Guests: Katie McDonald, Julie Hildebrand, and Gabe Boyd

The book we all read is titled Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More than Peers written by Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D., and Gabor Mate, M.D. This is NOT a recommendation of this book, but an in-depth exploration of the concepts of “attachment” parenting that are raised and an exploration of the idea that youth need to be more connected to their parents than to their peers.

The “family dinner” is one of the strategies for building a meaningful relationship and connection between parents and children - don’t take this important concept for granted.

Bedtime routines can also be tremendously valuable in establishing and maintaining a meaningful connection with your child.

“It takes a saint to not be alienated, but with our peer-oriented children, sainthood may be what we are called to. If that seems unnatural, it’s because it is unnatural” (HOTYK). Establishing a meaningful relationship with your kids isn’t just UNnatural, it’s SUPERnatural!!!

John 17 parenting - as Jesus prayed and let his disciples hear how he spoke to his Father about them, we need to let our children hear us pray for them, about them, with them…so they can hear what we think about them!

Parents, be careful of “sleepovers” with friends - your children can learn a lot of bad things at homes and with “friends” who are not on the same page as you are!

Parents, understand the incredible impact that other voices can have on the lives of your children - coaches, teachers, pastors, etc…and if you’re one of those individuals, make sure you take that responsibility seriously to speak life into those around you!

Parents, our primary responsibility is to raise our children so that they are connected to and find their identity in Christ! If you’re connected to Christ and His larger story for your life, you’ll want to share that with your kids…and your kids will want to be a part of something bigger than themselves!