Raising Fatherless Kids

In this thought-provoking second part of the conversation with Dr. Leonard Sax, Lori Apon dives deeper into important challenges facing single and widowed moms raising children without fathers: overdiagnosis, unnecessary medication, and the critical role of sleep and structure. Dr. Sax, a renowned family physician, psychologist, and author of The Collapse of Parenting , Boys Adrift , and Girls on...

In this powerful first part of a multi-episode series, Lori Apon sits down with renowned author and family physician Dr. Leonard Sax to discuss the essential role of parental authority, intentionality, and connection in the lives of children , especially for single and widowed mothers. Drawing from his book The Collapse of Parenting , Dr. Sax challenges cultural trends and encourages moms to recla...

When a child loses their father, the question “Where’s Daddy?” can come at any time—and for a grieving mom, answering it can feel emotional and more challenging than the simple question asked. In this episode of Raising Fatherless Kids , we talk about how to navigate this tender moment with grace, wisdom, and biblical truth. If you are a mom navigating deep grief while helping your child understan...

Father’s Day can be a tender time for single mothers and children navigating life without an earthly dad. What once may have been a day of joy and tradition is now often filled with quiet moments, bittersweet memories, and unspoken grief. This episode offers a fresh perspective on how to approach the day with intentionality and hope. Listeners will be encouraged to create new traditions that refle...

What happens when a young boy hears, “You’re the man of the house now”? This well-intentioned phrase can become a heavy mantle, especially in homes where Dad is no longer present, whether by death, divorce, or abandonment. In today’s heartfelt and insightful episode, Lori Apon sits down with her son, Brandon, and son-in-law Ben for a powerful and honest conversation that every single mom raising s...

This episode explores the hidden danger of self-pity and how it can hinder healing after loss. Listeners are reminded that while sorrow is natural, staying stuck in self-focus can lead to spiritual defeat.  Drawing insight from Psalm 43 and 2 Samuel 12, the message highlights the importance of choosing surrender over bitterness and worship over despair. With encouragement rooted in Scripture, the...

Perseverance is not just a virtue—it is a lifeline for anyone walking through prolonged seasons of hardship, especially single or widowed mothers raising children without the presence of an earthly father. Life often presents unexpected trials, and the weight of daily responsibilities can feel overwhelming.  In this episode of Raising Fatherless Kids , we explore what it means to persevere when th...

In this deeply moving episode of  Raising Fatherless Kids , Lori Apon opens her heart to single moms navigating the emotional terrain of graduation season. As school years wrap up and caps and gowns are prepared, Lori reminds moms that milestones like high school graduation often stir unexpected grief for fatherless children—grief that may have been buried or long thought resolved. Lori reflects o...

In this special Mother’s Day episode of Raising Fatherless Kids , host Lori Apon offers heartfelt encouragement and biblical hope to single moms carrying the weight of motherhood alone. Through real-life stories, biblical reflections, and powerful prayers, Lori honors the quiet strength and sacrificial love of mothers raising children without an earthly father's daily presence. Whether you ar...

In Part 2 of Compelled , Lori Apon shares how God faithfully upheld His promise to be “a Father to the fatherless and a Ddefender of widows” (Psalm 68:5) after her husband, Bobby, tragically took his life. Left to raise eight young children alone, Lori clung to God’s word, trusting that He would provide—and He did. Through years of uncertainty and hardship, God’s provision came in miraculous ways:...

In this gripping episode of Compelled that originally aired on the Compelled podcast, Lori Apon shares her powerful testimony of love, faith, and perseverance. Lori met her future husband, Bobby Apon, at a NewSong concert after a providential introduction through a friend. Their whirlwind romance led to marriage, but their journey was far from a fairytale. Lori quickly learned that both she and Bo...

As Easter approaches, we pause to reflect on one of the most powerful and tender moments in Scripture—Mary at the foot of the cross. In this heartfelt episode, Lori Apon invites you to see Good Friday through the eyes of a woman who held the Son of God as a baby and watched Him suffer as Savior. Through Mary’s journey—from the angel’s announcement to Jesus’ final moments—Lori draws out hope and en...

