Boy Question Free-for-All | Making Biblical Family Life Practical

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How do you raise boys with strength, faith, kindness, and purpose? Hal and Melanie Young answer real parenting questions about roughhousing, sibling rivalry, purity, prayer, college planning, and raising sons biblically.Boy Question Free-for-All | Making Biblical Family Life Practical

Podcast: Making Biblical Family Life Practical
Hosts: Hal Young and Melanie Young
Network: Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network
Sponsor: CTCMath.com

Raising boys comes with big questions — from roughhousing and sibling rivalry to faith, purity, scholarships, and preparing sons for adulthood. In this classic Q&A episode of Making Biblical Family Life Practical, Hal and Melanie Young tackle real questions from homeschool parents about raising sons with wisdom, courage, gentleness, and biblical purpose.

The conversation covers everything from encouraging individuality in boys to teaching respect for sisters, handling rough-and-tumble play without allowing bullying, helping boys grow spiritually, and guiding teens toward future careers and college decisions. Parents will appreciate the practical, grace-filled advice and the reminder that authentic relationships matter more than perfection.

Key Topics Covered

  • Encouraging each child’s unique gifts and personality
  • Preventing teasing and sibling disrespect
  • Teaching boys to protect rather than bully
  • Managing roughhousing in healthy ways
  • Biblical conversations about purity and modesty
  • Helping boys develop genuine faith
  • Encouraging boys to pray confidently
  • Scholarship and college planning advice
  • Guiding sons toward adulthood and vocation
  • Building strong parent-child relationships

Memorable Takeaways

“The fact that you are stronger than your sister does not mean that you are better. It means you have a responsibility to use that strength to serve, to protect, and to bless.”

“Young kids are born with hypocrisy meters.”

“Make sure you have a great relationship with your son and with your God.”

Resources Mentioned

Find more biblical parenting encouragement from Hal Young and Melanie Young at:

Raising Real Men

Listen to More Episodes

Happy Kids Don’t Need Wi-Fi: Screen-Free Ideas That Actually Work

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Are your kids glued to screens? What if the secret to happier homeschool days is actually less tech? Discover simple, faith-filled ways to create connection, joy, and learning at home—without Wi-Fi. Perfect for homeschool moms who want more peace and less overwhelm.Raising happy kids is a goal for most parents. Many of us have learned the hard way that indulgent children who are self-absorbed in “screen-time” are often the least delightful to be around and seem distant. In this episode, Felice Gerwitz shares how she centered her homeschool lifestyle away from screens and toward family engagement, ultimately fostering a close-knit family.

Happy Kids Don’t Need Wi-Fi: Reclaiming Family Joy 

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

In this upside-down world, it’s often hard to believe that raising truly happy kids is still possible. In today’s episode, I tackle the real issues plaguing our families and share the essential “arsenal” every Christian home needs. Your home should be a safe haven—a place of peace, protection, and joy for those you love most.

Homeschool families have such a wonderful advantage because our children are with us every day. I’m so thankful for the brave pioneers who fought for our freedom to homeschool in all 50 states. Raising happy kids is something every parent longs for, no matter how young or old your children are. It’s only possible when we keep a clear vision and focus in this noisy, cluttered world.

We’re constantly bombarded by news, social media, and endless shiny distractions. Many of us also carry fear about what the future holds. That’s why I made some deliberate decisions for my own family—choices that truly changed our lives for the better.

Learning from the Past and Looking to the Future

When my husband and I were young parents, we moved to what people in our area called “the country.” We bought 2.5 acres of swamp land and built a simple three-bedroom, two-bath home. My husband cleared non-native trees, dug a pond for fill dirt, and raised the house so floodwaters wouldn’t reach us.

That land gave us the gift of getting away from it all. For seven blessed years we had no cable TV. We only received local news and a few stations, so the television stayed off most of the time—except for rented VHS movies. Instead, our children Neal and Christina explored the outdoors, dug in the dirt, fished in our pond, and learned about God’s creation. We read stacks of books, played games, and homeschooled in a very simple way because homeschool textbooks were hard to find back then.

