Faith inspired tips for raising highly sensitive children
Parenting is an adventure filled with unexpected joys and challenges that shape us as caregivers. If you’re blessed to be raising a highly sensitive…
How young is too young for my kids to have a boyfriend or girlfriend?
Dear Mattsons: How young is too young for my kids to have a boyfriend or girlfriend? What are suggested guidelines to put in place to help them build…
Overcoming the spirit of fear with children
“What do you want the judge to decide in court tomorrow?” my daughter asked. “Whatever God wants, I want.” “But what do you think will happen?” “I…
Why judging other moms diminishes the power of the cross
The minivan sliding door of shame—it’s a thing. You know, when you drop off your kids at school with all humanity watching, the door slides open and…
Do I force my child to go to church?
On Sunday mornings you can find me serving in the children’s ministry. This past Sunday, I watched as a mom literally pulled her child into the…
How slowing down can make us better parents
Last December, I realized something had to change. Perhaps it was feeling pain grip my chest amid holding a crying, thirty-pound toddler, whisking a…
Characteristics of a godly father
Where are all the fathers? Such a simple question with myriad results and one resounding answer: fathers are not here, and neither are they there.…
Four ways to teach kids the incredible power of words
Our words have a profound impact on those around us. Whether we’re using our speech to build others up or pull them down, what comes out of our…
Why we don't say "best friend"
Language is one of my favorite subjects to study and think about. I’ve always told my students that whoever owns the dictionary owns the culture. It…
