Being a parent is the most scariest thing I have ever done in my whole entire life. From the moment my little girl was born, I felt like my heart was walking around outside of my chest. You want to keep them safe from every little scratch and every big mean person in the world. Using prayers for protection for my daughter is the only way I can stay calm when she is out of my sight. It gives me a peace that I can’t find anywhere else.
Powerful prayers for protection for my daughter to use daily
I think that God hears a mother or father’s voice in a special way. There is many things in this world that can hurt a child, like mean kids at school or dangerous things on the internet. We can’t be with them twenty-four hours a day, but God can. That is why I started writing these down. I hope they help you feel like your daughter is wrapped in a big, warm blanket of safety from heaven.
1. Protection from physical harm and accidents
The first thing we always worry about is our kids getting hurt. Maybe they fall down at the park or get into a car accident. I always pray for a “wall of fire” around my daughter. This means that no bad thing can get through to touch her. When she goes to a friends house or goes on a field trip, I say this prayer while she is walking out the door. It makes me feel like I am sending an invisible bodyguard with her.
Bible Verse: “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” — Psalm 91:11-12
How to pray: Stand by the front door before she leaves for the day. You can put your hand on her shoulder or just watch her walk away. Ask God to send four angels to stand at the north, south, east, and west of her wherever she goes.
The Prayer: Dear God, please send Your strongest angels to watch over my daughter today. Keep her feet from slipping and keep her body safe from any accidents or mean people. I trust You to be her shield and her protector while I am not there to see her. Amen.
2. Safety while she is at school
Using prayers for protection for my daughter in the classroom
School is a place where kids spend a lot of time. Sometimes schools can be stressful because of all the people and the busy hallways. I pray that my daughter finds a safe spot in her classroom where she can learn without being afraid. I also pray for her teacher to be a person who looks out for her and keeps the room peaceful. If there is any trouble at the school, I ask that my daughter is hidden away from it and kept perfectly safe.
Bible Verse: “The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” — Psalm 121:8
How to pray: While you are packing her lunch box, think about her sitting at her desk. Imagine a bright light around her chair that keeps any bad energy or danger far away from her.
The Prayer: Heavenly Father, please watch over my daughter while she is at school today. Keep her safe in the hallways, the cafeteria, and the playground. Let her teachers be kind and let her feel Your peace in her heart so she can learn and be happy without any fear. Amen.
3. Protection from mean friends and bullies
Bullies are a big problem these days and they can really hurt a girls heart. I remember being picked on when I was a kid and it stays with you for a long time. I pray that no weapon of mean words can ever hurt my daughter’s spirit. I ask God to shut the mouths of people who want to say bad things to her. Also, I pray that she finds friends who are real and kind. Having good friends is like having a protective fence around your emotions.
Bible Verse: “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.” — Isaiah 54:17
How to pray: When she comes home and seems sad, sit with her and pray this out loud. Ask for God to change the hearts of the mean kids or to move them away from her.
The Prayer: Lord, please protect my daughter’s heart from mean words and bullies. Do not let anyone’s bad attitude change how she feels about herself. Bring kind friends into her life who will stand up for her and love her for who she is. Thank You for being her best friend. Amen.
4. Safety from bad things on the internet
The internet is a scary place for a young girl. There is so many things that can trick them or show them things they shouldn’t see. I try to watch what she does, but sometimes things just pop up. I pray for her eyes to be protected and for her mind to stay pure. I ask God to give her a “check” in her spirit if she is about to click on something that is bad. It’s like having a spiritual filter on her phone or computer.
Bible Verse: “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” — Psalm 101:3
How to pray: You can pray over her phone or her laptop at night while she is sleeping. Ask for God to block any bad people or images from reaching her eyes.
The Prayer: Dear God, please be the guard over my daughter’s eyes and ears when she is online. Protect her from scams, mean strangers, and bad pictures. Give her the wisdom to turn off the screen if something wrong appears, and keep her heart pure and safe from the internet. Amen.
5. Protection for her mental health and mind
So many girls today struggle with feeling sad or anxious. They feel like they have to be perfect because of what they see on social media. I pray that my daughter’s mind is a place of peace. I ask God to take away any thoughts that tell her she isn’t good enough. Mental safety is just as important as physical safety. If she feels overwhelmed, I pray that she feels God’s hand holding hers and helping her breathe.
Bible Verse: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7
How to pray: If you notice she is being very quiet or looks worried, give her a hug and pray for her mind to be quiet. Ask for the “peace that passes understanding” to fill her room.