We went on field trips almost every week. I turned every outing into a learning adventure—even car rides became mini faith lessons, grammar reviews, or counting games. (“How many blue cars or trucks can you count?”) A few years later we had three more children, and life was still much the same—until cable and Wi-Fi made their way into our neighborhood. I was determined things wouldn’t change… but of course they did.

It’s hard when Dad comes home bone-tired and just wants to veg in front of the television with the kids. My husband would sneak in a treat before supper (without the kids seeing!) and then head outside to play with them. That gave me a few precious minutes of alone time and helped me plan ways to encourage family reading instead of constant screen time.

One compromise that worked well for us was Friday night pizza and movie night. It helped balance my desire for almost no television with my husband’s natural inclination to turn it on whenever he saw it!

Homeschooling was my daily opportunity to steer our children toward hands-on learning while weaving in precious family time.

Our Household Routines That Made a Difference

Here are some of the simple rhythms we kept in our home:

  1. Prayer comes first—Bible study or a short religious lesson every morning.
  2. No television or video streaming without explicit permission and a clear time limit.
  3. Daily time outdoors to explore and play.
  4. Each child pursued a hobby or sport they loved.
  5. Regular family reading time.
  6. Shared family meals around the table.
  7. Consistent evening routines.
  8. Family prayer time together every night.

If your husband (or wife, if you’re a homeschool dad listening) isn’t fully on board yet, don’t worry. You have the entire homeschool day to gently incorporate these values. That’s exactly what I did to strike a peaceful balance between what Mom and Dad thought was important.

The Growing Screen-Free Movement

I’m so encouraged to see more young parents today keeping their children off digital devices and choosing hands-on, nature-based activities and even “antique” toys instead. While the average screen time for U.S. kids is still very high, a wonderful pushback is growing among parents who feel disconnected from their children because of technology.

The truth is simple: when children are busy interacting with siblings and friends, they are happier and more engaged in ways that really matter. In your homeschool, this is easy to put into practice. Set aside screen-free blocks and fill them with hands-on science activities (like those in my Creation Science Study Guides), drawing, painting, crochet, needlepoint, or building projects.

Give your kids some chairs, sheets, and blankets and watch them build a fort in minutes—it’s wonderful for problem-solving skills! Once the fort is up, add pillows and books. Be sure to crawl inside and join them—they will love it!

Making Memories Outdoors

I’m not a natural camper at heart, but for most of our homeschool years we camped four or five times a year. We traveled all up and down the coast of Florida—from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in the Keys to Florida Caverns State Park in the north.

We turned those trips into rich learning experiences without the kids even realizing it was “school.” They learned directions, how to read a compass, navigation by the stars and sun, vegetation, and animal habitats. We joined guided nature walks when we could, and in the evenings we told stories around the campfire. Even rainy days brought joy! We’d bundle everyone into the car, go out for breakfast, and sometimes make new homeschool friends—like the family that invited all fifteen of us into their home on a soggy day. What a blessing!

Practical Ideas You Can Use Right Away

You can easily add simple STEM activities or DIY projects to your day. Ask your children what topics they’re excited to learn more about. Consider low-tech gifts for birthdays—wooden train tracks, building sets, art supplies, or sports equipment.

Just last week while my grandchildren were visiting, we pulled out our huge bin of wooden train tracks. My grandson built an elaborate layout all by himself that stretched under coffee tables and partway down the hallway. He was so proud and happy! The older children designed custom t-shirts with the Cricut (computer time was limited to design and printing only). Everyone stayed happily engaged, talking, laughing, and creating together—with far fewer meltdowns than video games usually cause.

That was one of the main reasons I limited screens with my own children—the constant bickering that seemed to come with them!

