Thank you Ashlee for sharing. So many of us Christians are afraid to share our high standards with others because we don't want them to think we're being "holier than thou." But to that my daughter just said, "The whole point IS for us to be set apart." That's what Jesus calls us to do, to be very different from the world. 👍
I agree 100% with you. I have a 16 year old son and a 12 year old daughter and our family is seen as the odd, sheltered family. We're ok with not being like most people🤗 You're doing an amazing job with your family.
I was exposed too mature movies at a very young age and it was detrimental to my thinking and kind of makes me sick today thinking about it. As a result I am very careful what my children are exposed to as well. Thank you for such a great message and breaking the wordly mold. Praise the Lord God Almighty!
Yes girl, I agree with so much!! My eldest (18) is always told her standards are too high. Well sorry y'all, her standards are set by the MOST High. Raising Godly men and women is our number one priority as followers of Jesus Christ, and exposing our kids to sinful behavior is just not biblical no matter what the modern worldview is. Good job momma. 👏
As a former teacher and homeschooling mama, I never believed the social messaging about teenagers and the hype about their behavior. We raised our daughter with care and knowing the Lord, taught her the principles of life from scriptures, and respected and cherished her. I literally cannot remember one incidence of eye rolling, backtalking, or disrespect from her as an adolescent. We were happy and had a lot of fun as a family. Today she’s happily married and homeschooling her two, able to withstand ungodly pressure and we are best friends. I couldn’t be more thankful to the Lord for the privilege of raising her. When I was a teacher, so much teen misbehavior was excused on the basis of “hormones” and “that’s just being a teenager”. No. It is about expectations and nurture. The cult of teen tv, movies, early sexualization, spoiling, entitlement, indulgence-all that is the true culprit. Adolescence is a normal part of life that can be calm, kind, rational, yes sensitive, deeply feeling and imaginative. It is to be honored like any other phase of life, all of which were lived and sanctified by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you for this video. I am so glad that Covid-19 forced us to homeschool my youngest. I have seen so much growth in her heart, and character this past year. I love everything you said about protecting your children's childhood. Public school has become the robber of our children innocence. It wants to force our children's hearts to turn away from everything that is holy and Christ given. I hope and pray that with the closure of school's that parents eyes will be opened, and a revival will sweep through our nation.
Most of your reasons for homeschooling are also mine. I have a first grader and an almost 3 year old. I am a new Christian my husband isn’t there yet but he is open to learning more. My friends and family think I’m crazy to be so protective over my children and your videos give me so much encouragement. Thank you for making this video and all your others! I had to grow up way to fast and I don’t want my kids to.
I love that you talked about the difference between legalistic parenting and preserving childhood. My parents were extremely legalistic when I was young. My parents didn't want me to know about "the birds and the bees" until I was 15. So because I still attended a co-op and youth group once a week, I learned most things about sex from my friends at 12/13/14 instead. Even when I asked my parents why they wouldn't tell me, they never gave me any type of explanation. It was just "oh we don't dont talk about that". To make things worse, instead of my parents actually sitting down with me to have an honest safe discussion about sex, they gave me a book to read and told me to never look anything up on the internet. (BTW to late for that) Because of how legalistic my parents were, my siblings and I would often find ourselves hiding innocent things from our parents. We had cell phones by the time we were 12 and even figured out how to hide a whole lot of things from our parents on there. For example, I really liked One Direction as a young teenager. I loved their music and pretty much had atleast a little bit of a crush on all of them. But because I was told that having a crush on a boy was lust or inappropriate for my age(I was 13/14), I hid the whole fact that I even so much as recognized their existence. So. Coming from a college student who's parents still don't know that she had a crush on One Direction @ 13. Please don't be legalistic with your kids. I am the product of that and my parents still don't know what my interests are because I know they wouldn't "approve" of them. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.
*"You can't protect them forever"* That's an argument I've heard too many times but I completely agree with what you said about SETTING THE STANDARD so that they can determine as they go into adulthood. It's about foundation. The idea that we should set them up for the bad stuff instead of for good has always frustrated me about my naysayers.
Think about how creepy that sounds to us parents "You can't protect them forever" What does that mean? The world is bloodthirsty for our kids. They want to make them bad as soon as possible.
Thank you for making this video. It is so encouraging. My kids are the “sheltered” ones and I’m totally OK with that. But it’s great to have encouragement from another mama who’s a step ahead. I often feel alone in my convictions.
I’m so happy to have stumbled across this video. I have an 8 yr old daughter and have worried about many of these things. I have become very aware of the “teenage” stereotype that media perpetuates and that I also think the public school peer influence makes worse. I do not expect nor will I tolerate my children to become disrespectful, ungrateful teenagers. For that and many other reasons I will begin homeschooling for the first time for the 3rd grade and preschool. I’m very happy with my decision for our family but not all family members agree and try to undermine my position. I just bite my tongue and allow them to state their opinion and move on. Humility is of the utmost importance
Ashlee, you are truly one of my favorite (if not my favorite) TH-camr. The way you carry yourself and follow the Lord without compromise is so inspiring to me- a young homeschooling mama. You are truly an example of “what the enemy meant for evil, God will use for good!” You are a true lineage-changer and pioneer for Jesus! I am the same way in my family line! Do you have a video or have any advice about addressing things with the grandparents (like you mentioned) when they say something that you don’t allow in your family or your home? How do you set boundaries with them?
Hey Ashlee, This video blessed me so much. My childhood was also cut short and in that after giving my life to the Lord and having children I knew I was going to raise my children differently. It’s refreshing to see another mom not compromising even when it can get uncomfortable,especially with family etc. One major thing that has set me free is not living my life to please others anymore, but being led by the Spirit and inviting God into every aspect of my life (Definitely parenting) Thanks for being vulnerable and the encouragement to stand firm! 💓
I loved this video! I wasn't raised in a Christian household so you are such an inspiration to the type of mother I hope I am. Thank you so much for sharing!
I agree 1000% on everything! I have a 4 and 2 yo and I stand behind everything you’ve said, the world is SO corrupt and sinful and I think we should protect our kids as LONG as we can! I am planning on homeschooling and your channel is one of the ones I’m using for a reference!
Love this so much. This is something that I feel a lot of parents overlook and later regret overlooking if they realize what they missed. I definitely want to be intentional about it!
I'd love to know what your rules, guidelines, what you allow/don't allow, time limits etc. specifically related to her cell phone. We have held off on cell phones, but it is approaching with our oldest son who is 13. Also if there are any security/monitoring type programs you use in your house for internet. Thank you♥️
When I was a kid my parents did all they could to protect my innocence and I used to think they were silly and overprotective... Now that I'm a mom to 4 kids( that I also homeschool) I understand more than anything... I definitely get made fun of for trying to homeschool my children and for my reasons why but I wouldn't have it any other way and I'm proud of my family and don't want to be like everyone else!
Again, I just can't be anymore thankful for your obedience to the Lord to share so much and minister to us as a godly woman, mother, and wife! You are such an encouragement and you will never know in full the impact you're making in the world for so many people you may never meet. God bless you and your family!
