Raising Fatherless Kids

Anger is a reality for everyone, and in grief, it's normal and often unavoidable. But as we navigate loss, we have to be careful to manage anger. If we don't learn to manage this intense emotion, it will inevitably get out of control. Thankfully, the Bible has much to say about anger, reminding us that it is dangerous and opens doors to further destruction.  In this episode, Lori discuss...

After the loss of dad, the relationship between a mother and daughter is often shaken. But, through the storm of processing grief, their bond can become sweeter and tighter than ever before. Jennifer and Erica Bolding candidly talk about the emotions that came with the loss of their husband and dad. From anger to making the transition of looking to God as Father and the importance of finding their...

God designed girls to have a daddy. The process of grieving his loss is a long journey. Mothers and daughters left without a husband or father will uniquely navigate the pain, sometimes individually while at other times, together.  Children do not have the perspective or maturity to understand the permanence or full impact of death, divorce, or desertion. And moms often don’t understand how to bes...

The number one question I get asked is about how to handle loneliness. Even in a room filled with a lot of people, many will say they still feel lonely. And single moms with children in their homes also experience the pain of feeling alone. In Hebrews 13:5, God promises to never leave or forsake us. The danger comes when the normal and uncomfortable emotion of loneliness turns into bitterness. In...

The biographies of men and women in the Bible who didn't have an earthly father offer great encouragement.  The youngest king, Josiah, became fatherless at the young age of eight, and it was at this time that he took the throne. No doubt, his mother and others provided the important spiritual guidance this young man needed to live life and rule the kingdom. Even with a wicked father and grand...

There are many reasons a toddler throws a tantrum, one of which is a visible sign of inward frustration, often associated with losing control or moving into independence.  Grief often acts like a toddler. For the widow, she is frustrated with new responsibilities and tasks that she doesn't want to learn. Her community of support often decreases, leaving her feeling more alone than ever before...

Moms are there to provide a nurturing dynamic for their little boys - give them a bath, comb their hair, and put a band-aid on their boo-boos. But when these boys grow up without a dad in the home, the role often shifts, requiring her to stand strong as the winds blow during the transition to manhood. At this time, it is important for a mom to lean into the Lord, her convictions, and help from god...

Raising a boy without a man in their life is especially challenging during their high school years as they prepare to launch from the nest. Even with a dad in the home, this season is often filled with an assortment of opportunities for growth, lessons to be learned, and the release of our sons to be the men God called them to be.  Since dad is not around, the single mom is required to step up to...

In the early stages of grief, an emotional limbo takes place when you are holding on to the hope that this isn't your story. It's called denial and shock and often keeps you from wanting to move forward. For Bryan Johnson, limbo was an unknown reality in the formative years of his life, believing that his dad was a prisoner of the Vietnam War only to learn later that he died serving our...

Losing one parent is a huge loss, but the death of both parents, leaving a child orphaned, is unimaginable.  In this episode, Pat Reynolds shares her story of becoming an orphan when her parents were killed in a large air disaster.  In this episode, Pat shares Her story of God’s grace in the midst of tragedy The long pursuit of God Obedience, forgiveness, and releasing bitterness Encouragement for...

This is Part 4 of our series Reflections on Motherhood. The role of a mom is often underappreciated but it’s important to know that God is using you even when you don't see it. Fruit will come from the unseen years. God is working in a beautiful way as you walk obediently with Him. Having a community of moms who have gone before us, walk beside us, and will follow behind us is crucial, especi...

Raising children has always included blessings, challenges, and lessons to be learned not only by the children but also by the mom. The experience of motherhood provides many opportunities to know God in ways we never knew Him, along with the gift of sanctification making us more like Him. Although, as single moms we parent alone, God is with you. He sees you, Mom. He knows your struggles, challen...

Motherhood takes humility and endurance. And a big measure of grace is required in a season where comparison, stress, exhaustion, and grief want to rob us of the joy of our high calling. But we can rest assured knowing that God carries moms and gently leads those who have young (Isaiah 40:11, NKJV).   During the month of May, we are having conversations with moms sharing what they would do differe...

