PROTECTING & PRESERVING CHILDHOOD||HOW WE'VE DONE IT||

#momadvice #encouragement #homeschoolmom
So many of you have asked me to make this video for so long. Today I am finally sitting down and sharing ways and things we have done to preserve and protect childhood and innocence in our kids. I hope this video helps or encourages you. Protecting and allowing maturation to happen naturally is what we are prayerful over and continuing to strive towards. Let me know your thoughts with a comment!
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~Ashlee
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*this video is not sponsored as always, all opinions expressed are my own.

[@wkmacs4738]

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. 👍

[@thestraightroad305]

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]

🥰🥰

[@SkylarWhitmire]

Oh this comment is SO good!

[@suzz718]

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.

[@missfizz2386]

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]

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

[@nicolcacola]

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]

🙌🙌🙌

[@michellezepf4807]

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]

amen this 100 percent

[@marybethfiengo3196]

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!

[@pjengland286]

*"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]

Agree!! 100!!

[@therussells3086]

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.

[@maddi2394]

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.

[@jademullinax9129]

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.

[@melissaguevara724]

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]

Thankyou for sharing!!!

[@krystalfleming158]

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!

[@FireflyComics]

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.

[@candicemartinez5953]

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

[@mollyd9486]

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]

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

[@rmechelle4230]

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.

[@laurensurber4201]

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

[@chinastadthagen7779]

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!

[@dearey347]

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

[@ivykessel6439]

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

[@amim5144]

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!

[@jessicalutz5277]

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

[@shaylaanderson3873]

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 💙

[@edithrice4671]

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

[@mjr5a]

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.

[@meganhall2602]

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

[@kaitlync15]

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

[@peekk84]

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.

[@Amy-hj1qb]

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

[@ashleygutierrez8305]

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

[@hollyw872]

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

[@jennym853]

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

[@jessicacolthar3923]

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!

[@the3boyds]

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. 💜

[@Rachelatday2dayjoys]

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

[@nadinecollectivehomeschool7519]

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. 💛

[@HomeschoolHomestead]

Love every bit of this!! So good! 🙌🏼

[@TheAshleyCarter]

110% agree!! So so good!!! ❤️

[@caitlinwightman1694]

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

[@mariazotov5747]

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

[@marykolder6795]

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!

[@GracefullyUnraveled]

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

[@meronkeleme8660]

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

[@takeupyourcrown6407]

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🙏 💜

[@SCANIA374]

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

[@teresakopf937]

Preach Ashlee, preach!! 🙌🏼♥️👏🏼

[@saracave2805]

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!!

[@hannahc1072]

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

[@jessicaskinner3849]

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!

[@heidig8739]

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.

[@homewithtaylor]

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. 🤍

[@nikisanchez7816]

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! ❤️

[@kacierobson7916]

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!

[@tramseyplanter2]

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

[@naturalnursemama210]

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

[@MrsL2018]

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!

[@maurahomerski33]

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

[@karla514gc2]

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

[@lakinsmith2224]

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

[@AP-fr4pl]

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❤️🙏🏻

[@Masonsept2011]

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.

[@jennajadeg7010]

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

[@rebeccahart5600]

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!

[@ShellyJohnson-xs1mf]

Thank you for this video. So much great advice & tips! I am a mom of 5 😊 I feel like I started off my parenting journey strong then we loosened the reigns a bit and now we see a major difference between our oldest & our middle. Thank you for the encouragement at the end of the video. Lord willing it’s not too late!

[@Heanfra21]

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

[@sherirock2372]

Love this. Totally agree!!!!! ❤️

[@brittanyhaney7518]

Love love love this ❤

[@anissamiracle4862]

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!!

[@ashjeansmi]

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]

Amen!

[@nikithede8062]

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.

[@JP-ec3ei]

This was so helpful and encouraging. Thank you for making it.

[@amberjustus1093]

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

[@simplejoyfilledliving]

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

[@Laura17646]

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!

[@shannoncutshall8229]

Yes, Ashley I agree with all this. This is one of my favorite videos you have done. I just wish I had this much wisdom when mine were younger. My kids are 16, 15 and 12.

[@jessicajones2739]

I have been so excited for this video!

[@5243Jules]

This is amazing! I Iove hearing that others are raising kids this way. We have found our kids are so much happier in life because of this similar way of parenting.

[@jessriffel]

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!!

[@Suecaroline7]

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 ❤️

[@Amy-il3cl]

Thank you SO much for this conversation. Everything you touched on are the things we are trying to do with our 5 year old for exactly the same reasons.

[@taylormw13]

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!

[@alexandraeberhard515]

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. ❤️

[@whitneyhall673]

I love this video and hope there is more! I have two young girls and this is my heartbeat. We have been following u for about a month now as we have been contemplating homeschool this coming August. Your videos have given me the courage to believe that I can do this and the importance of believing in the why we are choosing it. Thanks for your videos. Keep being the bright light you are.

[@alexafillinger1549]

I love this!!! I truly breaks my heart to see some of the things parents are allowing their very young children to do on social media, etc! Thank you for protecting your children- There are so many great parents out there, and I know you’re one of them!

[@jessicahope1180]

You are so amazingly wise! I have said those age related things when i was a younger mom..hearing in as I grew up. I am so happy I found you!!

[@mama-at-home]

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. ❤️

[@MadisonHopperCleaning]

Loved this so much! I would love to hear more about how you were able to overcome the struggles of your childhood. Not specific details about what happened, because that is private, but just how you overcame it all. Thank you for always sharing such words of wisdom and encouragement!! Loved it!!

[@alycecline5053]

Hey I wanted to encourage you, and say you are doing such a great job with your kids. My parents also did this with me and my siblings, and I believe that my childhood was also preserved. And as a married woman now with three young kids of her own I am so glad that my parents did that even though they got the same questions to about not letting us grow up but it's not letting us have any freedom being teenagers. I'm so grateful that they did because I was able to experience things in my own time and experience things with my husband that most people don't get to experience in their own time.

[@jennyharmony1371]

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!

[@kellieliacopoulos8005]

Hi! This is the first video I have ever seen on your feed and I could not be more relieved and delighted! I love everything you said and am so happy you stepped forward to share! God bless! ( I subscribed, haha!!)

[@momma_to_6]

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!

[@Blessedwithmightyarrows]

I love your channel and appreciate your Christian values in each video you do. Out of all the videos I have watched, this is my favorite

[@sheridysnyder1173]

This was such an excellent video, thank you so much! I feel the same ways with everything you’ve said, you just have a better way of saying it than I do. I always get criticized for not letting my girls stay the night with other kids. I want to share this with everyone I know!

[@usernameunknownof]

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

[@FLMegan]

Your made for this...so good! I just sent the link to my hubs and he will watch and we will discuss what you said bc I think they are extremely valid points and so very important. It's critical to keep the discussion open between parents and stay accountable. So thank you.

[@emdaisy23]

Ashlee, we are raising our children the same way. It was so nice to hear it vocally said all the thoughts that I feel. I often feel like I am so different from others, but I know it will pay off.

[@LetTheMorningBringWord]

This was a wonderful video. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on such an important topic. Like minded myself and it can be a struggle to persevere when so much of the world has a very different view. I’m so happy we made the choice years ago to homeschool that was a very important first step in our family’s walk.

[@anitabudgets131]

Love love love this video. I only have a 7 year old boy but all of the points you made are so true. We all have different convictions but I definitely agree with you. I don’t allow most of the things the world is pushing on us. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@ashleyprice20]

I agree 100%! The power of healthy boundaries comes from communication and explanation 💜 Thanks for sharing!

[@caryndavis8464]

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