If I could love this a thousand times I would. We as parents do not have to agree on anything or everything but I will defend all kids childhoods above all else!! Literally every point you made is basically wonderful!
This topic was honestly one of the largest reasons I decided to homeschool my nine (now) year old daughter. & Why I love a lot of your advice! She came home from public school throughout kinder telling us some of the things her new friends were telling her about life, women, girls, and herself. So many of the things did not align with my hopes for her. Things like thinking girls had to wear certain things and behave in ways, especially when in juxtaposition to boys. I just wanted the majority of her day to be spent exploring her own interests and heart. Rather than trying to behave in a way that will impress others. So thank you for this video! I also highly filter the content my little ones are able to enjoy. 😂
Thank you for speaking out about this. I think it is often overlooked how important it is to the soul to protect your children‘s innocence and childhood. If you don’t it‘s a wound that may never heal.
This was very encouraging to me because we’ve done all of these things with our kids as well and people tell us over and over again how nice, kind, and caring our kids are. My kids are innocent but very wise and mature at the same time. It can be a lonely place sometimes because most parents do not have the same standards that we have in our family but it is so very worth it. One thing that we did that might help those with littles right now is to have the rule that we “don’t comment on other people’s bodies”. This helped to discourage those embarrassing toddler outbursts of saying stuff to strangers but also as they’ve gotten older to not use words about our bodies as weapons. Even though the rule is about other people’s bodies, we’ve included our own bodies as well. My kids don’t hear me talk about my body in a negative way either.You can comment on someone’s character or what you like/dislike about someone but we don’t talk about other people’s bodies😊
Thank you so much for doing this video! We have many of the same beliefs. I've been questioned and accused of sheltering my children. It's weighed so heavy on my heart. We've had to separate ourselves from some of my husbands family as they don't have the same beliefs and I want to protect my kids from the toxicity.
Thanks for sharing this. We have set many of the same standards, as the Lord leads us. My two middle kids are now 19 and almost 22 and they still play with our younger child/children. They also still chase each other around the house. It's so funny and delightful to watch. Homeschooling for the last 14yrs has been such a blessing. It has allowed us to raise our kids in a godly way. It has also allowed our kids to have great relationships with us as parents, and with one another.
I absolutely adore this video Ashlee! We feel so alone sometimes in parenting this way, and it’s very encouraging to hear that there are other families doing things this way. Our oldest of four is also a girl, almost 13, and we see many of the same beautiful pay-offs you described!~Caryn
I wish I was wise enough to have implemented these things from the beginning. Ashlee, I've said it so many times. You are truly an inspiration to so many! Please keep it up, our world needs more people like you and your husband. ❤
Wow, you hit the nail on the head with all of this. You literally vocalized and worded everything in my head/heart perfectly! We follow pretty much all of these as well for the same reasons. It is an absolute breath of fresh air to see another family on that same page. ❤️
Thank you so very much for sharing this and having this "mom chat"! This was honestly the BEST video I have ever watched on TH-cam! I truly hope you can do more of these! This was so encouraging and truly helps other moms like myself in so many ways! I wish we could go out for coffee and speak more about each one of these topics for hours! I would love to hear more about what you allow media wise! My children are young 7, 5 and 3 and we have the same thoughts as you shared. I question certain things but always am worried that I am crossing that fine line that you mentioned and would love to know more about this. Do you let your boys play video games at all and what are the rules on them, do you allow barbies in your home, can they watch barbie shows or movies, can you go into more detail about certain things that you didn't want them to watch other than the obvious things? Are your children allowed to watch kids youtube at all if you are around? How do you both go about making sure you dont cross that line that will make them upset with you, rebel, want to do the opposite or want to partake in all of this because they felt sheltered? This is one of our biggest concerns. We always have this conversation and we truly dont want to be too overbearing or controlling but lead them in the right direction. We want them to want these things for themselves and understand why. I would love for you to go over all of these more! It was incredibly helpful and also so nice to know we are not the only other family that focuses on these topics. :) I feel like I could ask you 1,000 more questions on this one TH-cam video!! Thank you again! You can truly see how much these decisions have blessed your family!
Oh Ashlee. I'm at the end and tears are coming. "Its never too late to say we're gonna clean this area up a bit." Your wisdom is amazing here. Thank you so much. Thank you. I don't even know where to begin. Just thank you. I cherish this video 💗 from one girl who's innocence was stolen to another - so, so much love 💜
You are so right about being to legalistic in your rules, my parents took a more balanced approach and we’re criticized from some of their legalistic Christian friends who saw the devil in everything. Now that am 38 and have seen those kids turn into adults they went in the total opposite direction. Although they seemed to have a great deal of control over them as kids none of them have very good relationships with their parents or with God. To see them as adults I would never know they were raised in a Christian household
I love this video! My kids are still little so its great to hear what you did when raising your kids. My parents are not Christians, but they protected my innocence when growing up. Going to school and interacting with classmates is definitely what took away that innocence. Learning about things that I definitely should not have learned about.
Thank you for this video. So much great advice & tips! I am a mom of 5 😊 I feel like I started off my parenting journey strong then we loosened the reigns a bit and now we see a major difference between our oldest & our middle. Thank you for the encouragement at the end of the video. Lord willing it’s not too late!
Thank you so much for making this video! My oldest is 3 and one of the main reasons we are going to homeschool our kids (obviously we arent at the age yet) is to promote that strong family unit and preserve their innocence. Many of the things you said were things we were going to implement as well in our home ☺️ You also gave me new things to ponder that I hadn’t thought of and to think about as well! 🤓 Thank you again for making such an encouraging and heartfelt video! ♥️💕 These mom heart videos are among my favorites of the videos you make! 💜
As usual, another amazing video. We are very adamant also about protecting our kids and maintaining their innocence as long as possible. I am definitely not a Disney hater by any means but I feel personally it gave me a very unrealistic view on love that honestly took me practically my entire twenties to recover from. I am struggling with how to explain healthy relationships to my kids so they can also enjoy the fairy tales.
I wholeheartedly agree & we do the same! I grew up too fast and was exposed to things that I wish I wasn’t... Childhood is so precious and it’s almost healing to give my children the kind of childhood I never had.
This video nicely articulates my thoughts since my son was a baby. I have never wanted to rush him into anything. A lot of parents comment "I can't wait until he/she can walk, talk, etc." I never said that bc I wanted to savor the moments we were having not blast past years of growing up. It's important to let them be kids because adulting comes soon enough.
A million percent agree with you. I lost friends because I raise my children differently than them, my children have been made front of because they do not fit into the "wordy" attitudes. Feeling rejected and alone at times is better than going along with things that do not glorify our Lord. Praise God for you as you are another confirmation for me that I am making right decisions even being single mom of tow girls. Blessings to you....
Girl, you are amazing. I am 100% with you on protecting and preserving childhood for our kids. You are doing an amazing job as a parent and as a leader for your viewers. You are a great communicator too. Thank you for doing what you do! I am learning so much from you!
