all this in mind, the best approach is to treat AI as a co-pilot in your parenting journey, not the driver. That means using AI to brainstorm meal plans or bedtime stories, but not to diagnose behavior issues or replace your instincts. When AI becomes a helpful assistant rather than a substitute decision-maker, you stay in control of the values and tone that guide your home. Ultimately, AI works best when it supports God’s Word, your voice, not when it speaks louder than you.
The Importance of Godly Wisdom, Mentors, and Parental Intuition
While technology may offer quick answers, true parenting wisdom often comes from slower, more sacred sources. Godly counsel, trusted mentors, and parental intuition play a powerful role. No algorithm can replace the discernment that comes from seeking the Lord in prayer. Or the insight gained from someone who’s walked this road before.
Wise parenting isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about shaping hearts. And shaping hearts takes time, trust, and presence. That requires more than code. It calls for character, conviction, and the quiet confidence that grows when a parent is led by faith. As helpful as AI tools may be, they must never drown out the still, small voice that says, “You were chosen to raise this child.”
You are the primary influence in your child’s life; don’t allow that high position to be replaced by AI.
How to Use AI Tools Wisely in Parenting
Instead of avoiding AI altogether or surrendering to it completely, parents can adopt a balanced and thoughtful approach that utilizes technology as a tool, rather than a threat.
Treat AI as a Co-Pilot, Not the Driver
With all this in mind, the best approach is to treat AI as a co-pilot in your parenting journey, not the driver. That means using AI to brainstorm meal plans or bedtime stories, but not to diagnose behavior issues or replace your instincts. When AI becomes a helpful assistant rather than a substitute decision-maker, you stay in control of the values and tone that guide your home. Ultimately, AI works best when it supports your voice, not when it speaks louder than you.
Keep the Parent-Child Relationship Front and Center
Finally, even as you integrate technology into family life, it’s vital to keep your connection with your child at the center. Use AI to enhance, not replace, the conversations, eye contact, and bonding that only a parent can provide. Whether it’s using a story generator to start a bedtime tradition or a chatbot to model conflict resolution, the goal isn’t to step back, but to lean in with more confidence and calm. In the end, parenting isn’t about having all the answers, but about being present, and no matter how advanced AI becomes, presence is something it can never replicate.
You are the primary influence in your child’s life; don’t allow that high position to be replaced by AI.
Summary: Is AI the New Parenting Expert?
Is AI the new parenting expert? No, it’s a new tool. With discernment, it can help parents. Without knowing how to use it wisely, it may confuse, mislead, or disconnect families from each other.
By using AI with discernment and intentionality, we don’t just protect our children, we strengthen our role as the irreplaceable, trusted guide in their lives.
What role do you want AI to play in your home, and what role will only you, as the parent, fulfill?
Loving your children unconditionally changes everything in a child’s world.
Every child longs to be loved, not for what they do, but for who they are. As parents, we have the sacred opportunity to offer a kind of love that mirrors the heart of God: steady, forgiving, and without condition. Loving our children unconditionally doesn’t mean we overlook mistakes or ignore boundaries; it means we choose connection over control, grace over perfection, and presence over performance.
Love is the foundation every child needs. It’s the oxygen for a healthy heart and mind. Without it, kids don’t feel safe. They don’t know who to trust. And when love is missing, it affects everything from their emotional well-being to how they see God.
If I had to boil it all down to one thing that made the greatest difference in how my children grew, how they received correction, and how they responded to God, it would be this: unconditional love. ~Connie Albers
Love is the Oxegyen of the Heart
When a child grows up truly knowing they’re loved and cherished, something beautiful happens. Their hearts soften. They become more open to correction, more teachable, and more likely to believe us when we tell them about a God who loves unconditionally as well.
Love becomes the lens through which they view the world and themselves.
Love is what Jesus modeled every step of His life. He didn’t lead with control; He led with compassion. And that changed everything. It still does.
Love is a Legacy They’ll Carry for Life
Children thrive when they’re surrounded by people who meet their needs, speak life into their souls, and commit to loving them from birth to adulthood. That kind of love creates emotional safety. It gives them strength, hope, and vision for the future.
This doesn’t mean you hand over the itinerary; it means you welcome their ideas. Whether it’s picking a trail to hike, choosing a game to play, or planning a silly talent show, collaboration builds buy-in and connection.
Love isn’t just something we feel; it’s something we do. It’s giving of ourselves, again and again, for the benefit of others, especially those God has entrusted to our care.
And when we do that, when we love consistently, especially through the messy parts, it builds trust. It makes it easier for our children to believe the words, “God loves you,” because they’ve experienced love at home.
What Happens When Love Is Missing?
