Parent Resources

Growing up can be really tough in today’s culture! We understand that each student is incredibly unique and may need answers to questions that can be difficult for parents to answer. If you’re looking for resources to dig deeper into a particular topic, we have compiled a list from trusted voices to help you parent. Check them out by clicking on the categories below.

Anxiety

How to Care for Someone Battling Anxiety and Depression (Podcast)
This discussion between Paul Tripp and David Powlison discusses how someone is to care for someone battling anxiety and depression. They make great points to change the perception of a parent who would be discussing it with their child by speaking of these states of mind in a relatable and sympathetic manner while at the same time providing practical ways to help people with these issues biblically.

LISTEN


Stressed Out: Anxiety Seminar (Handout)
Easy to read and understand, very informative, and gives detailed descriptions of different types of anxiety. It also provides many additional resources (books, sermons, publications).

DOWNLOAD


Three Ways to Relieve Teen Anxiety Today (Article)
This article discusses helping children deal with anxiety.

READ


5 Simple Strategies to Help Teens Cope with Anxiety (Article)
This article provides five practical steps for parents to help children deal with anxiety.

READ


Helping Students Beat Test Anxiety (Article)
This piece offers exercises to help students and gives a balanced look at the good and bad of anxiety and actions to take to help with anxiety going forward.

READ

Bullying

What to Do When You Find Out Your Child is Being Bullied (Article)
This article provides practical steps to take when a child is being bullied. This helps understand what is going on and keeps your child from having a more difficult time with bullying later on.

READ


Help! My Child is the Bully! What Should I Do? (Article)
Long but informative article of things parents can do to help kids that are bullying others.

READ


Bullying and Cyberbullying (Article)
Article about how parents can identify bullying, actions that can be taken to help, and signs and symptoms of bullying.

READ

Depression

Depression & Anxiety: How Can Churches Help? (Video)

This video addresses depression/anxiety from a Christian perspective centered on God. It is a little long but has good things to say.

WATCH


How to Recognize the Signs of Teen Depression and Suicide (Podcast)

This podcast provides helpful information, especially for parents who write off depression as a phase or part of growing up. Other resources listed talk about suicide also and how depression left untreated can lead to suicide.

LISTEN


Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (Book)

Emotional health and spiritual maturity are inseparable. It is not possible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature.

Buy The Book

Divorce

How do I walk with my child through separation or divorce? (Video)

This is a video in which Julie Lowe is asked the question, “how do I walk with my child through separation or divorce?” and answers the question empathetically, offering ways to help children through this trauma. Not only does she provide wisdom-driven ways to help, but she also expresses answers to the parent who fails when discussing things with their kids and how to handle that mistake.

WATCH


Divorce Recovery: Growing and Healing God’s Way (Book)

Winston T. Smith’s short (24 pages) book acts in two parts guided by biblical principles for help regarding the pain and trauma of divorce. He acknowledges and speaks of the unsettling changes that accompany divorce and the specific directions for facing even the most mundane aspects of a day for both adults and children.

Buy The Book


How To Parent Through Divorce (Podcast)

This podcast focuses on how to help kids through divorce. Encourages families to seek help and be available for their kids

LISTEN


Divorce Happens to the Nicest Kids (Book)

Discussion questions and a brief story examine many common concerns and feelings frequently accompanying divorce.

Buy The Book

Drugs

Young People and the Dangerous Trend of Vaping (Article)
This article tackles the issue of vaping specifically. Through Biblical principles and practical relational aids, Julie Lowe offers practical tips to help with this issue.

READ


How Should Christians Think About Marijuana? (Podcast)
Short answer? It’s a more complicated, nuanced topic than we want it to be. But before you jump to any conclusions, listen in on the conversation as we discuss medical vs. recreational marijuana use, being sober-minded, gateway drugs, and even how this topic has been understood and experienced differently in the African American community. Join us!

Listen

Faith

For Parents of Spiritual Doubters (Article)

This article encourages parents of kids that may be struggling with their faith. This gives practical steps to teach children by example the process of spiritual growth and the importance of prayer.

READ


Youth, Faith, and Church: Will They Stay or Will They Go? (Article)

This short article (and podcast) is about how youth respond to faith and church post-graduation, and how to communicate with them as they decide for or against church.

READ


After Doubt (Book)

This book by A. J. Swoboda looks into whether there is a way to walk faithfully through doubt and come out the other side with a deeper love for Jesus, the church, and its tradition. Can we question our faith without losing it?