I have 3 girls who are all little and I totally agree. Preserving their innocence is my main goal. I had a long innocent childhood and loved that. I still have high moral and respect my values at all costs.
Wise mother! It is absolutely ridiculous that anyone that watches your videos would give this a thumbs down. Maybe out of conviction/guilt? Anyhow, thank you for sharing these values!
I have a boy and a girl, 6 and 5, and this is so rich and helpful. I want them to grow up to be godly and looking to the Lord for their identity. Your channel is so encouraging!
Love this video 😍 I have an 18 year old son who only now is on social media. He had an amazing childhood without social media or cell phones. My other two kids ask for cell phones and I can use my eldest as an example to them. He enjoys spending time with us and has developed good friendships as well. Thank you 💕
I love this so much!!! Mine are (all boys) almost 8, 6 and a little one... my husband and I also homeschool and believe in protecting their innocence! Playing outside "hunting groundhogs", being together... and blessing them everyday! We also already speak blessings over their beautiful teenage years ❤ ! I love to hear your teenage experience and preteen...
I’m currently watching this while my two-year-old naps and while I’m holding my four-month-old for his nap & it was just what I needed. I’ve been feeling so sad about them growing up & losing their childlike sweetness, but this is encouraging that we can work to cultivate it. 🤍
Oh wow! This was so good! Coming from a Mom who has raised two girls, this is a much needed “Mom Chat”. I still have two little girls in my home and it’s always good to have a refresher course. So thank you! You are a WONDERFUL Mom!
Its wonderful to be sheltered in our broken, dark society. To me that means you have parents who care about you and your well being. "Sheltered" should be a badge of honor for all involved, full time parents. Childhood is short, let your children have it. Don't pervert the innocence.
I loved this so much and wish more people took protecting childhood innocence into teen years this serious. My daughter is very bright and creative at 12 and still plays with toys and makes “movies” with her iPad . We have homeschooled her whole life and I’m just so grateful for that opportunity. Thank you for all these reminders to watch what we say about age and to model modesty in all things for our children 🙏👏🏻🤗
Wish I could double like! This was so so good... Especially the point about kids living up to what others say about them, I feel that's particularly easy to fall into with the generalization that teenagers are "moody", fight with their parents, spend all their time in their rooms etc. So good to see this view challenged.
Really appreciate this. My girls are 81/2 and I've been thinking I need to start Birds & the Bees type conversations for the reason that you mentioned of wanting to do it before the world does. Well we homeschool and they are very sweet and innocent and there really is no rush. I read something once about how it's not keeping your kids in a bubble but in a greenhouse. We can filter what content they get from the world.
This is one of my absolute top 3 reasons for homeschooling my children. I adore their innocence and childlike happiness bar I sadly do not always see on other kids their ages. Thank YOU for sharing what has worked for your family. ♥️
Loved this and was very encouraged by it, thank you! My oldest is 11 (boy) and I love that you make a distinction between preserving childhood, and that innocence not being a bad thing...innocence does not mean ignorant, nor is it bad that they don't have the attitude and "education" that kids in the public schools tend to get. Thank you again!
Wow!! Thank you so much for this video and sharing your heart! I have a toddler and I have learned so many things to implement! Such an awesome insight into your Christian values and home! Thank you!!
Love this so much! Sometimes it’s a lonely road but I wouldn’t want it any other way. It always felt creepy to me when my step dad would say things about other women & knew from a young age I wouldn’t be having that kind of influence around my children. And I just want to say for anyone reading this just because you have strong morals and pure guidelines for raising your little humans doesn’t mean you are Christian. Many people think I am because of how I choose to raise my kids but I just like to call it my common conscious sense and being an aware being ❤️ thanks for the video Ashlee!
Ashley!!!!! Your a breath of fresh air. We have done this and continue to do this with our kiddos ages 19-5. Our teens still spend time with their little siblings because they truly love them. Agree 100 percent!!!!!! And keeping a good relationship with your kids is key.
This is such valuable information. Anyone that has watched your channel can see the fruits of your labor in your precious children. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
This was a wonderful video. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on such an important topic. Like minded myself and it can be a struggle to persevere when so much of the world has a very different view. I’m so happy we made the choice years ago to homeschool that was a very important first step in our family’s walk.
I was very uplifted by this video. I have a soon to be tween boy. He is very mature but he is still so innocent in so many ways. He loves sleeping with his favorite stuff animals. Plays with his toys and so on. I see other former friends from his years in private school, already so grown up for their age and I see him and I see innocense. I have always tried to the best of my ability to protect that innocense. I myself was married by the time I was 16 and in the relationship by the time I was 14. So to me, innocense of my children is worth gold and I want to protect it. Even when the world seems to try to force growing up on them. So thank you for your heart to heart conversation. I take with me the wisdom that you have poured here based on your experience. I am happy to hear how you protect your daughter and the little bits and pieces you show...I love seeing her still be a kid.
This was such an excellent video, thank you so much! I feel the same ways with everything you’ve said, you just have a better way of saying it than I do. I always get criticized for not letting my girls stay the night with other kids. I want to share this with everyone I know!
Thank you so much for this video!! We do most of these things but this has helped me to realize areas we may need to reconsider and update! It does get hard when people don’t understand why you say no to certain things!
This is amazing! I Iove hearing that others are raising kids this way. We have found our kids are so much happier in life because of this similar way of parenting.
Crazy awesome timing! I was watching my 7 yro and almost 4 yro playing outside today and I was thinking, how glad I am to be able to help preserve their innocence through homeschooling. I was thinking how to keep that up and you posted this wonderful video!
Thank you so much for the reminders! My youngest is 12 (almost 13), but I also have 3 adult children who now have families of their own. I have learned that preserving and protecting our children’s innocence is vital. Yes, the World will knock them down, but by arming them with a solid foundation of WHO’S they are (God’s precious child), who they are as individuals and what values are important they will have a FIRM FOUNDATION to pick themselves up and stand tall. Against my advice, my brother & sister-in-law gave my niece (their only child) her own cell phone when she was 10 years old (she is now 13.5 yrs old). She didn’t need it, she just wanted it because her friends had one. They now tell me all the time that giving her a cell phone is one of their biggest regrets. The drama, the tears and the social media influence is ridiculous. My sister-in-law even said that other girl’s moms were texting her and other mom’s trying to gossip about all the drama between my nieces friends! We will wait until our daughter truly needs her own phone. Thankfully, our daughter understands and doesn’t ever complain about it. Thanks be to God!
So many thoughts lol. First, we've sheilded our kids, but we used "we are adults we can watch it" and God has been working on us and we've decided if the kids can't watch it neither can we. I'm also guilty of saying and expecting my kids to dislike me as teens and you made really good points. Just because the world has normalized that doesn't mean it's normal. Who really wants to be alone. My two sons have unfortunately been exposed to some things in public school so now we are honeschooling and working hard to back track these things. Thanks for this video. It's a lot of food for thought for sure.
