When a parent first becomes a parent, it can be a bit overwhelming. They immediately start thinking, “What do I do with this kid?” For some, the internet has become a parent’s best friend, and maybe ChatGPT has become their co-parent. Is that really the best source?
Then, that kid starts growing up. They start walking, talking and running the house. A parent sometimes looks around and thinks, “What do I do with this kid?” So they ask other parents at school or at the ballgames what they are doing. But is there some other source that they could tap?
Then, here it comes, that kid becomes a teenager. Watch out! If that 4-year-old was running the house before, guess what’s happening now! A frazzled parent continues to wonder, “What do I do with this kid?” They think back to what their parents did and what they saw other parents of teens do. Could there be a go-to regimen that could work for all parents of all kids of all ages?
Whatever age your kid is, let me give you four easy things that every parent can do. These are tried and true efforts that faithful Christian parents have utilized for years. It does not guarantee absolute perfection or an easy path every time, but it’s built on a firm foundation that won’t change.
#1: Pray. Talk to God every day ABOUT your child! Talk to God every day WITH your child! Do you want wisdom? Ask Him for it (Jas. 1:5). Do you want strength? Ask Him for it (Psa. 86:15-16). Don’t know what to ask? Talk to Him (1 Pet. 5:7). Let Him “direct your paths” (Prov. 3:6).
#2: Read. Put your phone down and pick up your Bible. Read it yourself every day, in eyeshot of your kids. And, then read it every day with your child! Does your child need greater faith (Rom. 10:17)? Read. Does your child need a deeper love for Jesus (2 Cor. 3:18)? Read.
#3: Put the church at the center. I’m not just saying that as a preacher but as a dad! Do you want your kids to care about God? Do you want your kids to go to heaven? GET THEM IN CHURCH EVERY TIME THE DOORS ARE OPEN! And at EVERY church event! I cannot say that strong enough! Make it “first” (Matt. 6:33)—truly first! That makes a difference!
#4: Serve others. Children need to be raised to look for and recognize “the interests of others” and not just their “own” (Phil. 2:4). Help them to see that there is greatness in serving others (Matt. 23:11), whenever the opportunity is there (Gal. 6:9-10). It forces them to look beyond themselves.
What do I do with this kid? Build intentional, unmovable fixtures into your daily lives that mold them into the image of Jesus. You cannot start too young! Start today!
