Who is Raising Our Kids?

Who is really raising your children? In a culture where daycare, nannies, and two-income households have become increasingly common, are we overlooking the importance of parents being personally present in their children's lives? And what might we be sacrificing when we delegate so much of their daily care to others? In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow begin a challenging conversation about parental presence, childcare, and the heart connection God designed between parents and children. Drawing from Malachi 4:6, they explore why raising children involves more than providing for their physical needs—it's about building relationships that can influence their hearts and faith for generations. Amy shares a revealing comparison from Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses, contrasting the poet's heartfelt dedication to his childhood nanny with the brief poem he wrote to his mother. Rob and Amy also discuss the financial decisions that can limit a family's childcare options and why they encourage couples to consider those choices before having children. This conversation isn't about being a perfect parent. It's about recognizing the value of being present, caring for your children through everyday challenges, and intentionally turning your heart toward them. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why Malachi 4:6 connects the hearts of parents and children with God's work across generations - How daycare, nannies, and other childcare arrangements raise important questions about parental presence and attachment - What Robert Louis Stevenson's poetry reveals about the relationships that shaped his childhood - Why Amy believes being present matters more than perfect parenting techniques, schedules, or activities - How financial commitments and dependence on two incomes can limit a family's future choices - Why Rob encourages young couples to plan financially for greater flexibility when children arrive - How mothers and fathers can intentionally strengthen their relationships with their children Featured Resources: Not So Perfect Mom — Amy Rienow shares biblical encouragement for mothers who want to embrace what matters most, strengthen their relationships with their children, and focus on God's priorities for motherhood. Start reading for free: https://visionaryfam.com/mom Visionary Family Raffle — Support Visionary Family Ministries through its special fundraising raffle for a five-star Florida vacation getaway. Find eligibility requirements, official rules, and participation details at https://visionaryfam.com/raffle. Upcoming Events — Join Visionary Family Ministries at upcoming events, including the Visionary Family Conference in Pasadena, California, and the Thanksgiving Ball in the Chicago area. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/events Love this episode? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, questions, and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.