The Prayer: Father, please protect my daughter’s mind from anxiety and depression. Do not let the lies of the world make her feel small. Fill her head with good thoughts and help her to sleep well at night, knowing that she is loved and safe in Your hands. Amen.
6. Protection from sickness and disease
Nobody likes it when their child gets sick. It makes you feel so helpless. I pray for my daughter’s body to be very strong and healthy. I ask that her immune system is like a shield against germs and viruses. Even if everyone at school is coughing, I pray that she stays healthy. And if she does get a little sick, I pray that she heals up very fast without any complications.
Bible Verse: “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.” — Jeremiah 30:17
How to pray: When you give her vitamins or a drink of water, say a quick word of thanks for her health. Ask God to keep every cell in her body working perfectly.
The Prayer: Lord, You are the Great Physician. Please keep my daughter’s body healthy and strong. Protect her from every germ and sickness that is going around. I ask for Your healing power to stay with her always so she can grow up full of energy and life. Amen.
7. Safety during the night and good dreams
Night time can be scary for girls of any age. Bad dreams can make them afraid to go to sleep. I always ask God to post angels at the four corners of her bed. I pray that her dreams are full of happy things and that she wakes up feeling rested. If she does have a nightmare, I pray that she remembers to call on the name of Jesus right away to make the fear go away.
Bible Verse: “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” — Proverbs 3:24
How to pray: Tuck her in and kiss her forehead. Say this prayer out loud so she can hear it. It helps her feel safe because she knows God is watching her while she sleeps.
The Prayer: Dear God, please watch over my daughter while she sleeps tonight. Keep her room safe and send away any scary thoughts or bad dreams. Let her rest deeply and wake up with a smile on her face, ready for a brand new day. Amen.
8. Protection of her reputation and name
In this world, people love to gossip. One lie can really hurt a girl’s reputation for a long time. I pray that God protects my daughter’s name. If anyone tries to tell a lie about her, I pray that the truth comes out quickly. I ask that people see her for who she really is—a kind and honest girl. This is a very important part of prayers for protection for my daughter because a good name is worth more than gold.
Bible Verse: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” — Proverbs 22:1
How to pray: Think about her future and the people she will meet. Ask God to give her favor with people so they only have good things to say about her.
The Prayer: Lord, please protect my daughter’s reputation. Do not let gossip or lies touch her name. Help her to live a life of honesty so that everyone can see her good heart. Let her be respected by her teachers and her peers all the days of her life. Amen.
9. Protection from making bad choices
As girls get older, they have to make big decisions. Some choices can lead to a lot of trouble. I pray that my daughter has a “still, small voice” inside her that tells her when something is a bad idea. I ask God to keep her away from people who would lead her down a dark path. I want her to have the courage to say “no” even when everyone else is saying “yes” to something dangerous.
Bible Verse: “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” — Isaiah 30:21
How to pray: Pray for her to have wisdom that is older than her years. Ask God to give her a sharp mind that can see through people’s tricks.
The Prayer: Father, please give my daughter great wisdom. Protect her from making mistakes that will hurt her future. Give her the strength to stand up for what is right and to walk away from anything that would lead her into trouble or danger. Amen.
10. Safety while traveling and driving
Whether she is riding the bus or starting to drive her own car, the road is a dangerous place. I pray for the “peace of God” to be in the car with her. I ask for the other drivers on the road to be alert and sober. I pray that her car always works right and that she gets to where she is going without any delays or problems. Road safety is a huge worry, so I pray this one a lot.
Bible Verse: “The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” — Deuteronomy 28:8
How to pray: When she gets into a car, say a quick prayer for the tires, the brakes, and her focus. Ask for an invisible hedge of protection around the vehicle.
The Prayer: Lord, please be the driver of my daughter’s car today. Keep her focused and keep all other drivers far away from her. Protect her from any mechanical trouble and bring her home safely to me every single time she leaves. Thank You for Your protection. Amen.
11. Protection of her self-esteem and confidence
The world tries to tell girls they aren’t pretty enough or thin enough. This is a big attack on their spirit. I pray that my daughter sees herself through God’s eyes. I ask for protection against the spirit of comparison. I want her to be so confident in who she is that no mean comment can ever knock her down. This kind of protection keeps her heart from breaking when she is older.
Bible Verse: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” — Psalm 139:14
How to pray: When she is looking in the mirror, tell her she is beautiful. In your heart, ask God to seal that truth in her mind so she never forgets it.
The Prayer: Dear God, please protect my daughter’s self-esteem. Help her to know that she is perfectly made by You. Keep her from comparing herself to others and let her be confident and happy with the unique girl You created her to be. Amen.