I could cry! My husband and I already do these things with our children, but I am particularly *very* aware and protective, and I didn’t realize it fully until this video that I am that way because of my own childhood (or the very early and abrupt end of my own childhood). Thank you for this video and affirming our want/need to preserve and protect our children’s innocence! ♥️
Yes 🙌🙌. As a mama of 6 kids but the oldest being 16yo, I can attest to all the things you said!!! I hate when people stereotype teens(or any age/stage) like that. My teen is amazing and I love talking with her and spendit time with her ❤️. And, yes, it's out JOB! We can't take it lightly. Thanks for sharing this. I hope many hear it and are convicted.
This was so timely - just what we talked about in my mom’s bible study group today. We have to be the gate keepers as the culture tries to raise our kids. ❤️
You really are such a brave soul, Ashlee! You talk about the hard stuff, the stuff that truly matters in life, and you do so boldly and unapologetically rooted in Christ. Your wise words of wisdom, spoken eloquently and from the heart, have a way of connecting with anyone raising children in these scary times that we are living in today! Your thoughts behind the way you choose to raise your children are 100% aligned to my thoughts as well, and many other parents I am sure. Thank you for reminding the world of what wholesome parenting should look like, in my opinion! I really think your channel is going to evolve into a powerful ministry! The way God speaks through you is so relatable and is often a very powerful motivator/reminder to us mommas/parents to keep fighting for our Christian values and aiming to protect the innocence of our children as we raise them up to follow God. Praying doors will continue to be opened for you as you boldly step out in faith as a teacher of women and mothers! Blessings to you always!
THANK YOU for this video! We have been literally distraught over whether to return our kids to public school this next year (after 2 years of homeschooling started with COVID), or continue homeschooling which we have loved. I have been so worried about all the "fun" they might miss in school with athletics, band, choir, prom, etc. But, I have also fully realized that there is far more negative by sending them out of our home. I want my kids to have a protected childhood, and I want to keep all of those negative peer pressures away while they are still young and immature. I appreciate every single point you made on this video and literally consider it to be an answer to my prayer for guidance on this topic. 💜
Thank you so much for the encouragement and hope for our children and future generations! This is one of the best videos I’ve ever watched on here because it gives hope to other parents who have a similar heart for their children🙏 💜
Amen Ashlee! This is such a wonderful encouragement and I’m so glad you shared this. We’ve been homeschooling for 12 years and have been very protective over our three boys too. That is our call from the Lord- to protect over our children. Being over protective is a different thing and can lead to rebellion. Protecting over our children is our job, our mission as their parents. Our 16 and 14 year olds are much different than the “typical” teens and we are so grateful that we followed God’s prompting in our hearts to follow these same principles. Keep sharing, the world needs to hear and see that childhood is a precious gift and as parents we need to guard their hearts and minds against the culture. I’m grateful you are seeing the fruit of going against cultural norms. It’s not easy but oh so worth it! Keep going mama! 💕
I feel less alone. My kids are 7, 4, and 2 and we parent similarly. I've gotten odd looks and remarks for not letting my kids watch, listen, or have certain things. It's definitely a discernment and personal choice but I wish more Christian families would filter what they allow for their children. You guys are doing great. Thanks for this encouragement. I hope I can see some of the fruit you are when mine are older.
I absolutely LOVED watching this. I had a son out of wedlock before i was saved and the heart ache and worry that creeps up not being able to shield him... i wish it on no one. I'm planning on homeschooling my other 4 who are 4 and under for many of the reasons you shared. thank you for being open and speaking truth. i needed this x
Marissa Wendt , I am so sorry for your heartache. I can only image it was the same heartache my mother felt for me. I was the child my mother had before she married and had 2 more children with her husband. My absolute best advice would be to always make sure your son feels valued, included, and above all....wanted. My small advice because I know a lot of people have huge opinions on this would be to leave the past behind you. Even if it gets uncomfortable.....I really wish my mom had never let me see my Dad on the random occasions that he decided to step in. But, take this with a grain of salt, I know every family dynamic is extremely different. It's just me speaking from my own experiences.💗💗💗 I pray for you and your family, in Jesus name.
Thank you for being brave and sharing this info! I pray over my 1 year old son almost every night that God would preserve his childlike innocence and mark him for purity even into his adult years. I feel like the things you talked about are such confirmation that I’m going in the right direction with homeschooling in the future. I loved everything you shared and will be taking your advice and adding it to my plans for how to be parent intentionally. You have a beautiful heart and family. God bless.
Thank u so much for this video. This is what I pray for and strive for in our family. My oldest is 9 and I love that he is still a child. Agree with everything you said!
I love this!!! I truly breaks my heart to see some of the things parents are allowing their very young children to do on social media, etc! Thank you for protecting your children- There are so many great parents out there, and I know you’re one of them!
Thanks so much for embracing the role of the guardian of your children's lives. I am a 35 year old and my parents literally did everything you are doing. I've been jabbed at a bit for being naive and child-like over the years, but the compliment I relish the most, even now, is that people want to be as free spirited as I am. But ya know what it's from!? My awesome parents protecting my childhood and having allowed me to be myself and like what I liked and enveloping me in love. And also by hiding my keys when I insisted on going clubbing that one time I was 17. Thanks for the encouragement and advice as I raise my own little guys in this great big world
I have seen all of your videos, and this one has to be my favorite. So much Godly, healthy, unashamed wisdom. Thankful the Lord used you to send this message out.
Thank you Ashley, I have two boys, we live in Florida I can tell how my child is different from all the crowd, this makes me feel so much better, I am not alone for sure 🙏🏻🤍
Yet again , a video with so much wisdom . We agree on so many of these things . Most importantly to us would be not believing what the world tells us about our kids as they get older . Thank you for always sharing your heart openly with us !
Love this and thank you for this. It's only been a year for me and my 8 year old boy. It has been a little hard but I know this is what God wants and what we want. But one thing I'm tired of is everyone telling me he needs to be around other kids and he needs to socialize.
Thank you Ashlee for sharing. So many of us Christians are afraid to share our high standards with others because we don't want them to think we're being "holier than thou." But to that my daughter just said, "The whole point IS for us to be set apart." That's what Jesus calls us to do, to be very different from the world. 👍
I agree 100% with you. I have a 16 year old son and a 12 year old daughter and our family is seen as the odd, sheltered family. We're ok with not being like most people🤗 You're doing an amazing job with your family.
I was exposed too mature movies at a very young age and it was
detrimental to my thinking and kind of makes me sick today thinking about it. As a result I am very careful what my children are exposed to as well. Thank you for such a great message and breaking the wordly mold. Praise the Lord God Almighty!