My Prayer for You

I pray you’ll sit down and create your own list of screen-free activities and then truly enjoy time with your children. Sneak in some learning whenever you can, and just watch them. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the joy that returns to your home.

Happy kids really don’t need Wi-Fi—they need our presence, prayer, play, and a family that points them to Christ.


For More Listening on the Vintage Homeschool Moms Podcast

If you enjoyed today’s episode, you may also like these:

These episodes pair beautifully with the message of building a peaceful, faith-filled, joy-filled home.

Spiritual Doubts and Your Kids – MBFLP 228

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Try CTCMath →

 

“Mom, I think I’m an atheist.” That was the chilling announcement from the back of the van, from our nine-year-old child. Spiritual doubts may arise at any time, especially with young teens, and this episode we’re talking about some practical things you can do to help shepherd your young person through this stormy time.

Spiritual Doubt and Your Kids

sponsored by CTCMath.com

 

 

 

 

 


Apologetics Museums We Enjoyed

These are remarkable places to visit, but even if you can’t travel there, they have great websites with lots of information and more resources to offer.

Ark Encounter – Williamstown, Ky. could find practical solutions with the existing technology of his time. It answers boatloads of objections with reasonable explanations – questions like how to house so many animals, how to handle feeding, watering, and waste removal, what to do about lighting and ventilation, and much more. Really impressive and thought-provoking. Said to be the largest freestanding wooden structure in the world!

Creation Museum – Petersburg, Ky.

We first visited the Creation Museum only a few weeks after a family trip to Washington, D.C. We were totally amazed at the professional quality of the exhibits and facility, which were much better maintained than the famous museums of the Smithsonian. Every subsequent visit we’ve found new exhibits and presentations. This is a first class museum, in addition to presenting an evidence-rich argument for creation of the world by an intelligent Craftsman. Ken Ham is the public spokesman, but the museum itself is the work of a huge team of geologists, biologists, archaeologists, historians, theologians, and more. Well worth a journey!

Museum of the Bible – Washington, D.C.

This collection traces the development of the written Bible from the earliest records through the ongoing translation missions of modern times. There are truly remarkable items on display – a Latin Bible signed as a gift by Martin Luther, a beautiful illuminated prayer book made for the Emperor Charles V, pages from the Gutenberg Bible, and a copy of the first Bible printed in America – in the language of the Wampanoag Indians! Exhibits talk of the influence of the Bible on civil rights and social justice, the impact on language and fine art, and more.

Apologetics Books We Recommend

More Than A Carpenter – Josh McDowell

A classic look at who Jesus was, and is, and why that matters.

Evidence That Demands a Verdict – Josh McDowell

A fantastic work that looks at hundreds of questions about Biblical reliability, with tons of references and yes, evidence. A good one to have on hand for those “Wait, what about …” discussions.

The Case for Christ – Lee Strobel

An investigative journalist recounts his search into the Bible’s claims about Jesus’ life, work, and person. A dramatic and personal story of a skeptic’s journey into faith.

Mere Christianity – C. S.Lewis

A conversational but philosophical look at the nature of God, man, sin, and other fundamentals of Christian faith.

God’s Promises for Homeschool Moms

📚 Part of our guide: Homeschool Burnout

Finish Well Homeschool Podcast, Podcast #231, God’s Promises for Homeschool Moms, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

God’s Promises for Homeschool Moms

In “God’s Promises for Homeschool Moms,” Episode, #231, Meredith Curtis invites you to grab hold of the Promises of God for your situations so you can get out of survival mode to rule and reign in Christ. Whether you are needing wisdom, feeling overwhelmed, struggling with guilt, or simply exhausted, there is assurance for you that the Lord is with you and will provide for you in each and every situation.

 

 

 

 


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Show Notes

Do you want to get out of survival mode? Stop feeling overwhelmed? A bubble bath won’t cut it. You need the promises of God!

Exhausted?