Buy the Book


The Prodigal God (Book)

This short book by Tim Keller is meant to lay out the essentials of the Christian message, the gospel. It can, therefore, serve as an introduction to the Christian faith for those who are unfamiliar with its teachings or who may have been away from them for some time.

Buy the Book


Modern-Day Idolatry (Podcast)

How should we, as Christians look at the idols that may exist in our lives?

Listen


Raising Christian Children (Podcast)

As a Christian parent, one of the most important joys is when your child comes to know and love Jesus.

Listen

Fear

3 Ways To Help Your Kid Push Past Fear (Article)

Good advice, the importance of right thinking, and starting young by doing hard things rather than fearing.

READ


Facing the Monster Called Fear (Article)

Each child is different. For some, record courageous moments and be aware that some movies or books they should not consume.

READ


The Reality of Fear and What to Do Next (Article)

This article addresses when your kid’s fears line up with a real fear you, too, face and how you can walk through those fears together. Practical steps are given to address issues.

READ

Forgiveness

How To Forgive (Article)
Practical steps of what it looks like to forgive and keep the relationship healthy.

READ

Gender

Affirming God’s Image (Book)

J. Alan Branch takes a fair, respectful, and factual tone in addressing this complex issue through a biblical lens.

Buy the Book

Gossip

Shutting Down Gossip and Building Character (Article)
This is a solid practical article on gossip and the impact that seemingly small gossip can have. This is good to help stop kids from learning to talk negatively about others early on.

READ

Homosexuality/LGBT

Homosexuality and Christian Faith (Podcast)

Rosaria Butterfield gives a detailed and transparent explanation of her story from heterosexual to homosexual, then to a Christian woman who loves Jesus. She focuses not only on her story but also on the brilliance of the Bible and how the Word of God was her “highway to a holy God.” Great podcast to explain her path out of her lifestyle and how important the Bible and ridding of her own pride was in this process.

LISTEN


What Does the Bible Really Teach About Homosexuality? (Article)

Denny Burk’s review of Kevin DeYoung’s book on homosexuality is an excellent summary and motivator to pick up this book and read it. DeYoung’s book is the best option to be informed about the Bible’s opinion on homosexuality because it is relatively concise, confronts the opponent’s view on the issue, interacts directly with the biblical text, and is incredibly informative on this issue.

READ


Is God anti-gay? (Book)

How do we relate to both Christians and non-Christians who experience same-sex attraction? In this short, simple book, Sam Allberry wants to help Christians understand what God has said about these questions in the scriptures. Drawing on his own experience, he offers a positive and liberating way forward through the debate. Drawing on his own experience, he offers a positive and liberating way forward through the debate, including answers to some new questions: Should Christians attend gay weddings? Isn’t the Christian view of sexuality dangerous and harmful? Is it sinful to experience same-sex attraction?

Buy the Book


Gay Girl, Good God (Book)

In Gay Girl, Good God, author Jackie Hill Perry shares her own story, offering practical tools that helped her in the process of finding wholeness. Jackie grew up fatherless and experienced gender confusion. Her story is about this struggle and ultimately, the redeeming power of Christ.

Buy the Book


Holy Sexuality and the Gospel (Book)

Dr. Christopher Yuan explores the concept of holy sexuality–chastity in singleness or faithfulness in marriage–in a practical and relevant manner, equipping readers with an accessible yet robust theology of sexuality.

Buy the Book


Affirming God’s Image (Book)

J. Alan Branch takes a fair, respectful, and factual tone in addressing this complex issue through a biblical lens.

Buy the Book

Parenting

How to Respond to Your Child When You Find Out the Unexpected (Article)

This article provides insight into parenting, encouraging relationships between parents and children, and how to work out situations in a healthy way.

Read


An Escape Plan For Teens (Article)

The x-plan provides phrases ready for teenagers to use in situations they want to avoid. Emphasizes the importance of empowering them to say no in situations they don’t want to or should not be a part of.

Read


Boundaries with Kids (Book)

Join Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend, authors of the New York Times bestseller Boundaries, as they share the research and guidance you need to raise your kids to take responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and emotions.

Buy The Book


Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family (Book)

In this life-giving book, Paul Tripp offers parents much more than a to-do list. Instead, he presents us with a big-picture view of God’s plan for us as parents. Outlining fourteen foundational principles centered on the gospel, he shows that we need more than the latest parenting strategy or list of techniques. Rather, we need the rescuing grace of God―grace that has the power to shape how we view everything we do as parents.

Buy The Book


Parenting the Wholehearted Child (Book)

With authenticity, conviction, and a lively sense of humor, Jeannie guides you on a transformative journey into raising wholehearted—not perfect—children who live from the freedom found in being wholeheartedly loved (and liked!) by God.

