Help! I'm Raising Fatherless Kids

Discover the diverse journeys of single parents raising children due to various circumstances like death, divorce, desertion, adoption, or being unmarried. Despite facing unique forms of loss, they encounter shared challenges. Anna Meade Harris, the author of God's Grace for Every Family: Biblical Encouragement for Single-Parent Families and the Churches that Seek to Love Them Well, reminds us that God is there and His grace is enough. In this compelling episode, Anna offers invaluable perspectives on: Embracing your family's unique path, even when it differs from God’s original design. Discovering the boundless love and grace of God in the absence of an earthly father. Confronting and overcoming the fears that often plague single parents. Navigating the complex journey of grieving various forms of loss within single parenthood. Anna Meade Harris is a single mom of three young adult sons. She is the Senior Director of Content at Rooted Ministry, co-host of the Rooted Parent podcast, and a member of Church of the Cross in Birmingham, AL. Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

Titus 2:4-5 says young women are to be “sensible, pure, makers of a home [where God is honored], good-natured so that the word of God will not be dishonored” (AMPC). These guardrails are essential for life, especially for single moms! Moms raising kids in a home without an earthly father must be cautious and sensible in their decision-making, parenting, and lifestyle choices. In this episode, Lori talks about: Defining sensibility and its significance in daily life. Exploring the advantages of embracing sensibility. Navigating the challenges of fluctuating hormones and their potential impact on sensible living. Empowering single mothers with strategies for practicing the art of sensibility amidst life's demands. Upcoming Special Event: Daughters of the King special event for Single and Widow Moms and their fatherless daughters | May 4, 2024 | Acworth, GA Other resources: Ask Dad: Cell Phones and Teens Podcast 108 with our Help Team of Dads: Brandon Apon, Sean Teis, Chris Tuttle, and Ben Whittinghill Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

In this episode, we delve into the complex terrain of raising children as a single mother. While every parent faces challenges, single mothers often encounter unique hurdles that demand thoughtful consideration and creative solutions. One of the most challenging aspects of raising children without an earthly father is establishing and enforcing guardrails. Our first “Ask Dad” for help episode provides wisdom for a single mom's question about how to handle a cell phone violation by her 14-year-old son. Our “Help Team” offers insight on the following: Smart-phone alternatives How to handle a phone violation Tips for handling disobedience The dangers of fear-based parenting Other Resources: Fatherless Fathers Podcast Episode 12 with Chris Tuttle Overcoming the Statistics of Fatherlessness Podcast Episode 29 with Sean Teis The Importance of a Mentor Podcast Episode 52 with Brandon Apon and Eric Helms Help Team Guests: Brandon Apon Sean Teis, with God is my Dad Chris Tuttle Ben Whittinghill Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

Parents are given approximately 18 years to train and shepherd each of their children in the way that they should go, and this includes disciplining them when they get off track. Scripture teaches that discipline is God’s idea as a way of affirming His love for us. One of the most daunting tasks for a single mom is executing discipline while solo parenting. As the only disciplinarian, she doesn't have the luxury of deferring discipline by saying, "Wait until your dad gets home," relying on him to handle the tough tasks while she consoles afterward. Many also wonder if it is okay to discipline a grieving child. In this episode, Lori discusses God’s discipline of His children How to handle disobedience, disrespect, deception, and disregard for others and their belongings Considerations on discipline and the grieving child Upcoming Special Event: Daughters of the King special event for Single and Widow Moms and their fatherless daughters | May 4, 2024 | Acworth, GA Other Resources: Blog: What grieving teens need from their single mom Parenting Grieving Teens Podcast Episode 104 with Lori Apon Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

