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School and Home Safety Tips: Every Christian Parent's Checklist for Connected Kids
Parenting in today's world feels like navigating uncharted waters. Between school shootings making headlines, online predators lurking behind innocent-looking apps, and the constant worry about whether your child will make it home safely, it's enough to make any parent want to homeschool in a bunker. But here's the thing: fear doesn't have to drive our parenting decisions. As Christian parents, we're called to be wise as serpents yet gentle as doves (Matthew 10:16). That mean
Layne McDonald
Nov 75 min read


From Stranger Danger to Screen Time: The Hilarious (and Holy) Shift in Parenting Safety Since the 1980s
Remember when your biggest parenting worry was whether your kid would accept candy from a stranger in a windowless van? Ah, the good old days! Back in the 1980s, we had it so simple. Our parents just had to worry about us riding our bikes without helmets, staying out until the streetlights came on, and maybe, just maybe, talking to someone we didn't know at the mall. Fast forward to 2025, and we're over here installing tracking apps, setting up internet filters, and having de
Layne McDonald
Nov 75 min read


Family Matters Most: Building Lasting Faith in Your Household
You know that moment when your kid asks you a tough question about God right before bedtime, and you realize you're not quite sure how to answer? Or maybe you've been wondering how to make faith feel natural in your home instead of forced. Building a household where Christ is central isn't about having all the answers: it's about creating an environment where your family can grow together in faith, one conversation at a time. As someone who's walked this journey and helped co
Layne McDonald
Nov 75 min read


Parenting with Purpose: Raising Godly Leaders in a Modern World
Every morning, you watch your child grab their backpack and head out into a world that seems more complex than the one you grew up in. Social media pressures, conflicting values, and endless distractions compete for their attention. As a Christian parent, you might find yourself wondering: "How do I raise a child who will stand strong in their faith and become a leader for God's kingdom?" The answer isn't found in perfect parenting formulas or trying to shield them from every
Layne McDonald
Nov 75 min read


Top 5 Must-Watch Movies This Month (Christian Parent Guide)
As parents, we always want to ensure that the movies our families watch convey positive messages and align with our values. With so many films released each month, it can be overwhelming to find the right ones. In this post, we'll explore five must-watch movies that not only entertain but also promote faith-friendly themes. We'll look into how to use filtering services like VidAngel to tailor your viewing experience while breaking down the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects
Layne McDonald
Nov 64 min read


Family Movie Night: Moana : A Christian Review for Parents and Kids
Planning your next family movie night and wondering if Disney's Moana is a good fit for your Christian household? You're not alone. As parents, we want entertainment that brings our families together without compromising our faith values. Today, we're diving deep into this Moana Christian review to help you make an informed decision for your next movie night. Disney's Moana has captured hearts worldwide with its stunning animation, catchy soundtrack, and inspiring story of
Layne McDonald
Oct 315 min read


Christian Movie Reviews: Lilo and Stitch Live Action : Faith, Family, and Lessons for 2025
Disney's 2025 live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch has arrived, and Christian families everywhere are asking the same question: Is this one worth our movie night? After watching it through the lens of faith and family values, I can tell you this remake offers some genuinely powerful lessons wrapped in heartwarming entertainment. As someone who's spent years analyzing films through a Christian worldview, I've learned that the best family movies don't just entertain: they o
Layne McDonald
Oct 315 min read


5 Steps How to Set Digital Boundaries for Christian Families (Easy Guide for Parents)
Your 8-year-old just asked for their own tablet. Your teenager spends hours scrolling through social media. Your family dinners have become silent affairs with everyone staring at screens. Sound familiar? As Christian parents, we face a unique challenge: raising children who can navigate the digital world while staying grounded in biblical values. Technology isn't inherently evil, but without proper boundaries, it can become a stumbling block to spiritual growth and family co
Layne McDonald
Oct 305 min read


Google Parental Controls: The Parent's Secret Weapon for Safer Digital Habits
Your 12-year-old just asked for more screen time, and you're wondering if you're being too strict or not strict enough. Meanwhile, your teenager seems glued to their phone, and you have no idea what apps they're using or who they're talking to. Sound familiar? As Christian parents, we're called to be shepherds of our children's hearts and minds: but navigating the digital landscape can feel overwhelming. The good news? Google Family Link offers a comprehensive solution that p
Layne McDonald
Oct 255 min read


How to Guard Your Family's Faith in a Digital World: Practical Tools for Christian Parents
Your smartphone buzzes with another notification. Your 12-year-old asks for TikTok "because everyone has it." Your teenager disappears into their room with a device, and you wonder what content is shaping their worldview. As Christian parents, we're navigating uncharted territory where our children have access to more information in their pocket than entire generations before them ever encountered. The digital world isn't going anywhere, but that doesn't mean we're powerless.
Layne McDonald
Oct 256 min read