Same except i was exposed to things at school it’s scary because you realize being older too omg an adult exposed the child first very disturbing
Yes girl, I agree with so much!! My eldest (18) is always told her standards are too high. Well sorry y'all, her standards are set by the MOST High. Raising Godly men and women is our number one priority as followers of Jesus Christ, and exposing our kids to sinful behavior is just not biblical no matter what the modern worldview is. Good job momma. 👏
🙌🙌🙌
As a former teacher and homeschooling mama, I never believed the social messaging about teenagers and the hype about their behavior. We raised our daughter with care and knowing the Lord, taught her the principles of life from scriptures, and respected and cherished her. I literally cannot remember one incidence of eye rolling, backtalking, or disrespect from her as an adolescent. We were happy and had a lot of fun as a family. Today she’s happily married and homeschooling her two, able to withstand ungodly pressure and we are best friends. I couldn’t be more thankful to the Lord for the privilege of raising her.
When I was a teacher, so much teen misbehavior was excused on the basis of “hormones” and “that’s just being a teenager”. No. It is about expectations and nurture. The cult of teen tv, movies, early sexualization, spoiling, entitlement, indulgence-all that is the true culprit.
Adolescence is a normal part of life that can be calm, kind, rational, yes sensitive, deeply feeling and imaginative. It is to be honored like any other phase of life, all of which were lived and sanctified by our Lord Jesus Christ.
🥰🥰
Oh this comment is SO good!
Thank you for this video. I am so glad that Covid-19 forced us to homeschool my youngest. I have seen so much growth in her heart, and character this past year. I love everything you said about protecting your children's childhood. Public school has become the robber of our children innocence. It wants to force our children's hearts to turn away from everything that is holy and Christ given. I hope and pray that with the closure of school's that parents eyes will be opened, and a revival will sweep through our nation.
amen this 100 percent
Most of your reasons for homeschooling are also mine. I have a first grader and an almost 3 year old. I am a new Christian my husband isn’t there yet but he is open to learning more. My friends and family think I’m crazy to be so protective over my children and your videos give me so much encouragement. Thank you for making this video and all your others! I had to grow up way to fast and I don’t want my kids to.
Yes! My 13 year old (boy) still loves to play with action figures and build with blocks/magnatiles. We need to let kids be kids!
Love this so much! My two youngest (9 and 7) were blown away that people can have babies without being married. I love their innocence.
I love that you talked about the difference between legalistic parenting and preserving childhood. My parents were extremely legalistic when I was young. My parents didn't want me to know about "the birds and the bees" until I was 15. So because I still attended a co-op and youth group once a week, I learned most things about sex from my friends at 12/13/14 instead. Even when I asked my parents why they wouldn't tell me, they never gave me any type of explanation. It was just "oh we don't dont talk about that". To make things worse, instead of my parents actually sitting down with me to have an honest safe discussion about sex, they gave me a book to read and told me to never look anything up on the internet. (BTW to late for that) Because of how legalistic my parents were, my siblings and I would often find ourselves hiding innocent things from our parents. We had cell phones by the time we were 12 and even figured out how to hide a whole lot of things from our parents on there. For example, I really liked One Direction as a young teenager. I loved their music and pretty much had atleast a little bit of a crush on all of them. But because I was told that having a crush on a boy was lust or inappropriate for my age(I was 13/14), I hid the whole fact that I even so much as recognized their existence.
So. Coming from a college student who's parents still don't know that she had a crush on One Direction @ 13. Please don't be legalistic with your kids. I am the product of that and my parents still don't know what my interests are because I know they wouldn't "approve" of them. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.
*"You can't protect them forever"* That's an argument I've heard too many times but I completely agree with what you said about SETTING THE STANDARD so that they can determine as they go into adulthood. It's about foundation. The idea that we should set them up for the bad stuff instead of for good has always frustrated me about my naysayers.
Agree!! 100!!
Think about how creepy that sounds to us parents "You can't protect them forever" What does that mean? The world is bloodthirsty for our kids. They want to make them bad as soon as possible.
Thank you for making this video. It is so encouraging. My kids are the “sheltered” ones and I’m totally OK with that. But it’s great to have encouragement from another mama who’s a step ahead. I often feel alone in my convictions.
I'm right there with you, Molly. It makes our family different and I like that.
I’m so happy to have stumbled across this video. I have an 8 yr old daughter and have worried about many of these things. I have become very aware of the “teenage” stereotype that media perpetuates and that I also think the public school peer influence makes worse. I do not expect nor will I tolerate my children to become disrespectful, ungrateful teenagers. For that and many other reasons I will begin homeschooling for the first time for the 3rd grade and preschool. I’m very happy with my decision for our family but not all family members agree and try to undermine my position. I just bite my tongue and allow them to state their opinion and move on. Humility is of the utmost importance
Ashlee, you are truly one of my favorite (if not my favorite) TH-camr. The way you carry yourself and follow the Lord without compromise is so inspiring to me- a young homeschooling mama. You are truly an example of “what the enemy meant for evil, God will use for good!” You are a true lineage-changer and pioneer for Jesus! I am the same way in my family line! Do you have a video or have any advice about addressing things with the grandparents (like you mentioned) when they say something that you don’t allow in your family or your home? How do you set boundaries with them?
Hey Ashlee, This video blessed me so much. My childhood was also cut short and in that after giving my life to the Lord and having children I knew I was going to raise my children differently. It’s refreshing to see another mom not compromising even when it can get uncomfortable,especially with family etc. One major thing that has set me free is not living my life to please others anymore, but being led by the Spirit and inviting God into every aspect of my life (Definitely parenting) Thanks for being vulnerable and the encouragement to stand firm! 💓
Amen!
I loved this video! I wasn't raised in a Christian household so you are such an inspiration to the type of mother I hope I am. Thank you so much for sharing!
I agree 1000% on everything! I have a 4 and 2 yo and I stand behind everything you’ve said, the world is SO corrupt and sinful and I think we should protect our kids as LONG as we can! I am planning on homeschooling and your channel is one of the ones I’m using for a reference!
Love this so much. This is something that I feel a lot of parents overlook and later regret overlooking if they realize what they missed. I definitely want to be intentional about it!
I'd love to know what your rules, guidelines, what you allow/don't allow, time limits etc. specifically related to her cell phone. We have held off on cell phones, but it is approaching with our oldest son who is 13. Also if there are any security/monitoring type programs you use in your house for internet. Thank you♥️
I’ll make a New video soon!
When I was a kid my parents did all they could to protect my innocence and I used to think they were silly and overprotective... Now that I'm a mom to 4 kids( that I also homeschool) I understand more than anything... I definitely get made fun of for trying to homeschool my children and for my reasons why but I wouldn't have it any other way and I'm proud of my family and don't want to be like everyone else!
Again, I just can't be anymore thankful for your obedience to the Lord to share so much and minister to us as a godly woman, mother, and wife! You are such an encouragement and you will never know in full the impact you're making in the world for so many people you may never meet. God bless you and your family!
If I could love this a thousand times I would. We as parents do not have to agree on anything or everything but I will defend all kids childhoods above all else!! Literally every point you made is basically wonderful!
This topic was honestly one of the largest reasons I decided to homeschool my nine (now) year old daughter. & Why I love a lot of your advice! She came home from public school throughout kinder telling us some of the things her new friends were telling her about life, women, girls, and herself. So many of the things did not align with my hopes for her. Things like thinking girls had to wear certain things and behave in ways, especially when in juxtaposition to boys.