In this episode, explore the profound truth that every believer is purposefully crafted and called by God, endowed with unique gifts, and bestowed with the grace necessary to fulfill their divine purpose. Throughout scripture, God issues a “call” to men and women alike. Paul tells us that he was called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel. The prophet Jeremiah tells us that God called him from his mother's womb. Every Christian is entrusted with a special calling, as Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” So is widowhood a calling? In this episode, Lori shares her testimony of God’s calling on her life, especially her personal call to remain a widow. Upcoming Special Event: Daughters of the King special event for Single and Widow Moms and their fatherless daughters | May 4, 2024 | Acworth, GA Other Resources: The Apon Story Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

Hebrews 10:25 tells us “not to neglect meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” Church is God's idea. If there's ever a time for single moms to consider getting connected to the local church, it is when they have been left alone to raise their children. There's nothing like the support of the body of Chris, being in person with others worshiping the Lord, hearing God’s Word, and being discipled by pastors and teachers. In this episode, Lori shares her personal experience with going to church and encourages single moms to find a community of faith to connect with. Upcoming Special Event: Daughters of the King special event for Single and Widow Moms and their fatherless daughters | May 4, 2024 | Acworth, GA Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

During the teenage season, a child transitions into adulthood and must take steps toward “putting away childish things.” The end goal is to move towards independence and out of the home, living a life on their own. When there is no dad in the home, or dad-loss is experienced during these years, it can be even more challenging. Solo moms need wisdom and support in navigating what can be turbulent times. The good news is that even though single moms are physically alone, God is there. He cares about your teen and is able to carry mom and child through. In this episode, Lori talks about What impacts a teen in this season The sovereignty of God in our loss What to expect the teenage years to look like What a grieving teen needs from their single mom Other Resources: Milestones that Unlock Grief for Your Teen Podcast Episode 103 with Lori Apon 15 Ways a Single Mom can Help Her Teenage Fatherless Son Daughters of the King special event for Single and Widow Moms and their fatherless daughters | May 4, 2024 | Acworth, GA Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

It is common for kids to appear unaffected by the death or loss of their earthly dad. Toddlers and adolescents will tearfully miss Daddy one moment and then act as if nothing has happened the next, while teens respond in a variety of ways, from anger to isolation. Both responses can cause mom deep concern. Mom will often carry this pain for her child until they grow into their grief and process it on their own. Significant milestones in life are often the first opportunity for dormant grief to appear. Understanding the potential for triggers and an eruption of unlocked pain will help to soften the blow. In this episode, Lori discusses the five milestones that unlock dormant grief in teens: Accomplishments Driving First job School Dance Graduation Other Resources: 5 Milestones that Unlock Grief for Teens The Importance of a Mentor Part One with Lori Apon 15 Ways a Mom Can Help Her Fatherless Teenage Son Finding Role Models for my Fatherless Girl Podcast Episode 22 Daughters of the King special event for Single and Widow Moms and their fatherless daughters | May 4, 2024 | Acworth, GA Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

Single moms bear a substantial burden, carrying not only the emotional weight for their children but also juggling the demands of work while tending to their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Despite exhaustion, they resiliently navigate the trials that come their way, serving as the glue that binds the family together amidst challenging circumstances. In the absence of a dad by death, divorce, desertion, or distance due to imprisonment, God keeps His promise to be a Father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5 NKJV). In this episode, our guest talks about: Using Scripture to Overcome Challenges: Examining the role of scripture in dispelling the lies of the enemy. The Unwavering Faithfulness of God: Reflecting on the assurance of God's faithfulness as a source of strength and hope for single moms. Practical Tips for Navigating Single Motherhood: Providing actionable advice and practical tips to empower single moms in their parenting journey. Other Resources: Daughters of the King special event for Single and Widow Moms and their fatherless daughters | May 4, 2024 | Acworth, GA Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

