Rooted Parent Top Ten January 2026

Welcome to the Rooted Parent Top Ten, a curated list of resources from across the web that we believe will be helpful to parents. Here you’ll find articles, podcasts, and videos to support you in gospel-centered discipleship and interpreting youth culture. While most are gospel-focused, others are included because they share a message of common grace. (Please note: the opinions presented in these articles do not necessarily reflect the position of Rooted Ministry.) At the end, you’ll find Rooted resources compiled from the last month’s new offerings. We hope this resource is helpful!

Gospel-Centered

Why Every Christian Should Care About Adoption (Even If They Never Adopt) by Andrew Hooper (New Growth Press)

“Because adoption is at the heart of salvation, it is also at the heart of the church’s mission. That means every Christian, without exception, participates in the church’s responsibility to vulnerable children. Not everyone will adopt. Not everyone should adopt. But everyone can care.“

The Tyrant in the Polar Bear Pajamas by Caleb Lay (Mockingbird)

“This is the paradox of parenthood: I have a responsibility to shape him, but I do not have the power to control who he becomes… That belongs to God.”

A Prayer for our Families by Walt Mueller (Center for Parent and Youth Understanding)

“We forsake our fears in light of the pledge of your help.”

Motherhood Is a Mission, Not An Identity by Melissa Edgington (Your Mom Has a Blog)

“A wonderful mission is different from the core of who we are. The only thing in this world that determines our identity is our faith in Christ…”

Besieged, but Not Captured by Vanessa Doughty (Fields and Valleys Substack)

Gospel comfort and encouragement from a mother watching her beloved child suffer depression.

Youth Culture

Young People Are Turning to the Bible by Murray Campbell (Murray’s Substack)

“Sales of the Good Book reached a record high in the UK in 2025, increasing by 134% since 2019 – the highest since records began… Leading the charge is young people. Only 4% of 18- to 24-year-olds said they attended church monthly in 2018, but in 2024 that number rose to 16% – the largest increase of any age demographic.”

How Do Kids Find Porn in 2026? 13 Pipelines Targeting Your Child You Need to Know About by Defend Young Minds staff (Defend Young Minds)

“Most kids are exposed to porn accidentally. Pornography reaches kids through everyday apps, devices, and platforms many families use and never suspect. Understanding these digital pipelines… is a crucial step to protecting them online.”

The Most Popular Show Among Gen Z? The Rookie – a Police Procedural by Alaina Demopoulos (The Guardian)

“One of the most surprising things about the show’s popularity among young people is the show’s positive portrayal of the police. Younger Americans are the most likely to distrust law enforcement and network police procedurals have long been criticized as ‘copaganda’ intended to subtly shape viewers’ attitudes.”

Easy New Year’s Resolutions For Families by Nadya Williams (Institute for Family Studies)

“For most families, in this age of overscheduled kids and overworked parents, the most doable resolutions involve routines that promote joy and rest together.”

To Share (And Discuss) With Your Teenager

Take It from Me, Don’t Use AI to Cheat in School by Zachariah John (TGC)

“You cannot keep your integrity in your own strength. When I was on trial, I couldn’t naturally crucify my pride in my academic image. I couldn’t resist the continued temptation to cheat by mere willpower. You cannot do this apart from Jesus. So allow Christ, not ChatGPT, to shoulder the burden of your work.”