Like a gardener who is tending their gardening plot Christian parents can not just let their kids grow up without guidance, pruning, watering, tending, and fertilizer. We are striving to raise the next generation of believers, our foundation is God's word. We encourage you to use these gardening tips in parenting your kids.

"I love the analogy of life as a garden, whether you love to garden or not, most people love to be in one. Sometimes they are organized, orderly, and monochrome, sometimes free flowing, vivacious and colorful. But in all cases, they symbolize life and growth" *

Heart

This section is for you as a parent 

For our single parents, what adults are you connecting with, who knows what is happening in your life? How are you prioritizing time with your friends and community? Are you making time for one another, putting one another before your child(ren)?

These questions stir up thoughts in your heart. These questions are meant as a help, when we are busy with helping our kids grow we often overlook ourselves or our spouse. Deuteronomy 6:6 calls us as parents to model our faith to our children by keeping God's word in our hearts.

Spent time in the Word. Read for your understanding and growth, only through an overflow can we be effective in our families.

We want this resource to be an encouragement to you, it is not a condemnation but an opportunity for growth.How are you growing in the Lord?

How are you pursuing Christ in the midst of the business of life with your child(ren)?

It is often helpful to think beyond that of your household. Are you taking the time/space to allow others into your life? Are there ways you can serve someone in your community and world? It may not look like how you have served others in the past but when you serve others you it helps you remember the wider world the Lord has placed you in. 

World—Whether your child is in public school, private school, or home school, your “seedling” creates opportunities to meet other parents and families in your neighborhood and community. And the thing that unites every parent, regardless of background, is that we all feel like we’re barely making it! Who are parents the Lord has placed in your life who you can show the love of Christ to through being your whole, authentic, hope-filled self to? What are ways to build friendships with parents outside of the church? 

Head 

Read 

Jesus Story Bible

Tales the Tell the Truth Series

God Made All of Me

Listen 

New City Catechism

Jesus Kids, Shai Linn

Press Pause Podcast

Join

Check out

Risen Motherhood

New City Catechism

Hands 

Habits 

Car time—make it a goal to ask one good question every time you get in the car together. Something simple like, “where have you seen Jesus’ love for you today?” or “what's something that makes you excited or worried today?”

Meal time—the next stage in your child’s development will come with competing claims on your child’s (and family’s) time. Begin establishing rhythms and goals for regularly eating together as a family. 

Celebration

This is a special age where your child’s personality begins to emerge. Look to call out and celebrate the ways God has made them unique. 

Milestones 

Kindergarten is a huge step for a child! Do something special as a family to celebrate this milestone in their life. 

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