Faith-Filled Parenting in a Digital World: Protecting What Matters Most
Your eight-year-old asks for their own tablet. Your teenager spends hours scrolling through apps you've never heard of. Your family dinner conversations compete with notification pings from multiple devices. Sound familiar? The digital landscape changes faster than we can keep up, and as Christian parents, we're navigating uncharted territory. Our parents didn't have to worry about cyberbullying, inappropriate content popping up during innocent searches, or children forming r
Layne McDonald
Oct 255 min read


How to Make Forgiveness a Daily Family Practice (Even When It's Hard)
Your seven-year-old just called their sibling "stupid" for the third time today. Your teenager slammed their door after you asked them to clean their room. Your spouse snapped at you during dinner because work was overwhelming. Sound familiar? These aren't the big, dramatic moments we think about when we hear "forgiveness." But here's what I've learned after years of ministry and raising my own family: forgiveness isn't reserved for the major betrayals or life-altering hurts.
Layne McDonald
Oct 255 min read


A Christian Perspective on The Lion King 1994: Unpacking Innuendo and Content Concerns for Parents
The Lion King, released in 1994, stands as one of Disney's classic animated films that have resonated with audiences worldwide. Its breathtaking visuals, unforgettable soundtrack, and universal themes draw viewers in from the very first scene. However, for Christian parents, this beloved story presents certain challenges. The journey of Simba, from cub to king, contains powerful messages about redemption and responsibility, but some elements may raise concerns for those who s
Layne McDonald
Oct 183 min read


Embracing Peaceful Conversations: A Christian Approach to Family Gatherings and Understanding Each Other
In constant debates and differing opinions, the ability to have constructive conversations is more important than ever. Charlie Kirk has dedicated his time to fostering peaceful dialogues, demonstrating their power to unite people from varying backgrounds. His efforts have evolved into a movement that promotes respectful discussions, making it essential for all of us, especially Christians, to adopt this approach during family gatherings.
Layne McDonald
Oct 73 min read


Christian Movie Review: The Shawshank Redemption — Hope Behind Bars or Too Dark for Family Movie Night?
When people list the greatest movies of all time, The Shawshank Redemption almost always finds its way near the top. And it’s not hard to see why: it’s a story of hope, resilience, and the power of friendship in a place designed to crush the human spirit. Andy Dufresne’s quiet determination to crawl through the muck — literally and figuratively — resonates with viewers from all walks of life.
Layne McDonald
Sep 272 min read


Safeguarding Your Family Online: Integrating Faith and Fun in the Digital Age
In today's fast-paced digital world, keeping our children safe online is a critical concern for parents. As technology becomes a significant part of daily life, it's crucial to navigate these waters thoughtfully. Christian parents have the opportunity to use technology not only for entertainment but also as a means to share God’s word and cultivate family connections. In this post, we'll explore practical strategies to protect your family online while weaving faith and fun in
Layne McDonald
Sep 275 min read


Is the Great Pumpkin Harmless Fun? A Christian Parent’s Review of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown reviews image - pumpkins in a mound with a big pumpkin at the top. This nostalgic Peanuts special is a tradition in many homes. The story centers on Linus, who waits faithfully in a pumpkin patch for the mythical “Great Pumpkin.” It’s whimsical, safe, and simple. While free of language, sexual content, or true violence, the special still has opportunities for Christian parents to engage their children in deeper conversations about faith.
Layne McDonald
Sep 141 min read
Time Well Spent: Why Family Moments Matter More Than Milestones
Written by: Layne McDonald, Ph.D."Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." – Psalm 90:12 In the race to achieve milestones, it’s easy to overlook the quiet beauty of everyday moments. Yet, the memories that shape our children most aren’t tied to trophies or certificates—they’re born in the laughter, love, and togetherness of time spent as a family. The Power of Presence Studies reveal that children who spend meaningful time with their parents are 22%
Layne McDonald
Sep 112 min read
Parenting with Love: The Power of Grace in Discipline
Written by: Layne McDonald, Ph.D. ”Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." – Ephesians 6:4 Parenting is a sacred calling—a balance between shaping character and nurturing hearts. Discipline, when rooted in love and grace, becomes less about control and more about guidance. Just as God corrects us with patience and mercy, we are called to reflect His grace in how we teach and discipline our children. The
Layne McDonald
Sep 112 min read


Dr. Mac Christian Movie Reviews: The Parent Trap (1998)
“Double the Lindsay, double the fun… and double the moments you’ll want to filter.” Promotional poster for the film "The Parent Trap," showcasing twins plotting to bring their divorced parents back together, highlighted by scenes of family interactions and playful antics. 👯 Quick Snapshot (Spoiler-Free) Two identical twins, Annie and Hallie (both played by Lindsay Lohan), meet at summer camp—only to discover they’re sisters separated at birth. With a little scheming, a lot o
Layne McDonald
Aug 183 min read
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