Buy The Book


The 5 Love Languages of Children (Book)

Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell help you discover how to speak your child’s love language in a way that he or she understands.

Buy The Book


The Whole-Brain Child (Book)

In this pioneering, practical book, Daniel J. Siegel, neuropsychiatrist and author of the bestselling Mindsight, and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson, offer a revolutionary approach to child rearing with twelve key strategies that foster healthy brain development, leading to calmer, happier children.

Buy The Book


The Place We Find Ourselves (Podcast)

This podcast features private practice therapist Adam Young (LCSW, MDiv) and interviews with guests as they discuss all things related to story, trauma, attachment, and interpersonal neurobiology.

Listen


10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity (Book)

Backed by state-of-the-art research, personal stories, and careful biblical study, this book doesn’t dodge tough questions. Instead, it invites teenagers to ask their hardest questions about Christianity and to find surprising, life-giving answers.

Buy The Book

Pornography

Talking to Your Kids about Pornography (Podcast)

This podcast between Jason Soucinek and Walt Mueller focuses on how parents, grandparents, mentors, etc., can talk to their kids about pornography. This podcast is EXCELLENT because it is so informative in such a brief 10-minute podcast.

Listen


My Child Was Caught Viewing Porn! What Do I Do? (Article)

This article provides practical information and steps for parents that may have children struggling with pornography. Lays out how to start the conversation well and be aware that it will happen with their kids earlier than when the parents were growing up.

Read


Lies the Culture Tells Us about Porn (Podcast)

This podcast gives steps for parents to take in conversation and beyond when they find their kid has seen pornography and also addresses the biblical standard of sexuality.

Listen


Pornography & Our Kids (Article)

This article provides a straightforward approach to talking to your kids about pornography, how parents should be real and help their children understand God’s design for sex (and how porn isn’t that). Discusses how it is healthy for parents to check their child’s phone. Most of all focuses on how everything should come back to Christ.

Read


Fight the New Drug (Website)

Fight the New Drug exists to raise awareness of the harmful effects of porn using only science, facts, and personal accounts.

Visit


The Death of Porn (Book)

Written as personal letters, as from a father to his son, Ray Ortlund aims to offer hope and assurance to those who have been misled by porn into devaluing themselves and others. Scripture and personal stories show that God loves even in the moments of deepest shame and encourages men to join together to fight the injustice of porn and build a world of nobility for every man and woman―for the sake of future generations.

Listen


Is Pornography Harmless? (Podcast)

Pornography is not just an “out there” problem— it is an issue that plagues the men and women of the church. And in a day and age where the porn industry takes in more money than all major sports leagues combined, we have to talk about it. Join us as we discuss the difference between lust and love, the danger of consumerism, and the importance of aligning every aspect of our sexuality with God’s character.

Listen

Relationships/Friendships

When a Friendship Becomes Co-Dependent (Article)

This dynamic article confronts toxic friendships when they begin to exist in a co-dependent state. The article provides a narrative to learn from, a brief diagnosis of this issue, and then three steps of repentance to shift our focus from co-dependency to falling more in love with Christ.

READ


Real Vs Virtual Relationships (Podcast)

This podcast directly deals with the possible danger of virtual relationships and how they can influence real relationships. True connection does not come from being connected to the virtual world, but rather in connection to others in reality.

LISTEN


31 Things to Say to Help Teens Navigate Relationships (Article)

This article provides practical rules and help for parents and teens to navigate all relationships. (Not just dating) Many items on this list provide safety nets for temptation, much focuses on God’s creative work and love for all people. (Meaning that we should respect all people.)

READ


How to Help Preteens Navigate Friendship Drama (Article)

Practical advice for parents to help children navigate friendship drama.

READ

Self-harm

Self-Injury: When Pain Feels Good (Book)

This short book (30 pages) is an incredible piece that is focused on the audience of someone who is experiencing self-harm or to someone you may know who is experiencing this cycle. Not only does he help family and friends understand the self-harmer’s world, but he also gives a cure to the harmer that rests in the Gospel message.

BUY


Kids Who Cut (Article & Handout)

This handout describes that often there is deep emotional pain, or an attempt to feel something. Cutting is something that can be controlled and often provides temporary relief.

READ


What Parents Need to Know About Kids Who Self-Harm (Article)

Article on self-harm to help parents understand what causes an individual to self-harm. It is a symptom of emotional pain that is often unbearable. There is a detailed list of information, actions parents can take, and practical help.