I just wanted the majority of her day to be spent exploring her own interests and heart. Rather than trying to behave in a way that will impress others.
So thank you for this video! I also highly filter the content my little ones are able to enjoy. 😂
Thank you for speaking out about this. I think it is often overlooked how important it is to the soul to protect your children‘s innocence and childhood. If you don’t it‘s a wound that may never heal.
This was very encouraging to me because we’ve done all of these things with our kids as well and people tell us over and over again how nice, kind, and caring our kids are. My kids are innocent but very wise and mature at the same time. It can be a lonely place sometimes because most parents do not have the same standards that we have in our family but it is so very worth it. One thing that we did that might help those with littles right now is to have the rule that we “don’t comment on other people’s bodies”. This helped to discourage those embarrassing toddler outbursts of saying stuff to strangers but also as they’ve gotten older to not use words about our bodies as weapons. Even though the rule is about other people’s bodies, we’ve included our own bodies as well. My kids don’t hear me talk about my body in a negative way either.You can comment on someone’s character or what you like/dislike about someone but we don’t talk about other people’s bodies😊
Thank you so much for doing this video! We have many of the same beliefs. I've been questioned and accused of sheltering my children. It's weighed so heavy on my heart. We've had to separate ourselves from some of my husbands family as they don't have the same beliefs and I want to protect my kids from the toxicity.
Thanks for sharing this. We have set many of the same standards, as the Lord leads us. My two middle kids are now 19 and almost 22 and they still play with our younger child/children. They also still chase each other around the house. It's so funny and delightful to watch. Homeschooling for the last 14yrs has been such a blessing. It has allowed us to raise our kids in a godly way. It has also allowed our kids to have great relationships with us as parents, and with one another.
I absolutely adore this video Ashlee! We feel so alone sometimes in parenting this way, and it’s very encouraging to hear that there are other families doing things this way. Our oldest of four is also a girl, almost 13, and we see many of the same beautiful pay-offs you described!~Caryn
I wish I was wise enough to have implemented these things from the beginning. Ashlee, I've said it so many times. You are truly an inspiration to so many! Please keep it up, our world needs more people like you and your husband. ❤
Wow, you hit the nail on the head with all of this. You literally vocalized and worded everything in my head/heart perfectly! We follow pretty much all of these as well for the same reasons. It is an absolute breath of fresh air to see another family on that same page. ❤️
Thank you so very much for sharing this and having this "mom chat"! This was honestly the BEST video I have ever watched on TH-cam! I truly hope you can do more of these! This was so encouraging and truly helps other moms like myself in so many ways! I wish we could go out for coffee and speak more about each one of these topics for hours! I would love to hear more about what you allow media wise! My children are young 7, 5 and 3 and we have the same thoughts as you shared. I question certain things but always am worried that I am crossing that fine line that you mentioned and would love to know more about this. Do you let your boys play video games at all and what are the rules on them, do you allow barbies in your home, can they watch barbie shows or movies, can you go into more detail about certain things that you didn't want them to watch other than the obvious things? Are your children allowed to watch kids youtube at all if you are around? How do you both go about making sure you dont cross that line that will make them upset with you, rebel, want to do the opposite or want to partake in all of this because they felt sheltered? This is one of our biggest concerns. We always have this conversation and we truly dont want to be too overbearing or controlling but lead them in the right direction. We want them to want these things for themselves and understand why. I would love for you to go over all of these more! It was incredibly helpful and also so nice to know we are not the only other family that focuses on these topics. :) I feel like I could ask you 1,000 more questions on this one TH-cam video!! Thank you again! You can truly see how much these decisions have blessed your family!
Oh Ashlee. I'm at the end and tears are coming. "Its never too late to say we're gonna clean this area up a bit." Your wisdom is amazing here. Thank you so much. Thank you. I don't even know where to begin. Just thank you. I cherish this video 💗 from one girl who's innocence was stolen to another - so, so much love 💜
You are so right about being to legalistic in your rules, my parents took a more balanced approach and we’re criticized from some of their legalistic Christian friends who saw the devil in everything. Now that am 38 and have seen those kids turn into adults they went in the total opposite direction. Although they seemed to have a great deal of control over them as kids none of them have very good relationships with their parents or with God. To see them as adults I would never know they were raised in a Christian household
Such a tough line to find, but so important!
I love this video! My kids are still little so its great to hear what you did when raising your kids. My parents are not Christians, but they protected my innocence when growing up. Going to school and interacting with classmates is definitely what took away that innocence. Learning about things that I definitely should not have learned about.
Oh my gosh, I hate the boyfriend/girlfriend/crush talk applied to children! It drives me batty!
I am in love with what this channel represents. Yes. Yes. Yes.
Thank you for this video. So much great advice & tips! I am a mom of 5 😊 I feel like I started off my parenting journey strong then we loosened the reigns a bit and now we see a major difference between our oldest & our middle. Thank you for the encouragement at the end of the video. Lord willing it’s not too late!
Thank you so much for making this video! My oldest is 3 and one of the main reasons we are going to homeschool our kids (obviously we arent at the age yet) is to promote that strong family unit and preserve their innocence. Many of the things you said were things we were going to implement as well in our home ☺️ You also gave me new things to ponder that I hadn’t thought of and to think about as well! 🤓 Thank you again for making such an encouraging and heartfelt video! ♥️💕 These mom heart videos are among my favorites of the videos you make! 💜
As usual, another amazing video. We are very adamant also about protecting our kids and maintaining their innocence as long as possible.
I am definitely not a Disney hater by any means but I feel personally it gave me a very unrealistic view on love that honestly took me practically my entire twenties to recover from. I am struggling with how to explain healthy relationships to my kids so they can also enjoy the fairy tales.
This is truly great and even more relevant now than two years ago. I really appreciate your content.
I wholeheartedly agree & we do the same! I grew up too fast and was exposed to things that I wish I wasn’t... Childhood is so precious and it’s almost healing to give my children the kind of childhood I never had.
This video nicely articulates my thoughts since my son was a baby. I have never wanted to rush him into anything. A lot of parents comment "I can't wait until he/she can walk, talk, etc." I never said that bc I wanted to savor the moments we were having not blast past years of growing up. It's important to let them be kids because adulting comes soon enough.
A million percent agree with you. I lost friends because I raise my children differently than them, my children have been made front of because they do not fit into the "wordy" attitudes. Feeling rejected and alone at times is better than going along with things that do not glorify our Lord. Praise God for you as you are another confirmation for me that I am making right decisions even being single mom of tow girls. Blessings to you....
Girl, you are amazing. I am 100% with you on protecting and preserving childhood for our kids. You are doing an amazing job as a parent and as a leader for your viewers. You are a great communicator too. Thank you for doing what you do! I am learning so much from you!
I have 3 girls who are all little and I totally agree. Preserving their innocence is my main goal. I had a long innocent childhood and loved that. I still have high moral and respect my values at all costs.