Away all night with sick children or nursing baby. Juggling so many different hats that you can’t keep them straight? Weary from your children squabbling all day?

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary. And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. (Isaiah 40: 27-31 NASB)

Confused?

Wondering what curriculum to use? Or how to help your children get along? Want ideas on how to keep the flame from dying out in your marriage? What vaccines to give your children?

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5 NASB)

Is Life Hard?

We all go through trials and hard times, but sometimes life hits us curve balls that leave us devastated, unable to go on.

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NASB)

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Or is blameless (Psalm 84:11 NASB)

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  (Romans 8:28 NASB)

Worried about the Future?

Wondering how you’ll pay the bills this month? Or worried how your son will thrive with Autism? Hoping your teens won’t do the bad things their friends do? Or just worried about the education you are giving your children?

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NASB)

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 NASB)

Feeling Guilty?

Have you yelled at your kids and feel awful about it? Do you struggle stay focused and fell guilty later when things are undone? Maybe you still feel ashamed of the abortion you had as a teenager. Guilt and shame come in all sizes but God’s promises cover all sin.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9 NASB)

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103: 12 NASB)

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Romans 8:1-2 NASB)

Believing & Declaring God’s Promises

Merey’s testimony of standing on the promises of God.

Dueteronomy 28 and Isaiah 54.

Are you a believer in Jesus? If not here’s some Good News!

Image of Jesus Hugging a man

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Resources for Mom – Shop at PowerlineProd.com!

Lovely to Behold by Meredith Curtis A Wise Woman Builds by Meredith Curtis Jesus Fill My Heart and Home by Meredith Curtis Welcome Inn: The Art of Hospitality in Jesus' Name
Friends to the End by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions, Inc. Quick & EZ Unit Study Fun by Meredith Curtis 7R's of Homeschooling by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions, Inc. PowerlineProd.com Joyful and Successful Homeschooling by Meredith Curtis

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Top 10 Faith-Building Activities for Families (Holiday Replay)

Having fun and learning while teaching the faith, yes! Faith-building activities are discussed, as well as ways to help your children see the spiritual connection between faith and the Bible.Faith Building Activities Episode 325

Having fun and learning while teaching the faith, yes! Faith-building activities are discussed, as well as ways to help your children see the spiritual connection between faith and the Bible.

So, we all want to help our children grow in the Lord; in fact, the Scriptures tell us this Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. And of course, Deuteronomy 6:5-9 Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)

Scriptures as Faith Builders

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole strength. And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thy heart: And thou shalt tell them to thy children, and thou shalt meditate upon them sitting in thy house, and walking on thy journey, sleeping and rising. And thou shalt bind them as a sign on thy hand, and they shall be and shall move between thy eyes. And thou shalt write them in the entry, and on the doors of thy house.

There are so many more Scriptures as well! However, the most amazing thing I’ve learned, and I am sure you’ve experienced this, is that our kids pick up our worse habits! And, I’m sure it is because it is the ones that are modeled the most – yes, I’m talking to myself here as well. But the good news is that if we model great behavior, praying, reading our Bible, and doing Bible Study, the kids will also pick up our habits.

Prayer as a Faith Builder

First, stop and pray. Ask the Lord how best to teach your children. Ask the Lord to help you to find those teachable moments that bring home the love and compassion the Lord has for each one of us and especially His unconditional love for us!

You know, when you look at other religions outside of Catholicism and Christianity, you find that the gods that these faiths worship require different things. Some require obedience and submission, others require worship or ritualistic sacrifice. Our God only requires our obedience and love, and He returns His love to us.

Christianity is the truth. It is the real thing. It is not a falsehood. And, with that comes an amazing responsibility to teach our children and share the good news.

