Thank you Ashlee for sharing. So many of us Christians are afraid to share our high standards with others because we don't want them to think we're being "holier than thou." But to that my daughter just said, "The whole point IS for us to be set apart." That's what Jesus calls us to do, to be very different from the world. 👍

As a former teacher and homeschooling mama, I never believed the social messaging about teenagers and the hype about their behavior. We raised our daughter with care and knowing the Lord, taught her the principles of life from scriptures, and respected and cherished her. I literally cannot remember one incidence of eye rolling, backtalking, or disrespect from her as an adolescent. We were happy and had a lot of fun as a family. Today she’s happily married and homeschooling her two, able to withstand ungodly pressure and we are best friends. I couldn’t be more thankful to the Lord for the privilege of raising her. When I was a teacher, so much teen misbehavior was excused on the basis of “hormones” and “that’s just being a teenager”. No. It is about expectations and nurture. The cult of teen tv, movies, early sexualization, spoiling, entitlement, indulgence-all that is the true culprit. Adolescence is a normal part of life that can be calm, kind, rational, yes sensitive, deeply feeling and imaginative. It is to be honored like any other phase of life, all of which were lived and sanctified by our Lord Jesus Christ.

@SummerSun-sg3wf

Жыл бұрын

🥰🥰

@SkylarWhitmire

11 ай бұрын

Oh this comment is SO good!

I agree 100% with you. I have a 16 year old son and a 12 year old daughter and our family is seen as the odd, sheltered family. We're ok with not being like most people🤗 You're doing an amazing job with your family.

I was exposed too mature movies at a very young age and it was detrimental to my thinking and kind of makes me sick today thinking about it. As a result I am very careful what my children are exposed to as well. Thank you for such a great message and breaking the wordly mold. Praise the Lord God Almighty!

@Nikki-ks6wi

Жыл бұрын

Same except i was exposed to things at school it’s scary because you realize being older too omg an adult exposed the child first very disturbing

Yes girl, I agree with so much!! My eldest (18) is always told her standards are too high. Well sorry y'all, her standards are set by the MOST High. Raising Godly men and women is our number one priority as followers of Jesus Christ, and exposing our kids to sinful behavior is just not biblical no matter what the modern worldview is. Good job momma. 👏

@amberdelivered6054

Жыл бұрын

🙌🙌🙌

Thank you for this video. I am so glad that Covid-19 forced us to homeschool my youngest. I have seen so much growth in her heart, and character this past year. I love everything you said about protecting your children's childhood. Public school has become the robber of our children innocence. It wants to force our children's hearts to turn away from everything that is holy and Christ given. I hope and pray that with the closure of school's that parents eyes will be opened, and a revival will sweep through our nation.

@livebygodscommands7613

2 жыл бұрын

amen this 100 percent

I love that you talked about the difference between legalistic parenting and preserving childhood. My parents were extremely legalistic when I was young. My parents didn't want me to know about "the birds and the bees" until I was 15. So because I still attended a co-op and youth group once a week, I learned most things about sex from my friends at 12/13/14 instead. Even when I asked my parents why they wouldn't tell me, they never gave me any type of explanation. It was just "oh we don't dont talk about that". To make things worse, instead of my parents actually sitting down with me to have an honest safe discussion about sex, they gave me a book to read and told me to never look anything up on the internet. (BTW to late for that) Because of how legalistic my parents were, my siblings and I would often find ourselves hiding innocent things from our parents. We had cell phones by the time we were 12 and even figured out how to hide a whole lot of things from our parents on there. For example, I really liked One Direction as a young teenager. I loved their music and pretty much had atleast a little bit of a crush on all of them. But because I was told that having a crush on a boy was lust or inappropriate for my age(I was 13/14), I hid the whole fact that I even so much as recognized their existence. So. Coming from a college student who's parents still don't know that she had a crush on One Direction @ 13. Please don't be legalistic with your kids. I am the product of that and my parents still don't know what my interests are because I know they wouldn't "approve" of them. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

Yes! My 13 year old (boy) still loves to play with action figures and build with blocks/magnatiles. We need to let kids be kids!