In this powerful episode, Tara Dickson shares her journey of mothering through grief and loss after the passing of her husband to glioblastoma brain cancer. With four children to raise, Tara reflects on how God has used the hardships of her family's story to shape their faith, purpose, and mission in life. Tara discusses the importance of speaking life into our children, particularly our daug...

In this special episode, we share one of the breakout sessions from our recent Daughters of the King event. As mothers, we experience both the joy and challenge of shaping our daughters' lives. Our personal faith deeply impacts the way we raise them, and whether we realize it or not, we are their primary role models. Through personal stories and biblical examples, Lori explores what it means...

In this episode, we dive into what it means to be a daughter of the King—fully seen, known, and loved by God. Our guest, Tara Dickson, shares her powerful testimony of navigating life as a fatherless daughter and later walking her own children through loss. Through her story, we are reminded that our identity is not defined by earthly circumstances but by the unwavering love of our heavenly Father...

Inspired by Psalm 84, Clarissa Moll explores the beautiful and sometimes messy reality of finding a home in God’s presence after the loss of a husband. Birds, particularly sparrows and swallows, teach us valuable lessons about resilience, vulnerability, and hope. If you have ever felt lost, untethered, or unsure of where you belong, this episode is an invitation to nest in God's presence and...

Managing finances as a single mom can feel overwhelming, but God is our provider. Money is a tool, a treasure, and a test. We must handle it with wisdom. God sees your needs and will provide for you and your children (Psalm 37:25). Stay faithful, seek His wisdom, and steward what He has given you well. In this episode of Raising Fatherless Kids , Lori Apon shares personal stories, biblical wisdom,...

Grief is like a workout—it is painful, exhausting, and requires endurance. But just like time in the gym builds strength, grief can lead to growth when we embrace the process. As we navigate grief, let us trust that growth is happening, even when we cannot see it. Spring is coming, and with it, hope and renewal. In this episode, Lori Apon shares key lessons from her gym experience that parallel th...

Father loss—through death, divorce, or desertion—can lead children to struggle with fears of abandonment. The absence of a father can open the door to fears of rejection and insecurity, impacting children emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. In this episode of Raising Fatherless Kids, Lori shares biblical encouragement that God promises to be a father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5).  Und...

In this episode, Lori encourages single moms raising sons without an earthly father. Reflecting on biblical examples like Solomon, who recognized the importance of a mother’s teaching, and the story of James and John—the sons of Thunder—Lori emphasizes the importance of guiding our sons toward God’s will. She highlights the significance of a mother’s instruction in a child’s life, much like a trea...

Valentine’s Day can be a tender time, especially for widows and single moms. In this episode, Lori encourages listeners to keep a heavenly perspective to combat the enemy’s lies of being unloved. She shares the history of Valentine’s Day, creative ways to celebrate with children, and practical ways to find joy by giving love to others. Lori also reads The Father’s Love Letter , a beautiful reminde...

Valentine’s Day can be a painful reminder of loss, rejection, and unmet expectations, often bringing unexpected emotional triggers. In this episode, Lori shares biblical encouragement and practical strategies for navigating triggers with hope. She explores how our senses can stir deep emotions and memories. Through personal experiences and biblical stories, including Hagar and Leah, Lori reminds l...

In this heartfelt episode of Raising Fatherless Kids, Lori Apon addresses the universal struggle of stress and its profound impact on single mothers. Drawing on personal experiences, biblical wisdom, and practical tips, she shares how to navigate stress with grace and intentionality.  Key Takeaways: Understanding Stress: Learn how stress affects your body and emotions and why it can be a red flag...

In this heartfelt episode, Lori Apon welcomes back Tara Dickson to share her powerful story as a fatherless child and a widow raising fatherless children. Tara shares how God’s grace sustained her through the most challenging times, offering encouragement to single moms navigating similar journeys. From her father leaving at a young age to losing her husband of 25 years, Tara reveals how God becam...

In this episode of the Raising Fatherless Kids Podcast , host Lori Apon shares heartfelt encouragement, biblical insights, and practical tools to navigate this season of loss and growth, recognizing the unique emotional, spiritual, and developmental needs of elementary-aged children. Scriptural Encouragement: Exploring verses like Psalm 68:5 and Hosea 14:3 that reveal God’s heart for the fatherles...