12. Protection from bad relationships
One day, my daughter might start dating or looking for a partner. This is a very scary thought for a parent! I pray for her future husband or partner right now. I ask God to keep her away from people who are abusive or manipulative. I pray that she only gives her heart to someone who will treat her like a queen. This prayer is for her long-term emotional safety and happiness.
Bible Verse: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23
How to pray: Even if she is young, pray for her future heart. Ask God to prepare her to recognize true love and to run away from anyone who is bad for her.
The Prayer: Lord, please protect my daughter’s heart in all her relationships. Keep her away from people who would hurt her or use her. Lead her to people who are kind and godly, and help her to guard her heart until the right person comes along. Amen.
13. Safety from natural disasters and weather
If you live in a place with big storms or earthquakes, you know how scary nature can be. I pray that our home is a place of refuge. I ask God to keep the wind and the rain from hurting my daughter. Even if she is at school when a storm hits, I pray that she stays calm and safe. I trust that God is the master of the weather and He can keep her in the palm of His hand.
Bible Verse: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” — Psalm 46:1-2
How to pray: If you hear thunder or see a storm coming, gather her close. Speak peace to the storm and ask God to be a roof over her head.
The Prayer: Father, You are the controller of the wind and the waves. Please protect my daughter from any natural disasters. Keep her safe from storms, fires, or floods. Let her always find a safe place to hide under the shadow of Your wings. Amen.
14. Protection of her joy and happiness
Life can be hard and it can steal a person’s joy. I don’t want my daughter to become bitter or grumpy as she grows up. I pray for a “circle of joy” around her. Even when things go wrong, I ask that she has a deep happiness that doesn’t go away. This protects her from giving up when things get tough. A joyful spirit is a great defense against the world’s problems.
Bible Verse: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10
How to pray: When you see her laughing, thank God for that sound. Ask Him to keep that laughter in her heart for her whole life, no matter what happens.
The Prayer: Lord, please protect my daughter’s joy. Do not let the world’s problems make her heart hard or sad. Fill her with Your happiness every day and let her be a light to everyone she meets. Thank You for her beautiful smile. Amen.
15. Protection from spiritual attacks
I believe there is a spiritual world that we can’t see. Sometimes bad spirits try to make us feel scared or tempted. I pray for a “suit of armor” for my daughter. I ask God to protect her soul from any darkness. I want her to grow up knowing that she belongs to the Light. This prayer is the most important for her eternal safety and her peace of mind.
Bible Verse: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:11
How to pray: Imagine you are putting a helmet, a breastplate, and a shield on her every morning. Use your words to claim her for God’s kingdom.
The Prayer: Dear God, I ask for Your spiritual protection over my daughter. Cover her with Your light and keep all darkness far away from her. Let her grow strong in her faith and always know that You are her King and her Protector. Amen.
16. Protection during sports and activities
If your daughter plays soccer, dances, or does gymnastics, there is always a chance of getting hurt. A broken bone or a bad fall can happen in a second. I pray for her muscles and bones to be strong and flexible. I ask for her to have good balance and for the other kids to play fair. This helps me relax while I am sitting in the bleachers watching her play.
Bible Verse: “He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.” — Psalm 18:33
How to pray: Before the game or the practice starts, say a quick prayer for her physical coordination. Ask for “traveling mercies” even on the field.
The Prayer: Lord, please protect my daughter while she is playing today. Keep her body safe from injury and help her to do her best. Watch over every jump and every run, and bring her home without any bruises or broken bones. Amen.
17. Protection from peer pressure
Girls often feel like they have to do what their friends are doing, even if it is wrong. This pressure can be very heavy. I pray that my daughter is a leader and not a follower. I ask God to give her the strength to say “I’m not doing that” when her friends are being reckless. Being safe from peer pressure means she won’t get into trouble because of someone else’s bad ideas.
Bible Verse: “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” — Proverbs 1:10
How to pray: Talk to her about being a leader. Then, in your private prayer time, ask God to give her a “backbone of steel” for her morals.
The Prayer: Father, please protect my daughter from the pressure to fit in with the wrong crowd. Give her the courage to stand alone if she has to, and help her to always choose the right path, even when it is hard. Amen.
18. Protection of her future and her purpose
I worry about what kind of world my daughter will grow up in. I want her to have a good job and a happy life. I pray that God protects her future. I ask that He closes doors that would lead to dead ends and opens doors that lead to her true purpose. This is a prayer for her long-term safety and success in life. It’s like asking for a map for her whole life.
