A recent study reveals that kids who spend time with their fathers have higher IQs. The difference in IQ is detectable until after the children are in their 40s. The study stresses that it is not enough just for the father to "be around"; we must be actively involved in our kids' lives, interacting with them and spending quality time with them -- and starting at an early age, too. » read more »

I have numerous Christian acquaintances who insist upon having a calling to put their children in government schooling. Might they be right about this calling? If not, why not? » read more »

I have watched a show for several weeks now called the Baby Borrowers. It's where five teenage "couples" borrow babies, toddlers, pre-teens, teens, and elderly people. All the girls thought they would be wonderful parents and wanted to have kids as soon as possible. Well, at the end of the experiment, they all broke up and weren't going to have kids for a long time. So think about that before you have kids too young from now on. It's a good thing to learn!

Some friends of ours have just been blessed with their first child, and they are having a hard time. The new mom, especially, is struggling with her fears about parenting, and with nursing in specific. They are also having a hard time getting sleep. They are both strong believers, but I am afraid they are having a hard time hearing the Lord right now. » read more »

I believe that this article does an excellent job of summing up society's attitude toward homeschoolers, and why it is under attack. » read more »

It appears that in Canada, parenting may soon be illegal. As detailed in this article, a Canadian court has "overturned" a punishment administered by a father on his twelve year old daughter. The father grounded the daughter because of her disobedience. She took him to court and won -- the court "ordered the grounding... lifted". » read more »

This article presents a very telling description of the fruits of radical feminism. Its author is Rebecca Walker, the daughter of Alice Walker. Alice Walker is the author of, among other things, The Color Purple, as well as a renowned feminist icon. Rebecca Walker's perspective on her mother's beliefs, while completely secular, is quite revealing. » read more »

A California court has issued a ruling which effectively makes homeschooling in that state illegal. (Not surprisingly, neither the legislature nor any sort of popular sanction was involved. Such is "law" in this day and age.) In fact, the ruling is broad enough to affect charter schools and even study-at-home programs that are overseen by the public system. The case is headed to the state supreme court, so the ruling could be overturned, but that's only temporary. » read more »

Linda blogged about excellence a while ago. What I failed to mention was how excellence is punished in today's American society. (It may be elsewhere, too, but my experience is distinctly American.) Very few parents raise their children to be excellent. Even fewer demand it of themselves. Peers condemn excellence, both children and adults alike. » read more »

My daughter has been talking recently about how unfair it is (a favorite word of children, is it not?) that Mom doesn't get paid for all she does. From an ungodly worldview, she may be right. Mom puts out a lot of effort for no income. Without the salary, it would seem this effort is wasted. However, from a Biblical point of view, salary is not a valid measurement of worth. Given the magnitude of the Lord's sacrifice on our behalf--His only begotten Son--I'd say our worth is immeasurably high. » read more »