Ep. 48 Raising Godly Children in a Distracted World with Dr. Mel Tavares
How do we raise children grounded in faith when screens, sports schedules and social media all compete for their hearts? Raising kids in today's world isn't easy, and it can be hard to know how to keep our families connected.
This week I sit down with Dr. Mel Tavares: award-winning author, speaker, managing editor of Arise Daily, and a mom of seven and grandmother of eleven with 35 years of experience working with families. We talk about her book Make Families Great Again, why connection has to come first, how to keep extracurriculars from taking over, staying wise about the online world, and staying involved in our children's education.
Key Points
Connection comes first. Before kids will receive biblical truth, they need undivided time with us. Put the device down, make eye contact and talk to each other. That's how we find out what's really happening in their world.
Parent according to Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 6:6–9 tells us to talk about God's truth when we sit at home, walk along the road, lie down and get up. Ordinary moments, like a walk in the park, become discipleship.
Busyness is the enemy's quiet strategy. He doesn't have to tempt us with something dramatic. He just has to keep our families overscheduled with good things until there's no time left for dinner, church or rest.
Motherhood is a noble profession. It is the highest calling we could ever have. The days are long, but the years are short, so we have to purpose in our hearts to be intentional.
"Motherhood is a noble profession. It is nothing to be ashamed of. It is the utmost calling, the highest calling you could ever have." Dr. Mel Tavares (10:45)
Actionable Takeaways
Create one daily connection point. If family dinner isn't possible yet, try what one of Dr. Mel's colleagues did: an after-school snack at the table where everyone shares about their day.
Lead by example with screens. Our kids are watching. If we spend four hours a night on our phones, it's hard to ask them not to.
Know their online world. Learn what each platform is and why kids are drawn to it. Newsletters like Protect Young Eyes and Focus on the Family's Plugged In do the research for you.
Stay connected to school. Look at their homework, ask what they learned each day, and gently counter anything that goes against your family's biblical values.
Befriend and pray for your child's teachers. Teachers are under real stress. Drop off a coffee or a kind note, and pray for them by name.
Dr. Mel's Guardrails for Extracurriculars
One activity per child at a time. When two activities conflict across town, the answer is no.
Protect family dinner. In Dr. Mel's house, dinner is still at 6:00 p.m., and everyone knows it.
Nothing late at night. Kids need time to wind down, finish homework and sleep.
Church comes first. When her son's team moved practice to Sunday mornings, that was the end of football for that season.
Weigh the benefit against the cost. The cost is often family time and sleep, and overscheduled kids show their stress one way or another.
Connect with Dr. Mel Tavares
Dr. Mel is an award-winning author and speaker with a Doctor of Ministry in pastoral care and counseling, the acquisitions and managing editor of Arise Daily, and the 2025 recipient of the Evangelical Press Association's Award of Excellence.
Website: DrMelTavares.com
Make Families Great Again, available on Amazon and through her website
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