Bible Verse: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” — Jeremiah 29:11
How to pray: Look at her while she is studying or dreaming. Ask God to guide her steps toward the career and the life that He has planned for her.
The Prayer: Lord, I give You my daughter’s future. Please protect her path and lead her to the places she is meant to go. Keep her safe from wasted time and help her to find her true purpose and happiness in this world. Amen.
19. Protection from loneliness
Loneliness can be a dangerous thing because it makes people do desperate things for attention. I pray that my daughter always feels like she has a place where she belongs. I ask God to fill her life with people who truly care about her. But most of all, I pray that she feels God’s presence so she knows she is never truly alone, even in a quiet room.
Bible Verse: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” — Deuteronomy 31:8
How to pray: If she seems lonely, spend extra time with her. Then ask God to be her constant companion and to bring good, loyal friends into her life.
The Prayer: Dear God, please protect my daughter from the pain of loneliness. Let her always feel Your love surrounding her. Bring kind people into her life who will be true friends, and help her to always feel like she belongs and is wanted. Amen.
20. Protection for her voice and her truth
Sometimes girls are taught to be quiet and not say what they think. This can be dangerous because they might not speak up if someone is hurting them. I pray that my daughter has a strong voice. I ask God to protect her ability to say “no” and to speak her truth with confidence. This is a very important kind of safety that keeps her from being pushed around by others.
Bible Verse: “Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” — Proverbs 31:8-9
How to pray: Encourage her to speak up at home. Then pray that God gives her the right words to say when she is in the world so she can defend herself.
The Prayer: Father, please give my daughter a voice that is strong and brave. Protect her from being silenced by fear. Help her to speak the truth always and to have the courage to stand up for herself and for what is right. Amen.
21. Protection from financial struggle
Even though she is just a kid or a young woman, I worry about her being able to take care of herself one day. I pray that she always has enough. I ask God to protect her from the stress of poverty or debt. This might seem like a weird thing to pray for a daughter, but financial safety is a big part of a peaceful life. I want her to be a “lender and not a borrower.”
Bible Verse: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19
How to pray: When you are paying bills, pray for her future bank account. Ask God to give her a “prosperous mind” and the ability to work hard and save.
The Prayer: Lord, please protect my daughter’s future finances. Provide for all her needs and help her to be wise with her money. Keep her safe from the stress of debt and let her always have enough to help others too. Amen.
22. Protection of her curiosity and wonder
The world can be a cynical place that makes you lose your sense of wonder. I don’t want my daughter to become “bored” with life. I pray that God protects her sense of curiosity. I want her to always be excited to learn new things and to see the beauty in the world. This keeps her spirit young and safe from the darkness of a “burnt out” heart.
Bible Verse: “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart.” — Ecclesiastes 3:11
How to pray: Take her for a walk in nature. Pray that God keeps her eyes open to see the miracles in the little things, like flowers or the stars at night.
The Prayer: Dear God, please protect my daughter’s sense of wonder. Do not let the world make her tired or bored. Keep her curious and excited about life, and let her always find beauty in the things You have created. Thank You for her bright mind. Amen.
23. Protection from jealousy and envy
Jealousy is a poison that can ruin a girl’s life. It makes her feel like she is failing because someone else is winning. I pray that my daughter is protected from this feeling. I ask God to help her be happy for other people. When she is content with what she has, she is safe from a lot of unnecessary drama and sadness.
Bible Verse: “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” — Proverbs 14:30
How to pray: If she complains about what another girl has, remind her of her own blessings. Pray that God gives her a “contented heart” that is full of peace.
The Prayer: Father, please protect my daughter from the spirit of jealousy. Help her to be happy for others and to be thankful for everything she has. Let her heart be full of peace and satisfaction in her own life and Your plans for her. Amen.
24. Safety for her during social events and parties
As she gets older, she will want to go to parties or dances. These can be dangerous places if people are drinking or acting wild. I pray for a “wall of safety” around her at every event. I ask God to keep her away from any drinks or substances that would hurt her. I pray that she always has a safe way to get home and that she stays with good people.
Bible Verse: “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” — Psalm 18:2
How to pray: Before she goes out, say a prayer for her situational awareness. Ask God to give her a “warning bell” in her head if things start to get unsafe.
The Prayer: Lord, please be with my daughter at this event tonight. Keep her safe from any bad influences or dangerous situations. Protect her from peer pressure and bring her home safely at the end of the night, full of good memories. Amen.
25. Protection from the “spirit of the age”
Every generation has its own set of bad ideas that everyone thinks are normal. I pray that my daughter is protected from the “lies of the culture.” I want her to have values that are based on God’s word, not on what is trending on TikTok. This keeps her grounded and safe from being tossed around by every new and crazy idea that comes along.
