https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/rss.xml Parenting Features Copyright https://www.crosswalk.com 2026, Crosswalk.com Mon, 25 May 2026 20:02:38 -0400 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/11-powerful-verses-to-encourage-stay-at-home-moms.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/11-powerful-verses-to-encourage-stay-at-home-moms.html Lisa Loraine Baker https://www.crosswalk.com/author/lisa-loraine-baker/ The work done by a stay-at-home mom is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. It’s hard, yet it’s fruitful because it’s eternal work. If you get anxious (and you will), pray to our Lord, who is at hand. He’s never far from you. Let Him know how you’re doing and what you need. Mon, 25 May 2026 09:04:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:02:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/7-sneaky-ways-satan-is-attacking-our-children-in-todays-culture.html https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/7-sneaky-ways-satan-is-attacking-our-children-in-todays-culture.html Alicia Searl https://www.crosswalk.com/author/alicia-searl/ Have you seen that picture of the momma lioness crouching down, head hovering just above her little cub, with a haunting stare that pierces right through your soul? Her eyes say it all: "Don't mess with this one!" Yep! That's the image I want you to think of as we approach this subject matter.I'm not going to sugarcoat it; Satan is after our kids (1 Peter 5:8-10)! We can't back down and must be ready for this fight because we are in a full-on spiritual war! It isn't hard to see that the devil's sneaky tactics have only gotten bolder and more manipulative. As a momma who strives to protect her own cubs and is failing miserably most days, I like to think that God's got my back and is that stately lion, fearlessly standing behind both of us, always on guard! It is so comforting to know that we serve a God who loves our children more than we do and can fiercely protect them in ways we simply can't.That said, God calls us to love, protect, instruct, discipline, and discipline our children. While this task can feel overwhelming and daunting, and maybe even truly disheartening at times, the truth is the enemy is clever and deceptive; not only does he want your children, but he is after you, too! His whole plan is to sabotage the family unit, so we must be on guard and ready.With that, let's discover just how the liar attacks our children, especially in today's culture, and plan a strategic method to fight back with prayer and scripture. Our words have power, so saying these prayers out loud and proclaiming verses over your children will make the evil one shutter, knowing the Mighty Lion of Judah has your back!Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Thai Liang Lim Mon, 25 May 2026 08:30:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:02:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/steps-to-stop-yourself-from-enabling-grown-children.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/steps-to-stop-yourself-from-enabling-grown-children.html Kathryn Graves https://www.crosswalk.com/author/kathryn-graves/ You know you need to stop giving your children money and volunteering free babysitting, but how can you stand to watch them—or your grandkids—suffer? Mon, 25 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:02:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/what-parental-burnout-says-about-the-cost-of-carrying-too-much.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/what-parental-burnout-says-about-the-cost-of-carrying-too-much.html Amber Ginter https://www.crosswalk.com/author/amber-ginter/ Parenting is a blessing, but for many moms and dads, it can also become a source of deep depletion. What does parental burnout reveal about overload, unrealistic expectations, and the false belief that good parents must carry everything? Jesus invites weary parents into rest, wisdom, and faithful stewardship. Fri, 22 May 2026 13:21:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:02:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/7-prayers-for-pregnancy.html https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/7-prayers-for-pregnancy.html Sarah Coleman https://www.crosswalk.com/author/sarah-coleman/ Expecting, pregnant, with child, a most exciting time!With doctor's appointments, an expanding abdomen, ultrasounds, and baby showers, the focus of baby's development is dominated by her physical growth. But she is progressing more than that. Just as her body grows daily in your womb, so her spirit is learning from the Lord. Praying is a powerful way to pray over your child as well as your own peace of mind! Pray over your pregnancy today to calm your fears and worries and to intercede on your baby's behalf.We all know the promises of Psalm 139 ("For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."), but the Bible contains many more assurances for unborn children. Father is intricately involved in the development of your child. He is the giver of life, forming and protecting her. When you pray over Scripture for your child, you will experience the peace that God