Here are my top 10 favorite Faith Building Activities:

The First 5 Faith Building Activities

  1. Attending Church
  2. Praying as a family – before meals, in the evening.
  3. Daily praise reports – what are we thankful for each day? We do this every evening after our evening prayers or devotionals
  4. Reading the Bible – and add a journal for older kids, be sure to check out this podcast on Teaching the Bible
  5. Listening to good Christian audios: Such as Christian music, or teaching audios like Adventures in Odyssey

And 5 More Faith Building Activities

  1. Watching good Christian films, for example, on sites like PureFlix.
  2. Story Starters: make a list of questions such as: What would Jesus do? Give them different scenarios, such as when mom asks you to pick up your clothes, help with the dishes, or do chores in general.
  3. Games that teach Christian concepts – https://childrensministry.com/10-active-indoor-sunday-school-games/ One we use to play as kids focused on the need to trust. What you would do is have someone stand in front of an adult and tell the kid to fall back. Most of the time, kids just can’t let go. The idea is that God is there all the time for us, and we need to let go to feel his arms around us, His embrace. Another fun game that was in the handout link on the show notes is giving two different kids a set of combination locks. One is given the combination, and the other isn’t. One will struggle, and the other will open the lock easily. The point here is to show that when we try to do things on our own, without listening to God, we struggle. But if we listen to God and follow His instructions, things will go so much easier.
  4. Acts of service. Helping at a food kitchen, collecting clothes and gently used toys to donate, visit the elderly at nursing homes.
  5. Memorizing Scripture and Prayers.

Remember

Friends, remember that the best way to teach about our faith is by demonstrating your love of God to others and setting an example. I pray that this podcast has been helpful and ask that you share the show with a friend, give me a star rating on iTunes or any podcast app where you listen, and please join me next week when I discuss helpful tips for parenting.

 

This holiday replay episode is sponsored by NOW Programs.

 



🎓 Resources from Media Angels: For more on this, explore Christmas Planning Printables from Media Angels.

Dealing with Stressful News – MBFLP Replay

Some things are unquestionable, life-changing moments – an unexpected death in the family, a natural disaster, a major accident. But what about things which just show up and disrupt everything? The smaller emergencies which aren’t big enough to awaken heroism, but are big enough to bring out all our doubts, fears, frustrations, and temper? The “breaking news” which could be really unpleasant, but you can’t be sure?

We’ve dealt with this – frequently, and even recently! So this episode, we’re talking about some practical ways to meet stressful news with calmness and faith … even if it takes a few minutes to make the adjustment!

Passages We Referenced

Matthew 10:29-31 (Jesus): “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Philippians 4:6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God

Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

Books We Mentioned

Judith Viorst, The Tenth Good Thing About Barney. This is a great children’s book about remembering the good things in the middle of sad times. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in the stress of the moment, and forget that happiness is real just like sorrow – and life will have some of both.

Eleanor H. Porter, Pollyanna – check out the audiobook version narrated by Melanie! The book is much better than the Disney version (more clearly Biblical, for one thing), and funny as well as thought-provoking. Even our teenaged sons enjoyed it, though the main character is a young girl at the time. Important lessons about always finding a reason to rejoice, even in difficulty.

NEXT TIME

Helping your kids through stressful times …

UPDATE –

We mentioned that our van broke down on a speaking trip in July, and at the time of recording, had been in the shop for several weeks waiting on an engine replacement. We’re glad to say that the van is now repaired and back home – thank you for your prayers and support!

 

 


 

A Special Thank You to Our Network Sponsor:  Thanks to NOW Programs, this evidence-based program helps students learn differences.


Easter Faith-Filled Family Activities

Easter faith filled family activitiesLet’s Talk About: Easter Faith-Filled Activities

Podcast #125

with your host, Felice Gerwitz

I like activities that teach and in this episode I will discuss some fun ways to teach deeper theological concepts to very small children, all while making memories that last a lifetime. Many links provided below from other blogs with printables!

Show Notes: Easter Faith-Filled Family Activities

1. The purpose of the days leading up to Easter

2. What are your goals?

3. What are some fun activities that are tried and true.

Activities:

a. Fasting – from something as a reminder of self-control from sin.