*"You can't protect them forever"* That's an argument I've heard too many times but I completely agree with what you said about SETTING THE STANDARD so that they can determine as they go into adulthood. It's about foundation. The idea that we should set them up for the bad stuff instead of for good has always frustrated me about my naysayers.

@shayj3373

3 жыл бұрын

Agree!! 100!!

@therussells3086

3 жыл бұрын

Think about how creepy that sounds to us parents "You can't protect them forever" What does that mean? The world is bloodthirsty for our kids. They want to make them bad as soon as possible.

First off, you’re an amazing mom with so much Godly wisdom. I can see that you truly follow Gods word and truth and it’s sooooo nice to see that in today’s world. Your kids are so blessed to have you and your husband as parents! Second, because of your bravery to share these hard topics, through you God has convicted me of a few things you mentioned that I have been doing and I didn’t even realize it. My son is only 7 and a few times I’ve mentioned the whole crush thing regarding a girl because that’s how I grew up. Thank you I see how that’s not a good thing to start. THANK YOU!! You are the true definition of a woman truly following Gods word and truth. I’m so thankful I watched this video today.

@GraceandGrit

3 жыл бұрын

Thankyou for sharing!!!

When I was a kid my parents did all they could to protect my innocence and I used to think they were silly and overprotective... Now that I'm a mom to 4 kids( that I also homeschool) I understand more than anything... I definitely get made fun of for trying to homeschool my children and for my reasons why but I wouldn't have it any other way and I'm proud of my family and don't want to be like everyone else!

Most of your reasons for homeschooling are also mine. I have a first grader and an almost 3 year old. I am a new Christian my husband isn’t there yet but he is open to learning more. My friends and family think I’m crazy to be so protective over my children and your videos give me so much encouragement. Thank you for making this video and all your others! I had to grow up way to fast and I don’t want my kids to.

Love this so much! My two youngest (9 and 7) were blown away that people can have babies without being married. I love their innocence.

I’m so happy to have stumbled across this video. I have an 8 yr old daughter and have worried about many of these things. I have become very aware of the “teenage” stereotype that media perpetuates and that I also think the public school peer influence makes worse. I do not expect nor will I tolerate my children to become disrespectful, ungrateful teenagers. For that and many other reasons I will begin homeschooling for the first time for the 3rd grade and preschool. I’m very happy with my decision for our family but not all family members agree and try to undermine my position. I just bite my tongue and allow them to state their opinion and move on. Humility is of the utmost importance

Thank you for making this video. It is so encouraging. My kids are the “sheltered” ones and I’m totally OK with that. But it’s great to have encouragement from another mama who’s a step ahead. I often feel alone in my convictions.

@Angela-ny2uz

3 жыл бұрын

I'm right there with you, Molly. It makes our family different and I like that.

Ashlee, you are truly one of my favorite (if not my favorite) KZreadr. The way you carry yourself and follow the Lord without compromise is so inspiring to me- a young homeschooling mama. You are truly an example of “what the enemy meant for evil, God will use for good!” You are a true lineage-changer and pioneer for Jesus! I am the same way in my family line! Do you have a video or have any advice about addressing things with the grandparents (like you mentioned) when they say something that you don’t allow in your family or your home? How do you set boundaries with them?

You are so right about being to legalistic in your rules, my parents took a more balanced approach and we’re criticized from some of their legalistic Christian friends who saw the devil in everything. Now that am 38 and have seen those kids turn into adults they went in the total opposite direction. Although they seemed to have a great deal of control over them as kids none of them have very good relationships with their parents or with God. To see them as adults I would never know they were raised in a Christian household

@GraceandGrit

3 жыл бұрын

Such a tough line to find, but so important!

I loved this video! I wasn't raised in a Christian household so you are such an inspiration to the type of mother I hope I am. Thank you so much for sharing!

I'd love to know what your rules, guidelines, what you allow/don't allow, time limits etc. specifically related to her cell phone. We have held off on cell phones, but it is approaching with our oldest son who is 13. Also if there are any security/monitoring type programs you use in your house for internet. Thank you♥️

@GraceandGrit

3 жыл бұрын

I’ll make a New video soon!