When a boy moves into manhood, he will go through a series of milestones referred to as a “Rite of Passage.” Reaching a certain age brings with it a new level of responsibility and opportunity to prove himself trustworthy. It is helpful for single moms raising boys to be aware of these and the important role each one plays in the life of her son. The following are discussed in this episode: Eight Rites of Passage a boy will experience as he grows into manhood Practical ideas on how to celebrate each rite of passage Encouragement for single and widow moms on leading their sons through this process Wisdom on how to navigate challenges that may come with the mother/son relationship Other Resources Raising a Modern-Day Knight by Robert Lewis Fatherless Fathers Podcast Episode 12 with Chris Tuttle How to Plan a Blessing Party for Your Child Podcast Episode 54 with Lori Apon Daughters of the King special event for Single and Widow Moms and their fatherless daughters | May 4, 2024 | Acworth, GA Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

In this episode, we explore a key component of parenting, intentionality, especially in the context of spiritual investment in our children. Guests Christina Brummel, a mother of ten, and Kayla Whittinghill, a mother of eight (all under twelve), share their valuable insights on making meaningful connections during mealtime. Time around the table provides a setting with a “captive” audience to not only feed your children physically but also spiritually, planting seeds from the Word of God that will bring forth fruit in the later years. Key Discussion Points: How Table Time started: Discover what inspired Christina and Kayla to leverage mealtime as a meaningful platform for spiritual growth and how this idea can be transformative for single and widow moms. Organic Teaching Moments: Explore the organic and intentional ways these moms incorporate spiritual discussions into their family meals. Learn how these conversations become powerful tools for nurturing faith. Practical Tips for Single Moms: Gain practical suggestions on how single and widow moms can integrate intentional table time into their daily routines, fostering a spiritually rich environment for their children. Other Resources: Daughters of the King special event for Single and Widow Moms and their fatherless daughters | May 4, 2024 | Acworth, GA Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

One-on-one time for communicating with your child is important and a priority to include in your family life. Intentional mother/child time provides a safe place for children to share their hearts in a non-threatening way. In this episode, Lori discusses: The value of a consistent tea talk (for girls) and/or chocolate chat (for boys) How to make this time easy, effective, and enjoyable What to include in mother/child conversations Other Resources: Daughters of the King special event for Single and Widow Moms and their fatherless daughters | May 4, 2024 | Acworth, GA Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

When children lose a dad, especially at a young age, it is crucial that we preserve the story of him for them to have when they want to know who their daddy was and the impact he had on others. In this episode, Lori discusses the following: Practical ideas on how to preserve the story of daddy including Daddy Books and Daddy Boxes When and how to share the hard parts of the story, if needed The importance of the story of the Gospel and declaring the work of God to all generations Other Resources: Celebrating Valentine’s Day as a Single Parent Podcast Episode 45 with Lori Apon Hope for the Holidays Magazine Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

Writing a letter is a simple and effective way to help children with their grief. Journaling can feel laborious for both adults and kids, but writing a letter often doesn’t feel like work. And it’s a great way to connect and share our feelings with those we love. When these letters are stored in a journal or notebook, they offer a safe place to share pain. In this episode, Lori talks about The benefits of letter writing as a form of journaling for kids Ideas of what to include in a “Dear God, Dear Daddy” journal Sample letters from her children’s journals Widow Care Support to receive seasonal cards and boxes of Comfort and Care Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

As the new year begins, I'm going to put my mentor hat on and speak candidly and compassionately on some things for young single moms. Even though your family unit has changed, you are a family. Make the most of your time together. Be intentional about how you will do life together, including work, school, home management, extracurricular activities, and vacations. This is your children's childhood, and your time is worth the investment. In this episode Lori offers 16 words of encouragement on the pillars to include in your storm-tossed life. Priorities for the single mom The importance of leading your family well Other resources: Expectations You can Have when God is Father Podcast Episode 94 with Lori Apon How to Build a Support System Luncheon of Hope 2024 Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

