A new analysis from the Institute for Family Studies suggests that the kind of parenting that feels hardest in the moment—setting clear rules, enforcing boundaries, and maintaining structure—may actually lead to stronger relationships with children over time. Survey data from thousands of parents found that teens in homes with consistent expectations, such as curfews or screen limits, often report closer relationships with their parents.
For families, this insight points to an important truth: love expressed through guidance, accountability, and stability helps children grow in trust and resilience. Strong parenting, rooted in committed families and supported by healthy marriages, lays the groundwork not only for thriving children but also for vibrant churches and communities.
The Marriage and Fertility Crisis Is a Worldview Problem. And the Church Is the Only Institution That Can Fix It.
Communio’s J.P. De Gance told The Christian Post that America’s marriage and fertility crisis is fundamentally a worldview problem — and that the church must recapture a Christian vision of family before it can offer it to the world.
The Church Is Shrinking. But the Christians Who Remain Have the Happiest Marriages in America.
A new IFS report finds 79% of churchgoing Catholics and 74% of churchgoing Protestants are very happily married, compared to 66% of non-religious spouses. The faith-family paradox is real and it’s good news for your church.
Dads Are More Involved Than Ever. But “Involved” Shouldn’t Mean “Just Like Mom.”
A new IFS essay argues that fathers bring distinct, non-interchangeable contributions to their children. The research backs it up — and so does the church. Here’s why it matters for your family ministry.