Hey Ashlee, This video blessed me so much. My childhood was also cut short and in that after giving my life to the Lord and having children I knew I was going to raise my children differently. It’s refreshing to see another mom not compromising even when it can get uncomfortable,especially with family etc. One major thing that has set me free is not living my life to please others anymore, but being led by the Spirit and inviting God into every aspect of my life (Definitely parenting) Thanks for being vulnerable and the encouragement to stand firm! 💓

@GraceandGrit

3 жыл бұрын

Amen!

I agree 1000% on everything! I have a 4 and 2 yo and I stand behind everything you’ve said, the world is SO corrupt and sinful and I think we should protect our kids as LONG as we can! I am planning on homeschooling and your channel is one of the ones I’m using for a reference!

Oh my gosh, I hate the boyfriend/girlfriend/crush talk applied to children! It drives me batty!

If I could love this a thousand times I would. We as parents do not have to agree on anything or everything but I will defend all kids childhoods above all else!! Literally every point you made is basically wonderful!

This topic was honestly one of the largest reasons I decided to homeschool my nine (now) year old daughter. & Why I love a lot of your advice! She came home from public school throughout kinder telling us some of the things her new friends were telling her about life, women, girls, and herself. So many of the things did not align with my hopes for her. Things like thinking girls had to wear certain things and behave in ways, especially when in juxtaposition to boys. I just wanted the majority of her day to be spent exploring her own interests and heart. Rather than trying to behave in a way that will impress others. So thank you for this video! I also highly filter the content my little ones are able to enjoy. 😂

Again, I just can't be anymore thankful for your obedience to the Lord to share so much and minister to us as a godly woman, mother, and wife! You are such an encouragement and you will never know in full the impact you're making in the world for so many people you may never meet. God bless you and your family!

This was very encouraging to me because we’ve done all of these things with our kids as well and people tell us over and over again how nice, kind, and caring our kids are. My kids are innocent but very wise and mature at the same time. It can be a lonely place sometimes because most parents do not have the same standards that we have in our family but it is so very worth it. One thing that we did that might help those with littles right now is to have the rule that we “don’t comment on other people’s bodies”. This helped to discourage those embarrassing toddler outbursts of saying stuff to strangers but also as they’ve gotten older to not use words about our bodies as weapons. Even though the rule is about other people’s bodies, we’ve included our own bodies as well. My kids don’t hear me talk about my body in a negative way either.You can comment on someone’s character or what you like/dislike about someone but we don’t talk about other people’s bodies😊

Thank you so very much for sharing this and having this "mom chat"! This was honestly the BEST video I have ever watched on KZread! I truly hope you can do more of these! This was so encouraging and truly helps other moms like myself in so many ways! I wish we could go out for coffee and speak more about each one of these topics for hours! I would love to hear more about what you allow media wise! My children are young 7, 5 and 3 and we have the same thoughts as you shared. I question certain things but always am worried that I am crossing that fine line that you mentioned and would love to know more about this. Do you let your boys play video games at all and what are the rules on them, do you allow barbies in your home, can they watch barbie shows or movies, can you go into more detail about certain things that you didn't want them to watch other than the obvious things? Are your children allowed to watch kids youtube at all if you are around? How do you both go about making sure you dont cross that line that will make them upset with you, rebel, want to do the opposite or want to partake in all of this because they felt sheltered? This is one of our biggest concerns. We always have this conversation and we truly dont want to be too overbearing or controlling but lead them in the right direction. We want them to want these things for themselves and understand why. I would love for you to go over all of these more! It was incredibly helpful and also so nice to know we are not the only other family that focuses on these topics. :) I feel like I could ask you 1,000 more questions on this one KZread video!! Thank you again! You can truly see how much these decisions have blessed your family!

Thank you so much for doing this video! We have many of the same beliefs. I've been questioned and accused of sheltering my children. It's weighed so heavy on my heart. We've had to separate ourselves from some of my husbands family as they don't have the same beliefs and I want to protect my kids from the toxicity.

As usual, another amazing video. We are very adamant also about protecting our kids and maintaining their innocence as long as possible. I am definitely not a Disney hater by any means but I feel personally it gave me a very unrealistic view on love that honestly took me practically my entire twenties to recover from. I am struggling with how to explain healthy relationships to my kids so they can also enjoy the fairy tales.