promises! The following list comprises scriptures that will encourage a pregnant mother. They demonstrate that God has his hand on your baby while she is in the womb. You might like to pray through these verses as you are pregnant and claim these promises. Whether you are a mother-to-be, father-to-be, grandparent-to-be, or happy friend, your prayers make a difference in her tiny life.Here are 7 prayers for pregnancy:A Quick Prayer for My Pregnancy"Dear God, thank you for the precious gift of this baby. Please watch over my pregnancy, keeping both me and my baby healthy and safe. Grant me peace and strength as I await the arrival of this new life. Surround us with your love and protection, and guide us through this journey with your wisdom and grace. Amen." Mon, 18 May 2026 16:10:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:02:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/health-and-wellness/8-upgrades-to-make-to-your-childs-lunch.html https://www.crosswalk.com/health-and-wellness/8-upgrades-to-make-to-your-childs-lunch.html Vivian Bricker https://www.crosswalk.com/author/vivian-bricker/ Parents often want to become creative with their children's lunches. Growing up, my mom used to come up with all sorts of different lunch ideas for my sisters and me. Although some of them were not my favorite (ants on a log), I appreciated the time and care my mom took in packing our lunches.Maybe you also want to add a few upgrades to your child's lunch. Your child might be bored with their basic everyday lunch. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a favorite of many, but it can get redundant over time. If you want to upgrade your child’s lunch, here are eight ways to do just this.Photo Credit: Canva Mon, 18 May 2026 12:38:05 -0400 2026-05-25T20:02:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/start-your-day-with-god-7-morning-prayers-for-the-whole-family.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/start-your-day-with-god-7-morning-prayers-for-the-whole-family.html Vivian Bricker https://www.crosswalk.com/author/vivian-bricker/ My family never did morning prayers together, but it is something that all families should cultivate. I didn't grow up in a Christian home, so I didn't understand what prayer was until I was in college. I was amazed once I learned we could go directly to the Lord in prayer and that He hears us, no matter where we are. It is beautiful to know that we can pray to the Lord anytime, any day.This includes going to the Lord in prayer with your family. Before the kids leave for school or before you leave for work, take a break to go to the Lord together. This will help build your day on the Lord and foster a focus on Him throughout the day. It will also ensure your children start their day with the Lord and learn the importance of having a personal relationship with Him.If you are unsure about a few prayers to start with, here are seven for your family to pray together in the morning. Start with the first one on Monday and end with the final one on Sunday.Photo credit: ©GettyImages/jeffbergen Mon, 18 May 2026 08:30:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:02:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/how-to-reclaim-downtime-for-your-family-this-summer.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/how-to-reclaim-downtime-for-your-family-this-summer.html Amanda Idleman https://www.crosswalk.com/author/amanda-idleman/ As school wraps up, the family routine is out the door, vacation is finally on the calendar, and fun memories are waiting to be made. Thu, 14 May 2026 08:30:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:02:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/10-ways-to-thrive-during-the-empty-nest-season.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/10-ways-to-thrive-during-the-empty-nest-season.html Denise Pass https://www.crosswalk.com/author/denise-pass/ When we seek God and study His word, our needs are filled so we can love our people from a place of wholeness rather than emptiness. Instead of surviving the empty nest, we just might find ourselves thriving. Mon, 11 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:02:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/11-words-of-wisdom-for-a-parent-whose-child-is-graduating.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/11-words-of-wisdom-for-a-parent-whose-child-is-graduating.html Cue Pomp and Circumstance. Graduation season arrives soon!If you have a child who will soon cross the stage to obtain a diploma, you might feel a bit overwhelmed. Elation and hope may whirl through the spin cycle of your heart along with nostalgia and trepidation. Can you stop the swirling thoughts long enough to enjoy the important occasion?Having been through my own children’s graduations, I offer a few words of wisdom I wish someone had shared with me at the time. I’ve included advice for the time leading up to the big day, encouragement for graduation day itself, and recommendations for moving ahead after the event.Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Rattankun Thongbun Wed, 06 May 2026 10:09:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:02:38-04:00