When children are deprived of love in those early years, it affects so much more than just their mood. It touches every aspect of who they are, their emotional stability, relationships with others, perception of God, and even their cognitive development.
A loving God created us with both a need to be loved and a capacity to love others generously. However, we must show our children what that looks like, day after day, in the everyday moments of life.
Love in the Messy Moments
Loving them when they’re easy is… well, easy. But loving them when they’re pushing back, acting out, or shutting down? That’s when love matters most.
Loving them as they are, appreciating the personality God gave them, and restoring the relationship even after hard moments—sometimes multiple times a day is how we build connection and keep their hearts close.
That’s the fuel that lit a fire in their hearts to want to know God, not because I told them to, but because they saw the reflection of His love in how I treated them.
A Command and a Calling
God’s Word couldn’t be clearer:
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” —John 15:13 “Love one another, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” —Galatians 6:2
We are called to love deeply, intentionally, and persistently. And I’ve never met anyone who said they were loved too much.
Fun, tech-free vacations are an excellent way for you to detach from the screen and connect with each other. They can also help you reconnect as a family.
Have you ever taken your family on a dream vacation, only to find everyone scrolling through their phones at dinner? I have. And I realized we weren’t actually together, we were just in the same place. You can have a tech-free vacation and have fun, too.
In a world where screens are everywhere and family members are often in the same room but worlds apart, intentionally unplugging can be the key to reconnecting with your kids and building memories that last a lifetime.
I know what you’re thinking: ‘My kids will lose their minds without Wi-Fi.’ I hear you. That’s why I’m sharing how to make this doable, not perfect, but meaningful. ~ Connie Albers
Tell Your Children You’re Taking a Tech-Free Vacation in Advance
Telling your kids in advance sets the tone and reduces resistance. When it comes to screen-free travel, giving your children a heads-up is one of the most important things you can do. Let them know what to expect and why you’re doing it.
Kids thrive with structure and clear expectations. Telling them in advance gives them time to adjust, prepare, and even get excited. You’re not springing a surprise—you’re starting a conversation. This sets the tone for a positive experience instead of resistance.
Once the idea has been planted, the next step is to invite them into the planning process.
Let Your Children Help Plan the Vacation
Involving your children in planning the vacation gives them a sense of ownership and excitement. When they help choose where to go, what to do, or even what snacks to bring, they’re far more likely to be engaged and enthusiastic about going tech-free.
This doesn’t mean you hand over the itinerary—it means you welcome their ideas. Whether it’s picking a trail to hike, choosing a game to play, or planning a silly talent show, collaboration builds buy-in and connection.
And here’s some good news: making memories together doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Don’t Make it About Money
You don’t need a five-star resort or expensive amusement park tickets to have a memorable trip. Some of the best tech-free vacations happen in cabins, backyards, or small-town hideaways.
What your children will remember most isn’t the cost of the trip—it’s how they felt during it. Did they laugh with you? Did they feel seen? Were they invited to play, explore, and just be?
While tech-free vacations don’t have to be expensive, one of a vacation’s most powerful (and overlooked) parts is the gift of attention.
Give Your Kids Attention
When you put the phone down and truly look your child in the eyes, something shifts. That kind of attention says, “You matter to me. I’m here with you.”
During a tech-free vacation, your focused presence becomes a treasure. Whether skipping rocks, telling stories, or sitting quietly by a campfire, your child notices when you’re truly with them.
Not only will your children enjoy the extra attention from you it also opens the door to something even more exciting: the gift of imagination and exploration.
Encourage Creativity and Adventure
Without screens, children are forced to engage their senses and stretch their imaginations—and that’s good. Tech-free vacations give them space to build forts, create games, tell stories, and explore nature with curiosity.
This might take some getting used to, especially in the beginning. But once they rediscover how fun boredom can be, creativity flourishes.
In addition, when you’re all feeling brave and inspired, it’s the perfect time to try something new together.
Try New Things with Your Kids
New experiences create lasting bonds. Whether it’s kayaking for the first time, cooking over a fire, or learning a dance together, trying something new as a family breaks the routine and builds connection.
You don’t have to go far or do something wild. Even little adventures create inside jokes and shared memories that will last for years.
Also, trying something new together helps your family grow stronger, one small adventure at a time.
Closing Thoughts: Connection Over Perfection
Planning a tech-free vacation might take a little more intention; however, the reward is rich. While not every moment will go as planned—and some may even be challenging—that’s perfectly okay. What matters most is that you’re intentionally choosing to show up for your family in a deeper, more present way.
By detaching from devices, you’re making space to attach to each other. And in the long run, that is the parenting your children will carry with them.
So, give it a try, whether it’s one day, one weekend, or a whole week. You might be surprised at what unfolds when the screens go off and the heart turns on.
Sponsors, Related Shows, and Links
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