Thanks for sharing this. We have set many of the same standards, as the Lord leads us. My two middle kids are now 19 and almost 22 and they still play with our younger child/children. They also still chase each other around the house. It's so funny and delightful to watch. Homeschooling for the last 14yrs has been such a blessing. It has allowed us to raise our kids in a godly way. It has also allowed our kids to have great relationships with us as parents, and with one another.

I absolutely adore this video Ashlee! We feel so alone sometimes in parenting this way, and it’s very encouraging to hear that there are other families doing things this way. Our oldest of four is also a girl, almost 13, and we see many of the same beautiful pay-offs you described!~Caryn

I love this video! My kids are still little so its great to hear what you did when raising your kids. My parents are not Christians, but they protected my innocence when growing up. Going to school and interacting with classmates is definitely what took away that innocence. Learning about things that I definitely should not have learned about.

I have been so excited for this video!

I wish I was wise enough to have implemented these things from the beginning. Ashlee, I've said it so many times. You are truly an inspiration to so many! Please keep it up, our world needs more people like you and your husband. ❤

Love every bit of this!! So good! 🙌🏼

110% agree!! So so good!!! ❤️

Oh Ashlee. I'm at the end and tears are coming. "Its never too late to say we're gonna clean this area up a bit." Your wisdom is amazing here. Thank you so much. Thank you. I don't even know where to begin. Just thank you. I cherish this video 💗 from one girl who's innocence was stolen to another - so, so much love 💜

Wow, you hit the nail on the head with all of this. You literally vocalized and worded everything in my head/heart perfectly! We follow pretty much all of these as well for the same reasons. It is an absolute breath of fresh air to see another family on that same page. ❤️

Preach Ashlee, preach!! 🙌🏼♥️👏🏼

So encouraging and so helpful! Thank you for sharing!!

This was amazing! So helpful and encouraging! Thank you for sharing!

Great advice! Thank you so much ❤️

Love this! Thank you needed to hear lot of this!

Love this. Totally agree!!!!! ❤️

This has to be one of my favorite videos! Well done, Mama!

Always encouraging and totally relatable! Thank you for always being humble, open, and transparent, while keeping healthy boundaries for your family💕.

Absolutely loved this, thank you so much for sharing this with us. Your intentionality with every aspect of raising and teaching your children has been something I have noted and respected since I started watching your content. Praying you continue to see the beautiful fruit of this hard work 💙

Thank you so much for all of the insight! I have been thinking so much about all of these things you have laid out here on this video, it gives me so much encouragement. Thank you again!

What a gift you are! I appreciate this more than I can express!

So good! Love these conversations, and love all your content 🥰

You’re such a good mama (and your hubby)! Such great tips, advice and wisdom. 💕 Thanks for sharing Ashlee!

This is the best video you ever made ! So much wisdom and love!! Thank you

Thank you for sharing your heart and being honest and open it’s really special

So thankful you share your insight, experience, & convictions on topics like this!! It spoke directly to my heart today!! Thank you!!💗

Love this, I agree with everything you've shared. 💜

Absolutely loved this video. You speak wisdom and truth. Thank you so much!

I needed to hear all of this. May God bless you for sharing. 🙏🏽❤️

Great video! As a mom of three young boys, it is so helpful to hear from someone who has been there already. Going to share with all my mom friends!

Love this! Thank you for sharing!

Thank you for this! You have done such a great job, and I appreciate you sharing how you have done it.

You have so much wisdom! thank you for your videos♥️ God bless your family🙏

Thank you so much for this video!! We do most of these things but this has helped me to realize areas we may need to reconsider and update! It does get hard when people don’t understand why you say no to certain things!

I love your humility Ashlee. I agree with you 100%.

Love love love this ❤

Totally agree :) love this video! When kids are kids, good things happen :)

Nailed it! My oldest is 9 & I wholeheartedly agree with you!!

I agree with most of what you’re saying, and have been choosing to do the same things with my kids. Thanks for sharing!

This is such a powerful video Ashlee. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us. This has given me some great things to keep thinking about.

A lot of wisdom! Thank you.

Love this video! Very affirming to me as a mom of several kiddos, our oldest being 9. We are absolutely in lock-step agreement with all that you've said, and I appreciate the encouragement!!