Make an Easter Garden visual parable

b. Cross and Paper plates

d. Easter Story Bag

e. Easter tree – medallions with “catch you being good”

f. Tie Dye Cross

g. Christ Centered Easter Activities

h. He is risen craft 

i. Random acts of kindness

 

Budget-minded activities

a. Scavenger hunt

b. printables

c. Resurrection nature walk

d. Make our own Resurrection eggs – Link Here  – preschool  Resurrection eggs Link Here

e. Visual Parable

f. Cross Fingerprint Art

 

Recipes To Make:

Resurrection Cookies

Easter Bread – with or without hard boiled eggs

Coloring Easter Eggs – teach “eggs” symbolize new life – new life in Christ!

Printables:

Resurrection Scavenger Hunt 

Lenten eBooks Here

Christ Centered Printables

He Is Risen – Two Printables

Make Words Out of Resurrection Here

He is Risen Puzzle

Empty Tomb Coloring Page

Christ Centered Easter Books

Easter ABC Fill-In

Lenten Count-Down Calendar

He’s Alive Flannel Set

Flannel Set Resurrection 

Resurrection Cards


Thanks to our sponsor, Harper Collins Christian, and the Kingdom Girl’s Bible

Girls will discover the power of faith in this beautiful Bible that features women of the Bible. This is the ideal Bible for girls on their journey of faith! This special Bible is specifically crafted to highlight the stories and lessons of the inspiring, famous, and sometimes infamous women of the Bible. With over 400 engaging features, colorful illustrations, and helpful notes, this Bible is perfect for girls ages 8 to 12 as they learn about the strong and faithful women who came before them. Visit the website for more information.

5 Ways to Combat a Bad Day

5 Ways to Combat a Bad Day | Blog article from Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network5 Ways to Combat a Bad Day

Five ways to combat a bad day? Really? Yes. And I’ve seen my share. There have been several of those in the last few weeks. Either I’m sick, the kids are sick, someone forgot to complete an assignment, dinner time is around the corner, and I forgot to remove something from the freezer, etc. etc., etc.

Can you relate? We’ve all had those days. How do we combat a bad day?

Sometimes, I think it would be better if I had stayed in bed. Or better yet, I want a “do-over.” I wish life were like a white-marker-board and I could erase and start over. However, duty calls… the kids, the laundry, the meals, the school. You know, a typical day of homeschool life.

What do you do? How about taking a deep breath?

At times like this, it helps to remember that the Lord who called me to homeschool will also provide and provide abundantly IF I remember to ask. You see, I’m a very capable over-achiever. I often created personalized spelling lists and taught my kids grammar lessons by crafting sentences using their names or those of family or friends. And what about those fantastic homemade meals I made? Let me tell you! Let’s see…homemade muffins for breakfast; great “squished” (Panini) sandwiches, with apple slices and mini-carrots for lunch; and three-course meals, often including a beautiful homemade dessert.

No wonder I was exhausted!

But the Lord provided and abundantly! I began first by repenting for my over-achieving ways. I didn’t need to win my kid’s approval or awe! They loved me just as I am, whether or not I baked homemade muffins from scratch every morning. The same thing happened with my husband. He was okay with quick meals or making his own lunch. This took the pressure off of me to always be there for everyone. Especially as my children are older and now the house sports all teens again. Many day’s meals revolve around sports practice or games, and quick meals – mostly bigger meals made over the week-end and repurposed for week-day leftovers work well.

However, you deal with your over or under-achieving ways – include the Lord in your plans. While I love to bake, there are times when it isn’t possible due to a hectic schedule. On other times like today, when the crisp, cool air begged for an apple crisp or apple pie, I baked both! I know that each of us is different, but if you are overwhelmed or feel guilty that you aren’t keeping up with the Pinterest mommas – rest assured, me too!

