Having three daughters at different ages, including two teenagers, has taught me a lot. I want to be honest about something – even though I work hard to raise my girls in a home centered around faith, where we aim to show love for the Lord through what we do and say, it’s not the only thing that ensures they stick to their faith. I’m only human, and our home isn’t always perfect, especially when dealing with the unique challenges that come with teens.
Sometimes, I focus a lot on my own actions and forget to see how my daughters are making faith their own. As parents, we are told to teach our children to love and respect the Lord (Proverbs 22:6). It begins with us setting an example, showing them how we love the Lord. But what’s crucial is leaving room for grace and forgiveness – for them and for us.
Raising kids who are like arrows meant to be sent into the world (Psalm 127:4) involves a delicate balance. We have to juggle training them while also giving them the freedom to discover faith in their own time. Currently, as a mom watching my oldest daughter navigate her faith, it’s tough and humbling, sometimes even heartbreaking.
This makes me wonder – is there a way to balance lovingly guiding them toward Christ and then allowing them the space to find Christ with their own hearts? Yes, I believe there is, but it requires surrender and trusting God with the precious gift of our children (Psalm 127:3).
When kids are younger, they absorb teachings like little sponges, making it easier to set a foundation through teaching, sharing, and nurturing spiritual growth. However, as they grow older and grapple with tough questions about life and identity, our encouragement might need to shift. It might involve more listening, sharing personal experiences, and having deep conversations about challenging topics.
So, my dear friend, whether you have a child excitedly exploring their faith or a teen uncertain about it, let’s not lose heart. Let’s find ways to encourage them in every season of life. Here are 5 Powerful Ways for Parents to Encourage Their Kids’ Faith
1. Lead by Example
When it comes to helping your kids believe in something special, like having faith, a powerful way to guide them is by leading through your own actions. What this means is that you become a role model for them. Imagine you’re showing them a path, and they follow your footsteps. So, if you want your kids to believe in something, you have to believe in it too and show them how it’s done.
Let’s break it down a bit. If you want your kids to talk to a higher power, like through prayers, then you should do it too. It’s like saying, “Hey, look, this is something important, and I do it because I believe in it.” Or, if you want your kids to be kind and caring to others, you start by being kind and caring yourself. They see you doing these things, and it becomes a sort of example for them to follow.
Being a guide doesn’t mean being perfect. We all make mistakes, and it’s okay. What matters is that you try your best to do the things you think are important. If you’re trying to be a good person and live according to your beliefs, that’s a powerful lesson for your kids.
Think of it as being a teacher but not with words. Instead, you’re teaching through your actions. When they see you doing something good or making a positive choice, it’s like a little lesson for them. They might think, “Oh, that seems like a good thing to do. I want to do that too.”
So, leading by example is like being a guide for your kids on their journey of beliefs. You walk the path first, and they follow, learning from the things you do. It’s a way of saying, “This is important to me, and I want to share it with you.”
2. Regular Family Worship and Prayer
Let’s dive into the idea of having regular family worship and prayer as a really strong way to help your kids grow in their faith. Imagine it like creating a special time where your family comes together to connect with something greater than yourselves.
So, family worship is like a time when everyone in your family gathers around, and you do things that show you believe in something bigger, something special. It could involve reading from a special book that holds important teachings, talking about these teachings, and spending time in prayer or just being thankful for the good things in your lives.
Think of it like a team huddle before a big game. Your family is like a team, and you’re coming together to get focused and ready. Instead of a game, you’re getting ready for life, and you’re doing it together. This time helps your kids see that there’s something really important that your family believes in, and it’s a time to share those beliefs.
Prayer is a bit like talking to a close friend, but it’s even more special because it’s like having a chat with someone you can’t see but who cares about you a lot. During family prayer time, you can talk about the things you’re grateful for, ask for help when things are tough, or just share your thoughts and feelings. Doing this together as a family builds a strong connection and helps your kids feel like they’re not alone.
Now, I get it, life can be super busy, and finding time for family worship might seem tough. But even if it’s just a few minutes each day or a special time once a week, the consistency is what matters. It’s like planting seeds. The more you do it, the more those seeds grow into something beautiful.
So, imagine your family as a little community where everyone supports and learns from each other. Regular family worship and prayer are like the glue that holds this community together, helping your kids feel connected, loved, and giving them a strong foundation for their beliefs.
3. Open Communication
Let’s talk about how open communication can be a super powerful tool for parents to help their kids grow in faith. Imagine it like having heart-to-heart talks with your kids, where everyone feels comfy sharing what’s in their minds and hearts.
