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.
What Solo Mio Reminded Me About Marriage, Loss, and Ordinary Love
Joe Heasley watched Solo Mio expecting a comedy — and left thinking about emotional drift, ordinary love, and two church event ideas your congregation needs.
America Turns 250. The Church Has a Role to Play — And It Starts With the Family.
Rev. Samuel Rodriguez says America’s crisis isn’t political or economic — it’s a crisis of identity. As the nation turns 250, here’s why the local church’s most powerful act of renewal starts with strengthening marriages and families.
The Hidden Reason Young Men Are Struggling — And Why Marriage Is the Answer
New IFS research shows marriage doesn’t just reward mature men — it creates them. When marriage disappears from a young man’s horizon, so does his motivation to grow. Here’s what that means for your church.