Thank you for this video! I have young kids and this is so good to hear. ❤️❤️❤️

Thank you. For sharing. I agree. And admire you for bringing this up and share it.

Ugh, I just love you and your straight forward, say the truth, honest heart. Your channel has been such a bright spot and encouragement through these difficult times. Loved all of This!

Thank you for speaking out about this. I think it is often overlooked how important it is to the soul to protect your children‘s innocence and childhood. If you don’t it‘s a wound that may never heal.

Thank you for this video! I always loved seeing how wonderful your oldest is, and this has shown me some things I want to change for my daughters.

Love everything about this! Intentional parenting is something I’m so passionate about! Everything you discussed is what we strive for in our family. So encouraging that you are seeing the fruits of your labor! ❤️

Thank you for sharing! This was so affirming as we make many of the same choices. Thank you for sharing about seeing the fruit if we stay the course. 💜

This was such a good video! I agree with everything you said 100%. You are such an inspiration to me in homeschooling and in faith!

so much truth! We do this too, even when we are questioned with our "parenting". Thank you for sharing, that we are not alone!

Very encouraging, thank you!

Thanks so much for sharing! Love your mom thoughts videos. I have a daughter the same age as yours so I appreciate all the videos you do about this age group. I appreciate what you said about how she can’t prove that she can be trusted if you don’t give her anything to be trusted with (so profound!!) I also have a 7 year old daughter and love to see how your younger boys are doing.

I really enjoyed this video! Im always questioning myself & this video gave me a holy confidence boost! Thank you

Thank you so much for this and for sharing so bravely. You approached this topic in a graceful way while speaking so much truth. I enjoy your videos. 💛

Loved this video! I talk to my kids about enjoying their childhood all the time!!! A part of mine was also taken from me and I want them to treasure every moment. Loved this and it’s so good to see we are also in the right track ❤️

I had to comment again.. SO SPOT ON! Our family values align so much and it’s just such a nice to listen to your video and feel support with these topics❤️🙏🏻

I’m currently watching this while my two-year-old naps and while I’m holding my four-month-old for his nap & it was just what I needed. I’ve been feeling so sad about them growing up & losing their childlike sweetness, but this is encouraging that we can work to cultivate it. 🤍

Yes!! This is a great video. Thank you for sharing. It’s been a hard road setting boundaries for our kids when family doesn’t have the same convictions. Thank you for the reminder of the bigger picture. Love this.

I really love you. Thank you for sharing your way and thinking. Its very helpful

Great video! Refreshing and encouraging to hear there are other who have these same viewpoints. It can be discouraging to not have family or many friends who agree (or don't see you are weird or too strict) but seeing the fruit of your intentional patenting is exciting and encouraging! God bless you and your family and keep sharing!!

I love this so much! This may be my favorite video of all time that you have done. These are the kind of conversations that I have with my mom friends, and I so value hearing from other moms how they are navigating this (and other) topics. We have done many of the same things, and yet I am so encouraged and challenged by this content. Thank you for always speaking your convictions with boldness and grace!

Thank you for this encouragement! I'll protect mine as long as I'm able.

This was so timely - just what we talked about in my mom’s bible study group today. We have to be the gate keepers as the culture tries to raise our kids. ❤️

Very well said. I agree 100%. We do very similar things with our children. You are doing an amazing job ❤️

This is such valuable information. Anyone that has watched your channel can see the fruits of your labor in your precious children. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!

It’s so refreshing to know others are raising their kids in a protected way!!!!! I appreciate you putting this out there ❤️

❤️❤️❤️ The teen years can be such a blessing!

So refreshing to know we are not alone in this. 🙏🏼

Thank you for taking the time to make this video and for encouraging me on this road. Thank you so much!!!! God bless you and your family!

Thank you thank you for sharing this!! It was all so good and timely to hear. It’s so hard in this world even if we do have convictions, because it makes us seem so “weird” to others. But I agree with making sure our kids want to play and hang out with us. Then the weird isn’t noticed while having fun 😄 truly appreciate you sharing! Blessings.

This is great advice! Thank you! I do a lot of this already and it's great to hear it put to words. Love the line "it just doesn't work that way" in regards to mom's bathing suit cannot be skimpy if you don't want your child to wear one. Too funny and so true!!