I love your channel and appreciate your Christian values in each video you do. Out of all the videos I have watched, this is my favorite
Wise mother! It is absolutely ridiculous that anyone that watches your videos would give this a thumbs down. Maybe out of conviction/guilt? Anyhow, thank you for sharing these values!
I have a boy and a girl, 6 and 5, and this is so rich and helpful. I want them to grow up to be godly and looking to the Lord for their identity. Your channel is so encouraging!
Love this video 😍 I have an 18 year old son who only now is on social media. He had an amazing childhood without social media or cell phones. My other two kids ask for cell phones and I can use my eldest as an example to them. He enjoys spending time with us and has developed good friendships as well. Thank you 💕
I love this so much!!! Mine are (all boys) almost 8, 6 and a little one... my husband and I also homeschool and believe in protecting their innocence! Playing outside "hunting groundhogs", being together... and blessing them everyday! We also already speak blessings over their beautiful teenage years ❤ ! I love to hear your teenage experience and preteen...
I’m currently watching this while my two-year-old naps and while I’m holding my four-month-old for his nap & it was just what I needed. I’ve been feeling so sad about them growing up & losing their childlike sweetness, but this is encouraging that we can work to cultivate it. 🤍
Oh wow! This was so good! Coming from a Mom who has raised two girls, this is a much needed “Mom Chat”. I still have two little girls in my home and it’s always good to have a refresher course. So thank you! You are a WONDERFUL Mom!
Its wonderful to be sheltered in our broken, dark society. To me that means you have parents who care about you and your well being. "Sheltered" should be a badge of honor for all involved, full time parents. Childhood is short, let your children have it. Don't pervert the innocence.
I loved this so much and wish more people took protecting childhood innocence into teen years this serious. My daughter is very bright and creative at 12 and still plays with toys and makes “movies” with her iPad . We have homeschooled her whole life and I’m just so grateful for that opportunity. Thank you for all these reminders to watch what we say about age and to model modesty in all things for our children 🙏👏🏻🤗
God knew i needed to watch this. A video from a yr ago and it’s the first one that popped up when i opened this app. So good🙏🏻
Wish I could double like! This was so so good... Especially the point about kids living up to what others say about them, I feel that's particularly easy to fall into with the generalization that teenagers are "moody", fight with their parents, spend all their time in their rooms etc. So good to see this view challenged.
Really appreciate this. My girls are 81/2 and I've been thinking I need to start Birds & the Bees type conversations for the reason that you mentioned of wanting to do it before the world does. Well we homeschool and they are very sweet and innocent and there really is no rush. I read something once about how it's not keeping your kids in a bubble but in a greenhouse. We can filter what content they get from the world.
Nailed it! My oldest is 9 & I wholeheartedly agree with you!!
This is one of my absolute top 3 reasons for homeschooling my children. I adore their innocence and childlike happiness bar I sadly do not always see on other kids their ages.
Thank YOU for sharing what has worked for your family. ♥️
Loved this and was very encouraged by it, thank you! My oldest is 11 (boy) and I love that you make a distinction between preserving childhood, and that innocence not being a bad thing...innocence does not mean ignorant, nor is it bad that they don't have the attitude and "education" that kids in the public schools tend to get. Thank you again!
Wow!! Thank you so much for this video and sharing your heart! I have a toddler and I have learned so many things to implement! Such an awesome insight into your Christian values and home! Thank you!!
Love this so much! Sometimes it’s a lonely road but I wouldn’t want it any other way. It always felt creepy to me when my step dad would say things about other women & knew from a young age I wouldn’t be having that kind of influence around my children. And I just want to say for anyone reading this just because you have strong morals and pure guidelines for raising your little humans doesn’t mean you are Christian. Many people think I am because of how I choose to raise my kids but I just like to call it my common conscious sense and being an aware being ❤️ thanks for the video Ashlee!
Ashley!!!!! Your a breath of fresh air. We have done this and continue to do this with our kiddos ages 19-5. Our teens still spend time with their little siblings because they truly love them. Agree 100 percent!!!!!! And keeping a good relationship with your kids is key.
My eldest just turned 13, and I so needed this video. Thank you ❤️🕊🌻
It’s so refreshing to know others are raising their kids in a protected way!!!!! I appreciate you putting this out there ❤️
This is such valuable information. Anyone that has watched your channel can see the fruits of your labor in your precious children. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
This was a wonderful video. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on such an important topic. Like minded myself and it can be a struggle to persevere when so much of the world has a very different view. I’m so happy we made the choice years ago to homeschool that was a very important first step in our family’s walk.
I was very uplifted by this video. I have a soon to be tween boy. He is very mature but he is still so innocent in so many ways. He loves sleeping with his favorite stuff animals. Plays with his toys and so on. I see other former friends from his years in private school, already so grown up for their age and I see him and I see innocense. I have always tried to the best of my ability to protect that innocense. I myself was married by the time I was 16 and in the relationship by the time I was 14. So to me, innocense of my children is worth gold and I want to protect it. Even when the world seems to try to force growing up on them. So thank you for your heart to heart conversation. I take with me the wisdom that you have poured here based on your experience. I am happy to hear how you protect your daughter and the little bits and pieces you show...I love seeing her still be a kid.
I love that youtube recommends this video even after a year you've posted it. One watched of before, but I need it now. ❤
Love the fact that you choose not to allow even shows that have boyfriend and girlfriends.
These are all wonderful and I SO agree! Great job at filtering parenthood through the grace and love of God! 👏👏👏❤
This was such an excellent video, thank you so much! I feel the same ways with everything you’ve said, you just have a better way of saying it than I do. I always get criticized for not letting my girls stay the night with other kids. I want to share this with everyone I know!
❤️❤️❤️ The teen years can be such a blessing!
Thank you so much for this video!! We do most of these things but this has helped me to realize areas we may need to reconsider and update! It does get hard when people don’t understand why you say no to certain things!
This is amazing! I Iove hearing that others are raising kids this way. We have found our kids are so much happier in life because of this similar way of parenting.
Crazy awesome timing! I was watching my 7 yro and almost 4 yro playing outside today and I was thinking, how glad I am to be able to help preserve their innocence through homeschooling. I was thinking how to keep that up and you posted this wonderful video!
Thank you so much for the reminders! My youngest is 12 (almost 13), but I also have 3 adult children who now have families of their own. I have learned that preserving and protecting our children’s innocence is vital. Yes, the World will knock them down, but by arming them with a solid foundation of WHO’S they are (God’s precious child), who they are as individuals and what values are important they will have a FIRM FOUNDATION to pick themselves up and stand tall. Against my advice, my brother & sister-in-law gave my niece (their only child) her own cell phone when she was 10 years old (she is now 13.5 yrs old). She didn’t need it, she just wanted it because her friends had one. They now tell me all the time that giving her a cell phone is one of their biggest regrets. The drama, the tears and the social media influence is ridiculous. My sister-in-law even said that other girl’s moms were texting her and other mom’s trying to gossip about all the drama between my nieces friends! We will wait until our daughter truly needs her own phone. Thankfully, our daughter understands and doesn’t ever complain about it. Thanks be to God!
