Parenting: Meeting the Needs of Our Children

Parents bear an incredible responsibility to guide their children in understanding, loving, and following Jesus. Mark Batterson, the author of “Praying Circles Around Your Children,” aptly describes parenting as a marathon, not a sprint, demanding intentionality, commitment, and faith. As parents, we are entrusted with nurturing our children’s faith.

Research reveals that over 50% of children raised in Christian households eventually abandon their faith. This statistic underscores the urgent need for purposeful spiritual development within our families.

While the church offers love, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, it cannot replace the unique bond and spiritual growth that occur within the home.

Principles for Intentional Parenting

Scripture emphasizes the profound impact of our actions on future generations. Our beliefs, traits, and behaviors shape the lives of our children and grandchildren. (Exodus 20:5-6, Psalm 78:5-8) Therefore, it is paramount to instill strong faith in our children, starting with our own personal faith and demonstrating the gospel in our marriages and relationships with our loved ones.

For some of us, breaking free from negative cycles inherited from our upbringing may be necessary. By doing so, we can create a positive legacy for the next generation, setting them on a path toward a deep and meaningful relationship with God.

Building a Strong Relationship

Deuteronomy 6:7 instructs us to instill God’s commandments in our children and engage in discussions about them throughout our daily lives. This emphasizes the significance of consistently discussing and modeling our faith in various settings, not just formal church or Bible study.

A strong relationship between parents and children is the foundation upon which this process is built. It fosters trust and open communication, creating an environment conducive to sharing faith and values.

Stages of Learning

Intentional parenting involves considering your child’s age, development, and personality.

Young children are like sponges. Singing, reading, and discussing basic Bible stories and Christian foundational truths can lay a strong foundation for their faith. These early years are the most crucial time to teach these foundational truths.

As children grow older, entering the older childhood and adolescence stages, they begin to question and challenge. These questions and challenges present opportunities to share your testimony and engage in deeper conversations about faith. This stage is also an excellent time to encourage habits like prayer and Bible reading.

As children transition into teenagers and young adulthood, a parent’s role shifts. While they can’t force-feed their children, they can encourage, motivate, challenge, and advise them. Maintaining a strong relationship is paramount during this stage. It’s in this phase that teenagers and young adults often make significant decisions about whether to follow Jesus on their own accord.

By understanding these distinct stages of development, parents can become intentional about creating and capitalizing on opportunities to nurture their children’s faith.