Ants have been woven throughout media as strong, hardworking, and team oriented. The Ant Bully, Ant Man, and Bugs Life help us to see the strengths of these tiny creatures that are often ignored. We have all knocked over an ant hill and watched how quickly the ants start to build it back. That’s because, in an ant colony, everyone has a specific job. As the ants get older, their jobs can change to meet the needs of the colony. Does that sound like life at your house?

Check out these two scriptures for Ant Parents: Galatians 6:2, Ephesians 4:2

Polar bears, Grizzley bears, brown bears – you’ve seen them in movies, and their reputation exudes strength. Koda from Brother Bear, The Three Bears, Paddington, Baloo in the Jungle Book, and the Coke-a-cola bear are iconic versions of this stereotype. If you’re a bear, you know your own strength. The bear parent is in charge of their home and has high expectations of the children. Consider the Grizzley bear; their powerful presence and authority display this type of demeanor.

Scripture for Bear Parents: Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 13:22, Hebrews 12:11

Clownfish were popularized in the movie Finding Nemo. Both parents watch over the unhatched eggs in clownfish families and offer safety for their offspring. The father is very present in this family and pays close attention to the care of the eggs. Not all anemones are welcoming to clownfish, though anemone often host these fish which help to keep the ecosystem around the anemone clean. The clownfish parent is sacrificial and desires their children to have a better upbringing than their own, even if they had a fabulous childhood.

Here are a few scriptures to check out: James 5:9, Micah 5:6, Hebrews 13:6

Flipper, Hope, and Winter are dolphins that made it to the big screen and helped shape the American view of these smart and playful animals. Dolphins are further popularized in amusement parks, where they often steal the show. It’s hard not to love these beautiful sea creatures whose sleeping habits are unique, and they seem to like everyone they meet. Dolphin parents are heavily involved in the lives of their children, and their schedules are full of opportunities to connect with others.

A few enlightening scriptures for Dolphin parents: Proverbs 19:21, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Proverbs 21:5

No matter where you find them, Eagles depict power and majesty. They are mentioned in the Bible 30 times. The Eagle is one of the most iconic figures in American culture. It can be recognized everywhere with military connections, John Wayne movies, and children’s cartoons. With more than 60 types of eagles, these birds are found on every continent. An enormous wingspan is among the most notable of their features. Eagle Parents work together and teach their kids safe boundaries. They don’t immediately get involved in solving problems, and they often allow their children to explore the world around them.


Check these out: Isaiah 40:31, Romans 14:4, I Timothy 3:4

Have you ever noticed flamingos in pop culture? In the movie Aladdin, you might miss the flamingo, but the croquet club flamingos in Alice in Wonderland understand the craziness in the world, and they are pivotal truth seekers in the queen’s court. Flamingos live in swampy areas and don’t move often. The children are born grey and turn pink when fed by their parents. Flamingo families are very affectionate and loyal. If your parenting STYLE involves a close-knit family that likes to be together – you definitely have some flamingo influence.

Scripture for the Flamingo Parent: Ephesians 4:32, 1 Thessalonians 3:12, Colossians 3:14

Your thoughts on animals are often shaped by the way they are presented in movies. Henry Hawk is full of confidence and often takes on Foghorn Leghorn, who is clearly many times his size. Hawks and falcons often symbolize the hero but sometimes they are depicted as the enemy. A Hawk parent may have strong skills like that of Hawk Eye from the Avengers. Hawks have amazing use of all of their senses. They come in multiple sizes and colors, and their strength is distinguished. The retina of the hawk’s eye is a work of scientific wonder. Maui becomes a Hawk in the movie Moana and demonstrates the key feature of the Hawk Parent – watching over their children and sensing what is most important at the moment.

A few scriptures to explore: Matthew 6:34, James 1:2-4

Wizard of Oz shows the lion that gains their courage, and The Lion King introduced the majesty and charisma of the king of the jungle into pop culture. Interestingly, they don’t even live in the jungle. The fearless lion is realistic about what can be done to solve a problem and teaches their children by assisting, waiting, and assisting more if needed. The roar of a lion can be heard more than 2 miles away. I would not be willing to argue with that kind of power – would you?

