Kids & Influences: Superpower or Kryptonite?

The Power of Influences in your Kids’ Lives.

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I’ve shared the story before, but it played such a role in shaping my parenting (not to mention my kids’ lives), I think it bears repeating…

I’ll never forget the season when one of my sons found himself in a shifting friend group. These were kids he’d known since Sunday School—sweet boys he’d spent countless happy childhood days with. But now, things were changing. These same kids had stopped going to youth group and were spending more and more time just “hanging out”… often without any adult supervision.

My son didn’t think they were doing anything wrong. But I wasn’t convinced they were doing anything particularly right, either. (IYKYK.)

It put us in a tough spot. My son wanted friends. I wanted my son to have friends. So I was torn: do I let him hang out with this crew and hope for the best? Or do I redirect him, knowing it might lead to a season of loneliness?

One day, while sharing this dilemma with a friend, her husband overheard us and stepped in with a simple but powerful truth:

“Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.”

That line hit hard. It still gives me chills, over ten years later.

And in that moment, I made the hard call to guide my son in a new direction. It wasn’t easy at the time—but we both look back with gratitude now.

Why This Matters So Much

It’s a fact of human nature: we become like the company we keep. The Bible stated this long before social scientists confirmed it.
King Solomon wrote:

“He who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.” — Proverbs 13:20

And the Apostle Paul echoed:

“Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good morals.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33

Yet somehow, we parents are often surprised when this becomes very real in our kids’ lives.

Whether it’s peers, teammates, cousins, online gaming friends, YouTubers, or TikTok personalities… the truth stands:
Our kids are becoming like the people and content they spend the most time with.

You’ve probably heard it said:
Hang out with five smokers, and you’ll be the sixth.
Hang out with five fit people, and you’ll be the sixth…

So. Much. Truth.

Good influences can be our kids’ superpower! They can motivate and inspire our kids in ways that parents simply cannot. I could go on and on about the power of some of the incredible influences in my sons’ lives growing up. I will forever be grateful!

But, negative influences can do just the opposite. Like kryptonite, they can drag our kids down and undo a lot of the good going on in our kids’ lives. I don’t like to fear monger or be overly dramatic, but I’ve watched bad influences literally destroy young lives.

But I Know… It’s Complicated

We want our kids to have friends.
We don’t want to be “that parent.”
We worry that if we set limits, they’ll feel isolated—or resent us for it.

That’s why navigating influence requires wisdom, discernment, and a lot of courage. But may I gently encourage you to take this topic seriously—especially this summer?

Consider the people and platforms your child is spending the most time with. Think about how those influences are shaping their character, values, and choices.

And ask yourself:
If my child becomes more like those influences… will I be glad in the future? Will they be glad?

If You Want Help With All of This…

Influence is one of the most important topics I cover in my Character Training Course. The course is packed with practical tools, spiritual encouragement, and wisdom to help you confidently guide your kids through the complicated world of influence. (and so much more!)

The course is open this week only, and it’s 20% off through Friday, June 27th!
(A two-payment plan is available to make it more manageable.)

👉 Click here to check out the Character Training Course Information page.

And if now’s not the right time, you can join the waitlist here and receive free resources and encouragement in the meantime. Just don’t forget—you’re not alone in this.

Parenting today takes intentionality, but I promise: it is so worth it!!

If you have any questions at all, I’m just a comment or email away. Let’s raise kids who grow up with character, confidence, and strong, wise hearts.

With you in this,
Monica

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