There is nothing that captures our attention more than a tragic story that ends in triumph! Sean Teis shares his riveting story of abuse and becoming fatherless as a baby, but the story doesn’t end there. Sean testifies that God intervened, fulfilling His promise to be a Father to the fatherless. Time and time again, God’s hand was on his life protecting and preparing him for the mission he feels called to now. You won’t want to miss his testimony! In this episode, helpful advice is given to both single moms and fatherless young men on You can learn more about Sean’s ministry and resources here: https://www.godismydad.com/ https://www.lifefactors.org/ Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

In the last episode, we talked about the three phases of grief a mother experiences with her child. And after the show we received some feedback – moms want to know more! So, in this bonus episode, I will cover the common feelings of fear and abandonment and the 8 realities that many fatherless boys and girls struggle with. For example, boys will wrestle with a fear of failure while girls will be tempted to search for their identity in all the wrong places. WITH GOD AS FATHER single moms can expect so much more than just the negatives! God will turn what was meant for evil into good and you and your children can expect God to perform miracles! Related Resources: https://bit.ly/raisingfatherlesswww.bit.ly/widowmom PerspectiveMinistries.org

You’ve never raised fatherless kids before, so to start, let me tell you something I’m sure you have heard before — you’re not going to wrap this up in a box with a pretty bow. You’re on a journey and every mama's experience will be different. Today, we’re talking about the processing of grief and carrying grief for our children. In the early days, months, and years, a mom will grieve for her children no matter their age. She has a perspective and a view that is much different from kids. She can see and understand the depth of that loss in a greater way. And as time goes on she will then process the grief with her children. It is important to put in the suitcase of their hearts only what they can handle. There are three stages of helping our kids with grief that I cover in today’s show, carrying grief, sharing grief, and making grief their own. Each part is hard and each part is beautiful. I pray today that you will be able to rest in what God is doing in your life and the lives of your children. More resources: SOCIALS: Perspective Ministries: Instagram Website https://perspectiveministries.org/ Join our Private Facebook page —Help I’m Raising Fatherless Kids https://www.facebook.com/groups/321489763333254 Interested in Hope Gathering Mom This is a time to meet together for community with other moms raising fatherless children. Want Lori Apon to speak at your event? Click here for more info!

The days following Christmas as we ring in the new year, require the proper perspective, especially amidst grief and life’s challenges. In this episode, Lori talks about Five perspective considerations Keys to restarting a new year Her personal family highlights To donate to Perspective Ministries, click here. Check out these favorite and most listened-to episodes of 2023! Let’s Talk About Grief: 43 Raising Fatherless Toddlers 66 When Grief Acts Like a Toddler For Fatherless Girls: 22 Finding Male Role Models for My Fatherless Girl 84 Fatherless by Divorce with Erin Davis For Fatherless Guys: 64 Launching Fatherless Boys into Manhood Part One 65 Launching Fatherless Boys into Manhood Part Two 56 Accepting Fatherlessess by God’s Grace 49 The Value of a Mentor 44 Dadvice by one Deserted by Dad Special Topics: 47 Mo Isom Aiken on The Battle of Pornography and Promiscuity for our Daughters Motherhood series 58-61 76 Mo Isom Aiken on The Realities of Suicide Go Beyond Mental Health 77 Mo Isom Aiken on Forgiving the Unforgettable Loss by Suicide 55 Recognizing an Eating Disorder and How to Help Other Resources: Widow Care SupportWidowLife Magazines Luncheon of Hope, February 10, 2023 Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

We are all desperately longing for peace. You may be in a season of suffering but able to proclaim that you are experiencing a peace that surpasses understanding, or you may be crying out for peace amidst the turmoil. No matter where you find yourself today, you have access to Jesus, the Prince of Peace. The prophet Isaiah gives four titles for Jesus, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, ESV). In this episode, Lori talks about: Have you experienced Christ as your Prince of Peace? Listen in and be drawn closer to your savior. Other Resources His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor Podcast Episode 88 with Lori Apon He will be called Mighty God Podcast Episode 89 with Lori Apon Knowing God as Everlasting Father Podcast Episode 90 with Lori Apon Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.