Scriptures for Lion Parents: Proverbs 29:17, Psalms 127:3-5, Proverbs 20:7

Godzilla and the Geico Lizard, Rango, and even Mushu, who inisted he wasn’t a lizard, are pop-culture references that may shape what you know about lizards. Known for running fast and evading enemies, lizards are typically seen in tropical climates. Blue, red, green, brown – the colors of lizards span the rainbow. Chameleons, iguanas, geckos, and Komodo dragons are the most commonly known lizards, but there are more than 10,000 species. Some lizards lack eyelids, and chameleons are at the bottom of the food chain, but most lizards are gentle, and some are playful. In humans, the lizard parent is often so gentle that the children are given a great deal of authority. Onlookers may feel the lizard parent is not invested, though their heart’s desire is for their children to grow up to have a better life than they have ever known.

Useful scripture for Lizard Parents: Matthew 5:22-24, I Timothy 5:8, Proverbs 23:13

You may be familiar with the nature of the octopus or its relative, the squid - from characters like Davey Jones, The Giant Squid in 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, and Pearl in Finding Nemo. A famous octopus named Paul even predicted sports outcomes with uncanny accuracy. Consider what you know about an octopus. Multiple arms, suction cups, and the ability to move its body through tiny spaces - what else should you know? Did you realize they can regrow an arm or that they have bluish blood? The Octopus Parenting Style is defined by commitment and faith. We all need the type of faith that helps us move our bodies through a tiny hole in a rock. The Octopus Parent is filled with hope and a willingness to lead their family spiritually.

Scripture Highlights: Ephesians 6:1, Philippians 4:6, Proverbs 19:18

Have you ever seen Hollywood’s depiction of Ostrich racing? The Lion King and the Prince of Persia are two notable movies that cast the Ostrich as strong and marvelous. The Ostrich runs with efficient speed and performs with brute force. Their kick can injure a predator, and that’s good for their babies. The Ostrich has been likened to a camel, and they adapt to all types of environments. The Ostrich jaw is so strong it can chew rocks. We’re not sure how that would help you with your parenting, but there has to be a use for that skill – right? The Ostrich parent often allows their children to spend extended time with grandparents and friends. Their village is strong, and they teach their kids to listen to many authority figures.

Ostrich Parents In Scripture: James 1:19, Proverbs 14:1

Otters are seen throughout American culture and are revered as cuddly, fun, and cute. Otter Pops are a favorite frozen treat, the otter-themed Pokémon is Oshawott, and fun-loving otters which appear in Pocahontas and Finding Dory help the image of the otter to remain strong. The slumber party is at the home of the OTTER Parents, who are highly-positive thinking parents. Their kids see them as friendly and amazing. They are often friends with their kids and want their kids to admire them. Otter parents may often be seen as pied pipers of their family and friends.  Kids of Otter parents are encouraged to try new things and given space to make both good and bad decisions with the grace offered at the moment. Otter kids will typically tell the truth even if they have gotten into trouble.

Check out these supportive scriptures Proverbs 29:15, Colossians 3:13, Proverbs 13:22

One favorite childhood storybook has imprinted an affection for the wise, friendly owl into our minds. Winnie the Pooh’s neighbor - Owl, has been a great storyteller for generations. Tootsie Pop commercials added to the wise owl caricature and showed that owls have knowledge others don’t. In nature, the observant owl watches carefully, still, quietly, and swoops in at the perfect time. You might be interested to know that the snow owl is not nocturnal. The Owl parenting style is set apart by the desire for wisdom and knowledge. The value of education is essential in their home. The well-rounded owl parent may actually know how many licks it takes to get to the center of the lollipop.

Owl parents on scripture: Deuteronomy 6: 6-7, Romans 12:3, James 1:5-6

March of the Penguins helped children everywhere to love these black and white flightless birds. Happy Feet and Madagascar sealed the fun-loving, curious penguin into our hearts forever. Did you know that Gentoo Penguins (pebble penguins) are gift-givers? The males collect rocks for their nests and use them to woo the females. You may be amazed to know that penguins weren’t discovered until 1840. The Penguin Parenting style is the carefully attentive giver. This parent loves the thrill of gift giving and is often observed making sacrifices for their children that could easily be overlooked. This parent knows the treasure of a tiny gift.

