Parenting Tip
If COVID-19 has revealed anything about us as parents, it might be this: Most of us have grown accustomed to and comfortable with outsourcing our children’s spiritual formation to the Church or Christian school. If we’re honest, we’ve probably relied a bit too much on the youth pastor, the Bible teacher, or the Church to shape the minds and hearts of our kids. But now, school is closed, church is mostly suspended, and it is suddenly up to us to form them spiritually. If you are struggling to re-claim your role as their trusted guide, here are five tips to help you redeem this quarantine time.
- Talk the Talk: As we’ve said for several years at Axis, discipleship happens where conversations happen. Regardless of the topic, authentic conversations lead to faith-forming opportunities. So keep those conversations going. And remember, as you engage with your kids on everything from sports to social distancing, you won’t agree on everything. That’s okay! Lean into the tension and humbly ask what you can learn from them in the process.
- Walk the Walk: Our kids are always watching, always learning, always soaking in what we do, not just what we say. If the news is causing you anxiety and fear, odds are they are learning to be anxious and fearful themselves. If the stay-at-home orders are breeding arguments, family feuds, and fights, their future home will look likewise. It’s simple (yet difficult): Be the adult you want your kid to become.
- Schedule the Sacred: We’ve all been given a great gift: time. Instead of rushing to work or school, we now have time in the morning to come together to read Scripture, pray, and experience the sacred. You don’t have to do it every day, but schedule regular moments to gather for five or ten minutes. Read through one of the gospels one chapter at a time. Then discuss what you read. It doesn't need to be overly scholarly, just allow them the space to process God’s Word with you.
- Have One-on-One Time: If you have more than one child, pick an evening or morning during the week to take a walk with each child, just the two of you. Or if the weather is bad, hit a coffee shop’s drive-through for a tasty treat. These intentional moments alone together will build trust, foster intimacy, and show them you are a safe place to come to with their hopes, dreams, and questions.
- Take Off the (Figurative) Mask: You aren’t perfect. Trust us, your kids already know it, so be honest and transparent about your issues. If you mess up, own it and ask for forgiveness. A sure sign of spiritual maturity is learning to admit you don’t have it all together. If you are open about your failings, they will be more willing to share theirs.
This article taken from The Culture Translator Vol. 6, Issue 21.