As Mother’s Day approaches, we turned to seasoned mothers and grandmothers for their reflections on motherhood. In Part One we are joined by wife, mom, and grandmother, Suzanne Miller." God is not silent about mothering. It is interesting to note that even in the Book of Kings, God would often name the king and also his mother. And King Solomon talks of the value of a mother’s teaching in the...

The first Thursday in May is designated by the United States Congress as a day when all US citizens are asked to turn to God in prayer. Every year the president is required by law to sign a proclamation encouraging all Americans to pray on that day. This focus on prayer for our country is crucial and prompted today’s podcast on the subject of prayer. When death intersects our lives, it is unwanted...

The process of growth from a fatherless little boy into manhood includes growth spurts, maturity, emotions, and time. Mentors, a biblical perspective, and the grace of God also impact the depth of healing.  Isaac Apon lost his dad by suicide at the age of five. He understands the pain and found peace when He placed his trust in God and looked to Him as Father.  In this episode, Isaac Apon discusse...

Eating disorders are rampant today. The common age of struggling children is ages 13-15. There are many factors opening the door for this type of bondage, including social media, peer influence, loss of a parent, and the fear of losing control. Mothers raising fatherless children must be aware of the temptation to fill the void in a variety of ways including an unhealthy relationship with food. In...

This is such a special episode because it's the first birthday of the Help! I’m Raising Fatherless Kids podcast! Moms, thank you for taking the time to listen when you have so much demanding your attention.  One of the most important celebrations that I had with my children was the “Blessing Party” at the beginning of their teenage season. This is a time to guide your child in putting away ch...

As a mom, one of the greatest responsibilities and joys is telling her children the story of Jesus and the good news of the Gospel.  In today’s episode, Lori talks about Easter including: The history and the familiar symbols and traditions of Easter Practical ideas for celebrating the true meaning of Easter with children The hope of Easter and how to invite Jesus Christ into your life Other resour...

God will often use mentors as a vessel for His fathering. One of the most important investments a single mom can make in the life of her children, especially her sons, is providing a mentor. A man who will come alongside to help navigate the path of a boy from childhood to manhood, from teaching simple skills of a handshake to pursuing a wife, and everything in between.  Single moms will need to r...

Last week our guest, Zach Garza, shared his fatherless journey and the impact mentors had on his life. As we continue the conversation, Zach shares insight and wisdom on what moms should anticipate as their children, especially boys, process the loss of an earthy father. Zach Garza, the founder of Forerunner Mentoring and Vice President of Expansion for the Mentoring Alliance, which equips and enc...

The loss of an earthly dad deeply impacts the life of a child, although it’s not always realized in childhood. Children can often grow into grief and not deal with dad loss until their adult years. Many times a positive mentoring relationship is the tool that God will use to remove an infected emotional splinter and bring about healing. Zach Garza, the founder of Forerunner Mentoring and Vice Pres...

Mentoring plays a valuable role in the life of a fatherless young man. A young man needs to be challenged in ways beyond what a mom can offer. When a boy does not have an earthly dad, he needs a mentor who will make a practical, emotional, and spiritual investment in his life. Although this important relationship will look different for everyone, the benefits are often the same - God uses men as H...

Inserting mentors into the lives of your children is crucial during those child-raising years even if there are two parents in the home but especially if you are raising children without a dad. Mentoring for a fatherless family provides not only a vessel of God’s tangible fathering for children who do not have an earthly dad but also guidance for the single mom. Being intentional about asking men...

The average age of exposure to pornography is 9 years old. Any child can stumble onto this perversion whether they are looking for it or not. Pornography is a subject that is often uncomfortable for moms to discuss with their children, but it is an important conversation. Moms must be proactive against this battle that many fight against, even Christians. In the conversation today Mo Isom Aiken ca...