Raising children is challenging in the modern world when there are temptations everywhere. Your kids may fall prey to bad company, pick up wrong things from social media or TV, or focus on distractions that distance them from faith and God. As a parent, you must do your bit to keep these temptations at bay and drive your family in the right direction. Although there isn’t a magic pill to raise a faith-driven family, here are some tips to help.
Have a long-term vision
Typically, parents have their sights set on goals like college education and a lucrative career for their kids. But they often forget that spirituality should also be a part of their parenting checklist. Remember to make a long-term commitment toward cultivating faith and trust in God in your children. Start early and be passionate about accomplishing the goal, just like the other materialistic ones.
Be focused and consistent
Focus and consistency take you a long way toward achieving your parental commitments. If you focus on education, you follow up on test scores and GPAs. Likewise, you pay close attention to scoring averages and final scores when focusing on the athletic prowess of your kids. Follow the same mindset for raising fully devoted followers of Christ. You can do it by focusing on the spiritual growth of your family. Be consistent with the check-ins and intervene when you notice your kids going astray.
Nurture positive habits
Nurturing positive habits and daily rituals at home is another effective way to raise a faith-driven family. Have regular family devotional times every day and encourage your loved ones to be active participants. You can seek inspiration from the routine of Wyoming Carmelites as they follow a strict schedule to consecrate their hours of the day. Although your family schedules need not be as stringent, you can pick elements like mental prayer, manual labor, and the common rosary from the Carmelites.
Embrace challenges
Faith-driven people embrace the challenges of life and turn them into witnessing opportunities. They realize that faith comes naturally when one surrenders to God. Demonstrate it to your children by handling the hardest time with patience and trust. It may be a financial setback, a job loss, or a hospital stay. Show your trust in God during the moments of crisis, and encourage your family to follow the same mindset. Embrace life’s challenges as opportunities to share your faith. Lead by example during tough times and inspire your family to do the same. Find stylish Christian t-shirts to wear as a reminder of your values and a conversation starter for those in need. Be a positive influence and make a difference.
Be a role model
Being a role model is the best thing you can do for your loved ones. As a parent, you must remember that your children will emulate you in speech, thought, and action. Be strong with your faith, and your family will follow suit. Set positive examples by being honest at work, helping others wherever possible, and volunteering for a good cause. You need not preach by word, but you must show by action.
Raising a faith-driven family is a daunting challenge, but holding tight to your faith gives you a good start. Stay committed and consistent with these efforts, and your children will learn the lessons effortlessly.