Encouraging scripture for Penguin Parents: Hebrews 13:6, Luke 12:15, Matthew 6:19-21

The upside-down mother possum in Bambi, dramatic Ozzie in Over The Hedge, and the comic relief characters Crash and Eddie in Ice Age have shaped our love for the fuzzy possum that carries their babies around. Native to America, the opossum is often referred to simply as the possum because that’s how our friends from Australia refer to them. You may be surprised that they are more closely related to a kangaroo than a rat. Possums are nocturnal marsupials. The possum parent may be willing to carry their children around, and they are very supportive, though they may not always want to believe the facts when their kids get into trouble. Sometimes it’s hard to face it when our kids struggle.

Possum parents in scripture: Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 13:22, Hebrews 12:11

Over the years, you have learned to love the multiple personalities impressed upon raccoons by Hollywood producers. You know them as Rocket the Racoon, RJ in Over the Hedge, Miko in Pocahontas, and the mafia-type character in Dr. Doolittle. You might call raccoons down-to-earth as it is depicted in their natural living. Healthy habits and health awareness are the hallmarks of the raccoon parent. In nature, the fluffy masked creature known as a raccoon is cute and resourceful. Their pesky eating habits don’t fit in with the expectations of homeowners who desire trash to stay inside the cans. The picky-eating raccoon knows when they see something good and, if possible, wash it before consuming it. Raccoon parents hunt for the products they wish to buy and are often willing to wait for just the right moment to do business. Their healthy eating habits and thoughtful lifestyle set them apart from others.

Thoughts for the Raccoon parent from the Bible: Romans 12:16, Psalm 127:3, Matthew 7:9-10

You may recognize turtles and tortoises in pop culture. Crush and Squirt in Finding Nemo, The famous winner in the Tortoise and the Hare fable, and four heroically loveable pizza-eating Ninja Turtles have each shaped your view of shelled creatures everywhere. Some parents have high expectations of their children, and Turtle Parents have added a layer of family values to their list of expectations. Honor for forefathers, respect for authority, and a deep value for family tradition are the foundation of this family unit. In nature, sea turtles honor their past by laying their eggs in the exact same place they were born, even if the journey to get there is extensive. In humans, this might be attending the same college, wearing the same wedding dress, or grandparents living in the home with a younger generation. Their deliberate decisions make them the international symbol of wisdom.

Check out these honorable scriptures for daily living: Romans 12:10, Proverbs 1:1-33, Psalms 106:1-48

Whales are a favorite animal in our culture. Aquariums feature many types, and if you’ve ever had the privilege of whale-watching you understand their reputation of strength. Moby Dick, Shamu, and even Star Trek iV feature mighty whales that have shaped your perception. The whale is the largest animal on earth and the loudest too. Different types of whales have different types of diets. Some whales have teeth, some have unique features – like the narwhal, and others are endangered. One thing all whales have in common is that they store energy when it is needed. Humpback whales sing, and killer whales are one of the most feared creatures on earth. The whale parent knows chaos and is often in the middle of the fun. You also know your limit, and when you’ve reached it, you are vocal. Patience and cooperation are two things you value highly.

Whale parents, these scripture references are for you: Ephesians 6:4, James 5:9, Ephesians 5:19

Just for fun....

Did you know a baby unicorn is called a foal or a sparkle?

Winged unicorns are called Pegasi or Pegasus and are sometimes referred to as Alicorn.

The unicorn is the official animal of Scotland.

Legend has it that the throne in Denmark is made of unicorn horn.

It appears many People have latched onto the legend of the unicorn that have actually shown up in cave dwellings in Africa.

In pop culture, unicorns are everywhere. My Little Pony, Pokemon, and King Arthur all refer to unicorns. Even Harry Potter got in on unicorn lore, as wands often receive their magic from unicorn hair.

Psalms 92:10 and 8 other verses note the unicorn. However, scholars believe this to be a rhino or similar animal.

Ps. 92:10 But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of a unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.