READ

Sex

Have You Talked to Your Kids About Sex? (Article)

This article may seem a bit odd at first but is excellent in our culture. It speaks to how parents need to talk to their kids about sex at a young age due to technology, other kids, etc. Laying this foundation not only informs them about the truths of sex, but it also solidifies the parent as a safe source to discuss these matters with.

Read


Teens & Sex: How Should We Teach Them? (Book)

This brief book (32 pages) discusses not only the pragmatic ways in how parents should teach their kids sex but is also very informative in explaining characteristics that are extremely sexually tempting for teens.

Buy the Book


Rethinking Sexuality (Book)

Instead of arguing with the world about what’s right and wrong about sexual choices, this practical resource equips you to share the love and grace of Jesus as you encounter the pain of sexual brokenness—your own or someone else’s.

Buy the Book


Biblical Sexuality (Podcast)

This podcast episode discusses the topic of sex and its relation to the biblical sexual ethic and Jesus’ love for us and the gospel. Join Church Unplugged as we examine what the Bible teaches about sex within the context of marriage and how it impacts our lives. They also raise the question of whether we can trust God in this area of our lives.

Listen


Holy Sexuality and the Gospel (Book)

Dr. Christopher Yuan explores the concept of holy sexuality–chastity in singleness or faithfulness in marriage–in a practical and relevant manner, equipping readers with an accessible yet robust theology of sexuality.

Buy the Book


Purity Culture (Podcast)

If you grew up in church in the ’90s or 2000s, you might be familiar with the idea of purity culture––a specific way of teaching about sex, dating, and marriage. Though parents and leaders had good intentions, the teachings of purity culture left many with a skewed, shame-based understanding of sexuality and relationships. Tune into this episode of Church Unplugged as the CCC Leadership Team unpacks the idea of purity culture, gives thoughts on where it went wrong, and shares some better ways of teaching about sexuality.

Listen


Why is Sex Outside of Marriage Wrong? (Podcast)

In this episode of Church Unplugged, CCC pastors dig into this topic to help us reflect on how our willingness to obey God is actually based on how much we trust him and value others.

Listen

Social Media

Young Teens and Social Media (Article)

Julie Lowe speaks to the harmful influence that inherently rests within social media. She does an excellent job comparing parents just giving their children phones as being similar to handing a child keys to a truck. These good things can be lethal and must be met with proper guidance and wisdom from a parental figure.

Read


Social Media and Depression (Podcast)

This short one-minute podcast shows the connection between social media and depression. It shows statistics regarding the connection between social media and depression while offering solutions to this problem in a straightforward manner.

Listen


How Social Media is Molding Your Child (Article)

Article discussing how social media has changed from “a thing” that is part of life to a lifestyle. Social media influences almost every aspect of how kids see themselves, others, and the world. This article also discusses practical steps to monitor social media, create real values and connections as a family, and help your kid navigate this world.

Read


How to Parent in a World of Social Media (Podcast)

This podcast discusses how to protect family time and be involved in children’s social media lives, and how social media can actually be used to enhance parenting and help.

Listen


Christians, the Gospel, and Social Media (Podcast)

Regardless of the platform, what we say is invariably connected to our hearts. In the same way that our spoken words can be used to bring healing or division, love or hate, so can our social media posts. So, how can Christians use social media to bring healing and love?

Listen


Five Technology Rules Every Parent Must Follow (Article)

Practical advice for social media usage for parents. This article discusses how the way parents manage and use social media may significantly affect the parent-child relationship. Parents should be aware of what they are posting and how it impacts their children.

Read


Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Instagram (Article)

This article provides the basics of how Instagram works, and how parents can help their children use it wisely and safely.

Read

Suicide

How to Recognize the Signs of Teen Depression and Suicide (Podcast)

Really good, practical advice, tangible things to do versus surface-level guidance. Shares warning signs, community depression, and preventative measures, and also give additional resources.

Listen


Rising Suicide Rates (Podcast)

Using statistics, this short podcast references the rising suicide rates in our culture and points to the risk factors that lead to this decision. The podcast concludes that no matter the factors, parents must preach to their kids that the gospel is the solution to the darkness they are experiencing, not the act of suicide.

Listen


Suicide: Understanding and Intervening (Book)

This short book (40 pages) speaks biblical truth about the confusing and tragic decision of suicide. It is dynamic in that it speaks of the signs of suicide and the guidelines for intervening when the signs come to fruition. This brief book is a very powerful tool.

Buy the Book


The Suicide Talk (Article)

This article has really good info, not being judgmental or shameful. Having conversation with your kids when their friends try suicide. Listening more than talking.

Read