Here are some surefire ways to combat that bad day.

  1. Take one-thing-at-a-time.
  2. Do the most important first – that day, the rest can wait.
  3. Avoid the subject that is frustrating (at least for today).
  4. Do something outside of the ordinary. Make a picnic lunch, even if it means eating in the living room. Bubble baths with bathing suits on could be what the little ones need when fussy on a rainy day.
  5. Leave the house. Sometimes, a change of scenery helps, whether walking around the block or just going outside to let off some steam.

What can you add to this list – what helps to turn that very bad, no-good day into a winner? Share your ideas with us!

PS: Don’t forget, Mom… take a few minutes, and think about one thing you can be thankful for and hold on to that thought for the day. And I’ll pray your next day is better.

Faith and Homeschooling

Faith and Homeschooling | regardless of your primary decision to homeschool, bringing elements of your faith into the equation is a powerful relatinship builder. Faith and Homeschooling

Episode # 262

Faith and homeschooling, how do these two things work together? Is faith and homeschooling a part of your life, or are faith and homeschooling compartmentalized?

In this episode, we explore why our faith should be an integral part of our homeschool day and integrated into our lives. Our children learn best by example, and what better way to show our children than through the experiences in a well-rounded homeschool curriculum?

Thanks to our sponsor, CTCMath.com – we are pleased for their continued excellence in education and dedication to the homeschool community. It is due to sponsorships that our programs continue to come to you without cost. Please visit the website and check out their curriculum.

Show Notes: Faith and Homeschooling

Homeschooling is a lifestyle with learning coming easily into our daily experiences. In this way, my children recognize the opportunities presented to them as part of what we do but also part of their school experience.

Quick Tips for incorporating faith into you homeschool:

Let’s get started.

Incorporate Bible into your daily homeschooling routine.

Kids watch us; are we praying? Do you use a journal in prayer? Do you study the Bible? I created the course, Homeschooling with Proverbs– because I wanted a family Bible course with all of us on the same page. Homeschooling and faith in our family are intertwined, although it didn’t begin that way. Listen to the audio as I share my beginning of the homeschool journey.

Make prayer a large part of your day – faith in practice.

We pray as a family and still do this today, even with grown kids in the house, kids home from college, and kids who work and live at home. Daily prayer keeps our family focused on the real meaning of life – a life with God. Prayer has been answered in abundance in our home by keeping God first in our lives.

Use a Curriculum that is Christian faith-focused.

Do you use a curriculum devoid of faith or one that encourages your faith journey? My daughter and I wrote a series of Creation based novels that are still popular today. You can find them on MediaAngels.com or on Amazon: Novel 1- Missing Link Found, Novel 2- Dinosaur Quest at Diamond Peak, Novel 3- Keys to the Past Unlocked, along with study guides. These novels have a Christian focus, and the children are homeschooled (of course!). We also studied the creation vs. evolution discussion and studied a series I also wrote on the topic.

How do you incorporate faith in your homeschool? My kids have gone on to college and be able, successfully, to present scientific evidence for creationism in the college classroom and with professors in private. This came from years of homeschooling and study.

Additional Tips for Introducing Faith into Your Homeschool

  1. Celebrate feast days; make it part of your homeschooling curriculum. I love to celebrate the names of my children and the days on a religious calendar. You can find information here
  2. Visit places that are notable, churches and shrines. I share a testimonial about doing this as a child with my family in Italy when I toured the Vatican and Sistine Chapel in Rome as well as a friend who came to know God through the churches in Europe.

Media Angels Creation Bundle Membership Site

Media Angels Creation Bundle

Do you believe that God created all … what about the world? Do you think HE could have created the world as stated in the Book of Genesis? This series will answer those questions and so much more!

No boring science here! Great hands-on activities that children love, and they’ll actually remember what they’ve learned long after the books are closed. Read great books, demonstrate theories with activities, and learn the joy of knowing our universe was created by an amazing God.