So many thoughts lol. First, we've sheilded our kids, but we used "we are adults we can watch it" and God has been working on us and we've decided if the kids can't watch it neither can we. I'm also guilty of saying and expecting my kids to dislike me as teens and you made really good points. Just because the world has normalized that doesn't mean it's normal. Who really wants to be alone. My two sons have unfortunately been exposed to some things in public school so now we are honeschooling and working hard to back track these things. Thanks for this video. It's a lot of food for thought for sure.
I could cry! My husband and I already do these things with our children, but I am particularly *very* aware and protective, and I didn’t realize it fully until this video that I am that way because of my own childhood (or the very early and abrupt end of my own childhood). Thank you for this video and affirming our want/need to preserve and protect our children’s innocence! ♥️
Yes 🙌🙌. As a mama of 6 kids but the oldest being 16yo, I can attest to all the things you said!!! I hate when people stereotype teens(or any age/stage) like that. My teen is amazing and I love talking with her and spendit time with her ❤️. And, yes, it's out JOB! We can't take it lightly. Thanks for sharing this. I hope many hear it and are convicted.
This was so timely - just what we talked about in my mom’s bible study group today. We have to be the gate keepers as the culture tries to raise our kids. ❤️
You really are such a brave soul, Ashlee! You talk about the hard stuff, the stuff that truly matters in life, and you do so boldly and unapologetically rooted in Christ. Your wise words of wisdom, spoken eloquently and from the heart, have a way of connecting with anyone raising children in these scary times that we are living in today! Your thoughts behind the way you choose to raise your children are 100% aligned to my thoughts as well, and many other parents I am sure. Thank you for reminding the world of what wholesome parenting should look like, in my opinion! I really think your channel is going to evolve into a powerful ministry! The way God speaks through you is so relatable and is often a very powerful motivator/reminder to us mommas/parents to keep fighting for our Christian values and aiming to protect the innocence of our children as we raise them up to follow God. Praying doors will continue to be opened for you as you boldly step out in faith as a teacher of women and mothers! Blessings to you always!
THANK YOU for this video! We have been literally distraught over whether to return our kids to public school this next year (after 2 years of homeschooling started with COVID), or continue homeschooling which we have loved. I have been so worried about all the "fun" they might miss in school with athletics, band, choir, prom, etc. But, I have also fully realized that there is far more negative by sending them out of our home. I want my kids to have a protected childhood, and I want to keep all of those negative peer pressures away while they are still young and immature. I appreciate every single point you made on this video and literally consider it to be an answer to my prayer for guidance on this topic. 💜
This has to be one of my favorite videos! Well done, Mama!
Thank you so much for the encouragement and hope for our children and future generations! This is one of the best videos I’ve ever watched on here because it gives hope to other parents who have a similar heart for their children🙏 💜
So refreshing to know we are not alone in this. 🙏🏼
I agree 100%! The power of healthy boundaries comes from communication and explanation 💜 Thanks for sharing!
Amen Ashlee! This is such a wonderful encouragement and I’m so glad you shared this. We’ve been homeschooling for 12 years and have been very protective over our three boys too. That is our call from the Lord- to protect over our children. Being over protective is a different thing and can lead to rebellion. Protecting over our children is our job, our mission as their parents. Our 16 and 14 year olds are much different than the “typical” teens and we are so grateful that we followed God’s prompting in our hearts to follow these same principles. Keep sharing, the world needs to hear and see that childhood is a precious gift and as parents we need to guard their hearts and minds against the culture. I’m grateful you are seeing the fruit of going against cultural norms. It’s not easy but oh so worth it! Keep going mama! 💕
I feel less alone. My kids are 7, 4, and 2 and we parent similarly. I've gotten odd looks and remarks for not letting my kids watch, listen, or have certain things. It's definitely a discernment and personal choice but I wish more Christian families would filter what they allow for their children. You guys are doing great. Thanks for this encouragement. I hope I can see some of the fruit you are when mine are older.
so much truth! We do this too, even when we are questioned with our "parenting". Thank you for sharing, that we are not alone!
I absolutely LOVED watching this. I had a son out of wedlock before i was saved and the heart ache and worry that creeps up not being able to shield him... i wish it on no one. I'm planning on homeschooling my other 4 who are 4 and under for many of the reasons you shared. thank you for being open and speaking truth. i needed this x
Marissa Wendt , I am so sorry for your heartache. I can only image it was the same heartache my mother felt for me. I was the child my mother had before she married and had 2 more children with her husband. My absolute best advice would be to always make sure your son feels valued, included, and above all....wanted. My small advice because I know a lot of people have huge opinions on this would be to leave the past behind you. Even if it gets uncomfortable.....I really wish my mom had never let me see my Dad on the random occasions that he decided to step in. But, take this with a grain of salt, I know every family dynamic is extremely different. It's just me speaking from my own experiences.💗💗💗 I pray for you and your family, in Jesus name.
Thank you for being brave and sharing this info! I pray over my 1 year old son almost every night that God would preserve his childlike innocence and mark him for purity even into his adult years. I feel like the things you talked about are such confirmation that I’m going in the right direction with homeschooling in the future. I loved everything you shared and will be taking your advice and adding it to my plans for how to be parent intentionally. You have a beautiful heart and family. God bless.
Thank u so much for this video. This is what I pray for and strive for in our family. My oldest is 9 and I love that he is still a child. Agree with everything you said!
I love this!!! I truly breaks my heart to see some of the things parents are allowing their very young children to do on social media, etc! Thank you for protecting your children- There are so many great parents out there, and I know you’re one of them!
Thanks so much for embracing the role of the guardian of your children's lives. I am a 35 year old and my parents literally did everything you are doing. I've been jabbed at a bit for being naive and child-like over the years, but the compliment I relish the most, even now, is that people want to be as free spirited as I am. But ya know what it's from!? My awesome parents protecting my childhood and having allowed me to be myself and like what I liked and enveloping me in love. And also by hiding my keys when I insisted on going clubbing that one time I was 17. Thanks for the encouragement and advice as I raise my own little guys in this great big world
I have seen all of your videos, and this one has to be my favorite. So much Godly, healthy, unashamed wisdom. Thankful the Lord used you to send this message out.
Thank you Ashley,
I have two boys, we live in Florida I can tell how my child is different from all the crowd, this makes me feel so much better, I am not alone for sure 🙏🏻🤍
Yet again , a video with so much wisdom . We agree on so many of these things . Most importantly to us would be not believing what the world tells us about our kids as they get older . Thank you for always sharing your heart openly with us !
Thank you thank you thank you for this video!!! I 100% agree with this.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video and for encouraging me on this road. Thank you so much!!!! God bless you and your family!
Love this and thank you for this.
It's only been a year for me and my 8 year old boy. It has been a little hard but I know this is what God wants and what we want. But one thing I'm tired of is everyone telling me he needs to be around other kids and he needs to socialize.