1. Church is always non-negotiable.
There should never be an option for your child to miss church. Church is the most important thing in the world and the most important thing for your child’s eternity. Look for ways to consistently instill in them a passion and a love for the Church.
2. Model Christianity More Than You Talk About It.
Be a parent that models the Word of God and the ways of God. Teach them how to read the Bible, show them how to tithe, serve the House of God alongside them, and make prayer a priority in the home.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and Allow Him to Speak.
The Holy Spirit knows your child more than you do. Before you seek anyone else’s advice, seek and listen to the Holy Spirit. Pray about your children all the time and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you parent.
4. Know Your Children’s Friends.
Ever heard this phrase – “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”? This could not be more true for your child, who is at such an influential age. Make an effort to know your child’s friends. Out of love and protection, ask them questions like, “Where are they? Who are they with? What are they doing?”
5. Talk To Them, Not At Them (Or Down To Them)
Respect your child. You cannot disrespect them and expect them to respect you. Through your respect, you will gain a deeper respect and trust which allows you to guide them. If you don’t guide them, something or someone else will.
6. Teach Them How to Live, Don’t Just Provide for Their Livelihood
There is a difference between blessing and enabling. As a parent, we want to provide the best lives for our children, but it’s important to equip them for their future. As they grow, teach them the spiritual and practical values of life that they’ll carry into adulthood.
7. Don’t Raise Them Alone
We have a saying here at New Life – “Don’t do life alone.” God has given you a community to do life with, grow with, and even raise a child with. Be plugged into the ecosystem of church, get your children plugged in, and let’s do life together.