Completely re-edited with many pages added, including lesson plans

This is written for all grade levels integrating all subjects. This includes outlines, activities, experiments, vocabulary, reading lists, math ideas, book reviews, reproducible sheets, and much more. Get yours here.

 


Special Replay | Top 10 Faith Building Activities

Having fun and learning while teaching the faith, yes! Faith-building activities are discussed, as well as ways to help your children see the spiritual connection between faith and the Bible.Faith Building Activities Episode 325

Having fun and learning while teaching the faith, yes! Faith-building activities are discussed, as well as ways to help your children see the spiritual connection between faith and the Bible.

So, we all want to help our children grow in the Lord; in fact, the Scriptures tell us this Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. And of course, Deuteronomy 6:5-9 Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)

Scriptures as Faith Builders

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole strength. And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thy heart: And thou shalt tell them to thy children, and thou shalt meditate upon them sitting in thy house, and walking on thy journey, sleeping and rising. And thou shalt bind them as a sign on thy hand, and they shall be and shall move between thy eyes. And thou shalt write them in the entry, and on the doors of thy house.

There are so many more Scriptures as well! However, the most amazing thing I’ve learned, and I am sure you’ve experienced this, is that our kids pick up our worse habits! And, I’m sure it is because it is the ones that are modeled the most – yes, I’m talking to myself here as well. But the good news is that if we model great behavior, praying, reading our Bible, and doing Bible Study, the kids will also pick up our habits.

Prayer as a Faith Builder

First, stop and pray. Ask the Lord how best to teach your children. Ask the Lord to help you to find those teachable moments that bring home the love and compassion the Lord has for each one of us and especially His unconditional love for us!

You know, when you look at other religions outside of Catholicism and Christianity, you find that the gods that these faiths worship require different things. Some require obedience and submission, others require worship or ritualistic sacrifice. Our God only requires our obedience and love, and He returns His love to us.

Christianity is the truth. It is the real thing. It is not a falsehood. And, with that comes an amazing responsibility to teach our children and share the good news.

Here are my top 10 favorite Faith Building Activities:

The First 5 Faith Building Activities

  1. Attending Church
  2. Praying as a family – before meals, in the evening.
  3. Daily praise reports – what are we thankful for each day? We do this every evening after our evening prayers or devotionals
  4. Reading the Bible – and add a journal for older kids, be sure to check out this podcast on Teaching the Bible
  5. Listening to good Christian audios: Such as Christian music, or teaching audios like Adventures in Odyssey

And 5 More Faith Building Activities

  1. Watching good Christian films, for example, on sites like PureFlix.
  2. Story Starters: make a list of questions such as: What would Jesus do? Give them different scenarios, such as when mom asks you to pick up your clothes, help with the dishes, or do chores in general.
  3. Games that teach Christian concepts – https://childrensministry.com/10-active-indoor-sunday-school-games/ One we use to play as kids focused on the need to trust. What you would do is have someone stand in front of an adult and tell the kid to fall back. Most of the time, kids just can’t let go. The idea is that God is there all the time for us, and we need to let go to feel his arms around us, His embrace. Another fun game that was in the handout link on the show notes is giving two different kids a set of combination locks. One is given the combination, and the other isn’t. One will struggle, and the other will open the lock easily. The point here is to show that when we try to do things on our own, without listening to God, we struggle. But if we listen to God and follow His instructions, things will go so much easier.
  4. Acts of service. Helping at a food kitchen, collecting clothes and gently used toys to donate, visit the elderly at nursing homes.
  5. Memorizing Scripture and Prayers.

Remember

Friends, remember that the best way to teach about our faith is by demonstrating your love of God to others and setting an example. I pray that this podcast has been helpful and ask that you share the show with a friend, give me a star rating on iTunes or any podcast app where you listen, and please join me next week when I discuss helpful tips for parenting.