Bible Verse: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” — Romans 12:2
How to pray: Talk to her about what is true and what is just a trend. Then pray that God writes His truth on her heart so she can never be tricked by the world.
The Prayer: Dear God, please protect my daughter from the wrong ideas of this world. Keep her mind focused on what is true, noble, and right. Help her to stand strong in her values and not to be carried away by every new trend or lie. Amen.
26. Protection of her physical purity and innocence
We want our daughters to stay innocent as long as they can. The world wants to grow them up too fast. I pray for her physical purity. I ask God to protect her from anyone who would try to take advantage of her. I want her to value herself so much that she waits for the right time and the right person for everything in her life.
Bible Verse: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” — Matthew 5:8
How to pray: Pray for her to have “eyes of discernment.” Ask God to keep her away from situations where she might be pressured to do things she isn’t ready for.
The Prayer: Father, please protect my daughter’s innocence and purity. Keep her safe from anyone who does not have her best interests at heart. Help her to value her body and her spirit as a temple of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
27. Protection from accidents in the home
Most accidents happen at home, like burns in the kitchen or trips on the stairs. I pray for our house to be a sanctuary of safety. I ask God to keep the stove safe, the electricity safe, and the water safe. I want my daughter to feel completely relaxed at home, knowing that no harm will come to her while she is in her own living room.
Bible Verse: “And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” — Isaiah 32:18
How to pray: Walk through your house and just say a small prayer in each room. Ask for God’s presence to be the “security system” of your home.
The Prayer: Lord, please protect my daughter while she is here at home. Keep her safe from any household accidents or fires. Let this house be a place of perfect peace and safety where she can always feel secure and loved. Amen.
28. Protection of her relationship with her parents
If a daughter doesn’t feel safe talking to her parents, she might go to the wrong people for help. I pray for our relationship to be strong and open. I ask God to protect us from big fights that cause a “wall” between us. When she feels safe with us, she is safer in the world because she will always come home when she is in trouble.
Bible Verse: “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.” — Malachi 4:6
How to pray: If you had a fight, be the first to say sorry. Pray for God to keep the “lines of communication” open between you and your daughter forever.
The Prayer: Dear God, please protect my relationship with my daughter. Do not let any anger or misunderstanding pull us apart. Keep us close so that she always feels safe coming to me with her problems and her joys. Thank You for her. Amen.
29. Protection of her faith and soul
The most important thing is her soul. I pray that her faith is like a rock that never moves. I ask God to protect her from doubting His love for her. If she goes through a hard time, I pray that it makes her faith stronger instead of breaking it. This is the ultimate protection because it lasts for all of eternity.
Bible Verse: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:6
How to pray: Lead by example and let her see you praying. Then ask God to make her faith her own, so she has a direct connection to Him for the rest of her life.
The Prayer: Father, please protect my daughter’s faith. Let her always know that You are real and that You love her more than I do. Keep her soul safe in Your hands and guide her into Your kingdom forever. I trust her to You. Amen.
FAQ: Questions people ask about praying for their daughters
1. Does using prayers for protection for my daughter really work? I believe it does because it changes the atmosphere. When you pray, you are inviting God into the situation. Even if things are still hard, prayer gives your daughter a spiritual strength that she wouldn’t have otherwise. It also helps you, as a parent, to stay calm and make better decisions.
2. What if my daughter is already in trouble? It is never too late to start praying! God is a specialist in “rescues.” If she is in a bad spot, pray for a way out. Ask for the right person to come along and help her. Keep saying these prayers every day and don’t give up hope.
3. Do I need to say the prayers out loud? You can pray in your head, but there is something powerful about saying it out loud. It makes it feel more “real.” Also, if your daughter hears you praying for her, it makes her feel very loved and safe. But God hears your heart even if you are silent.
4. Can I change the words of the prayers? Yes! These are just ideas to get you started. Use your daughter’s name and talk about the specific things she is going through. The more personal the prayer is, the more it will mean to you. Just talk to God like He is a friend who loves your daughter even more than you do.
Conclusion
I hope these prayers for protection for my daughter give you a sense of peace today. Parenting is a long journey and we can’t do it by ourselves. It’s okay to feel scared sometimes, but remember that you have a direct line to the Creator of the universe. Keep these prayers in your heart and use them whenever you feel worried. Your daughter is a precious gift, and God is the best one to look after her. He loves her perfectly, and He is always listening to your voice. Just keep trusting and keep praying, and you will see how much of a difference it makes in your family.