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. 👍

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. 👏

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.

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.

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!

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!

*"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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’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

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!

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.

Ashlee, you are truly one of my favorite (if not my favorite) KZfaqr. 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?

Love this. Totally agree!!!!! ❤️

110% agree!! So so good!!! ❤️

I have been so excited for this video!

Good word. Feeling inspired!

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

Great advice! Thank you so much ❤️

Love this so much!!

Sooo good thank you!!💕

Yes to all of this!

Thank you for sharing ❤️

Thank you for sharing this!

Love every bit of this!! So good! 🙌🏼

One thousand times yes 👏

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

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

I appreciate you. Thank you for this.

Preach Ashlee, preach!! 🙌🏼♥️👏🏼

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!

Interesting thoughts! Thanks for sharing from the heart.

I love this video so much!

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

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

Love this! Thank you for sharing!

Thank you soo much for this!

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

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

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

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

A lot of wisdom! 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.

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!

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 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. 💜

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

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!

Love love love this ❤

I just loved listening to this. 💓

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! ❤️

This was so helpful! Thank you!

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

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

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!!

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

Thank you so much for the encouragement and hope for our children and future generations! This is one of the best videos I’ve ever watched on here because it gives hope to other parents who have a similar heart for their children🙏 💜

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

Your amazing. God bless you🌹

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 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❤️🙏🏻

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 ❤️

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

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

Love this. Thanks for the video!

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!

Right on! Great video. Thanks.

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

Such a good video and advice.... thank you.

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.

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

Thank you for this video. I would love more videos like this.

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 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!

This is great!

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

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

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. ❤️

Thank you so much for Sharing! Very helpful!

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!

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

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. 💛

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

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.

Thank you so much for making this video! My oldest is 3 and one of the main reasons we are going to homeschool our kids (obviously we arent at the age yet) is to promote that strong family unit and preserve their innocence. Many of the things you said were things we were going to implement as well in our home ☺️ You also gave me new things to ponder that I hadn’t thought of and to think about as well! 🤓 Thank you again for making such an encouraging and heartfelt video! ♥️💕 These mom heart videos are among my favorites of the videos you make! 💜

Loved this video!!!

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 video. It gives me hope with my 4 and 6 year old

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!

Very encouraging, thank you!

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

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