Open communication is like having a friendly chat but with an extra dose of understanding and listening. It’s about creating a space where your kids feel totally okay to talk about their thoughts on faith, ask questions, or even express doubts. It’s like saying, “Hey, whatever you’re thinking or feeling about this whole faith thing, we can talk about it.”
Now, why is this so important? Well, imagine if your kid has a question about their faith but feels a bit shy to ask. If you keep the communication lines open, they’re more likely to come to you with those questions. It’s like saying, “I’m here for you, and your thoughts and feelings are important to me.”
Sometimes, parents might think they need to have all the answers, but it’s totally okay not to. You’re learning too! If you don’t know something, you can explore it together. It’s like going on a little adventure where you both discover new things about faith.
Think of open communication like building a bridge between you and your kids. It helps you understand each other better. You can share your experiences and beliefs, and they can share theirs. It’s a two-way street where everyone feels heard and valued.
Life can be a bit tricky, and your kids might face challenges related to their faith. By keeping those lines of communication wide open, you’re letting them know they can always come to you, no matter what. It’s like having a safety net of trust and understanding.
So, open communication is like having these ongoing, comfortable talks with your kids about faith. It’s like having a friendship where you both learn from each other. It creates a strong connection and makes the journey of faith a shared adventure.
4. Incorporate Faith into Daily Life
Let’s chat about weaving faith into your daily family life as a really powerful way to help your kids grow in their beliefs. Picture it like sprinkling a little bit of goodness into every day, making it a natural part of your family routine.
Incorporating faith into daily life is like making your beliefs a part of everything you do. It’s not just a special thing you do on certain days; it’s woven into the fabric of your everyday activities. So, think of it as making faith a friendly companion throughout your daily adventures.
Let’s start simple. Imagine having meals together as a family. Instead of just diving into the food, you can take a moment to say a little thanks or share something you’re grateful for. It’s like adding a dash of appreciation to your meals, making it a little sacred moment.
When you face challenges or celebrate victories, you can talk about how your beliefs guide you through those moments. It’s like saying, “Hey, even in the tough times, we have something that helps us get through it.” It becomes a part of your family’s story.
Take bedtime, for example. Bedtime routines are like mini rituals, right? You can include a little prayer or a moment to talk about the day. It’s like wrapping up the day with a sense of peace and connection to something bigger.
Doing good things for others as a family is another way to make faith a living part of your days. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, volunteering, or just being kind, you’re putting your beliefs into action. It’s like saying, “Our faith isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we live.”
Now, I get it; life can be pretty busy. But even in those busy moments, you can find little pockets of time to talk about your beliefs or express gratitude. It’s like finding these hidden treasures in your day that make everything richer.
So, incorporating faith into daily life is like making it a daily companion on your family journey. It’s not a big, separate thing; it’s the small, everyday moments that become infused with the warmth of your beliefs. It’s like painting a beautiful picture of faith that becomes a natural part of your family’s story.
5. Engage in Service and Acts of Kindness
Let’s have a cozy chat about how engaging in service and acts of kindness can be a super-duper way for parents to help their kids grow in their faith. It’s like spreading a bit of love and goodness in the world while also nurturing your kids’ hearts.
Alright, so think of engaging in service as a family adventure. It’s like going on a mission together to make the world a better place. You can do this in many ways – maybe volunteering at a local community center, helping out neighbors, or participating in events that make a positive impact.
Now, why is this so special for growing faith? Well, when you and your kids actively do good things for others, you’re not just talking about your beliefs; you’re living them out. It’s like saying, “Our faith inspires us to make a positive difference in the world, and we’re doing it together.”
Service can take on all sorts of shapes. Maybe you bake cookies for someone who could use a sweet treat, or you spend a Saturday cleaning up a local park. These little acts of kindness become like seeds of goodness that you’re planting, and they grow into something beautiful.
Now, let’s talk about kindness. It’s like having a sprinkle of magic in your everyday life. As a family, you can make a conscious effort to be kind to others – whether it’s a friend at school, a family member, or even a stranger. It’s about making the world a bit brighter with your actions.
As you engage in service and acts of kindness, you’re not just doing good for others; you’re also creating a bond within your family. It’s like having this shared purpose that strengthens your connection. Your kids learn that faith isn’t just about personal beliefs; it’s about expressing love and kindness in the world.
Imagine this: you’re not just talking about being good people; you’re actively showing it. Your kids see the joy in making others happy, and it becomes a part of their understanding of faith. It’s like growing a garden of love and kindness in your family.
Sure, life can get busy, but even in the smallest moments, you can find ways to spread a bit of goodness. It’s like making kindness a habit, and when your kids see you doing it, they’ll want to join in too. So, engaging in service and acts of kindness isn’t just a once-in-a-while thing; it’s a lifestyle that nurtures your family’s faith and spreads positivity in the world.