An introvert’s advice on making mom friends

I still remember standing at kindergarten pick-up for my oldest, watching groups of moms laugh together while I clutched my toddler’s hand and smiled politely at strangers. My heart ached with a familiar loneliness I didn’t expect motherhood would bring.

If you’ve ever felt invisible in a crowd of other moms, you’re not alone. Making friends as an adult is hard. Making friends as a Christian mom—when you’re exhausted, covered in spit-up and can barely remember the last time you had an uninterrupted conversation—feels nearly impossible.

But here’s what I’ve learned through the loneliness and the awkward first conversations: God created us for connection. And while learning how to make friends as a Christian mom takes intentionality and courage, it’s one of the most life-giving things we can do for ourselves and our families.

You don’t have to navigate motherhood alone. Friendship is possible, even in this busy, overwhelming season.

Why friendship matters for Christian moms

We weren’t designed to do life in isolation. From the very beginning, God looked at Adam in Genesis 2:18 and said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.”

That need for companionship doesn’t disappear when we become mothers. If anything, it intensifies.

The Bible gives us a beautiful picture of what friendship can be:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)

Christian moms need that kind of friend—someone who will help us up on the hard days, celebrate with us on the good ones and remind us of God’s grace when we’re struggling.

Friendship isn’t a luxury for mothers. It’s a lifeline.

When we’re connected to the body of Christ and rooted in genuine community, we become better moms, better wives and more grounded in our faith. We need women who will pray for us, laugh with us and show up with coffee (or chocolate!) when life feels too heavy to carry alone.

Understanding different types of friendships

Not all friendships look the same, and that’s actually a beautiful thing. As Christian moms, we need different kinds of friends for different seasons and needs.

Friendships within the faith

There’s something sacred about friendships with other Christian women who share your faith and values. These are the moms who understand when you say, “I’m praying about it,” or “I really felt the Holy Spirit nudging me.”

They’re the ones who will text you a Bible verse on a hard day or show up to your small group even when they’re exhausted.

Christian mom friends can become kindred spirits who walk alongside you in both motherhood and faith. Whether it’s through a Bible study, a church mom’s group or simply another family at your local church, these friendships ground us in community and remind us we’re part of something bigger.

When I was in the baby and toddler phase of mothering, a woman from my church invited me to a small Bible study meeting at a friend’s home. I was hesitant to go at first, but my soul ached for connection and community.

That’s exactly what I found, and I’m so glad. It’s now more than a decade later and our group no longer meets for study but is always available to message with prayer requests or give big hugs when we see one another.

Friendships beyond the church

Non-Christian friends can be incredible gifts, too. God places people in our lives for mutual respect, common ground and genuine connection. And sometimes those people don’t share our faith background.

I’ve made great connections with other moms at library story times, arranging play dates for my children and sitting on the school playground. These friendships have taught me about grace, hospitality and loving people well.

They’ve challenged me to live out my faith authentically without being preachy, and they’ve shown me that kindness and companionship aren’t limited to the walls of the church.

Different friendships bring different gifts. Some friends are perfect for deep spiritual conversations. Others are the ones you text memes to at 10 pm. Both matter.

Practical ways for how to make friends as a Christian mom

OK, let’s get real. Knowing you need friends and actually making them are two different things. Here are some doable, realistic ways to start building new friendships. This is something I’ve struggled with a LOT.

But, I promise, these tips will work even if you’re an introvert (like me) or haven’t made a new friend since high school.

Pray about it

You may be thinking that sounds like a trite, Sunday School kind of tip, but stick with me here. I have struggled with friendships throughout my lifetime. Yet, it wasn’t until a few years ago that it occurred to me to pray about it.

I had a “duh” moment of realizing that if God created me (and all of us) for community, then He wanted me to find that community. He knows me more than I know me.

I might think I’m awkward, quiet and kind of weird, but I am who God made me, and He doesn’t make junk. I knew there had to be people out there I could connect with.

So I started praying about it. I asked God to open my eyes to connections and give me courage to reach out to others. And He did.

Before you start trying to make some steps toward friendships, talk to God.

Start where you already are

You don’t have to join 10 new things to make mom friends. Who has that time?!

Look at where you already spend time. Do you go to the same coffee shop every week? Chat with the other moms there.

Does your child attend a soccer game or take classes somewhere? Strike up a conversation while you’re waiting.

A lot of times, the best friendships start in the places we already frequent. Your local church, the library story time, even the grocery store are all great places to meet other moms who are navigating the same season.

Make the first move

This is the hardest part, I know. But someone has to take the first step, and it might as well be you. Smile. Introduce yourself. Compliment another mom’s patience or her kid’s adorable shoes.

Then—and this is key—ask for a phone number or suggest getting together. “Would you want to grab coffee sometime?” or “We should plan a playdate!” It feels vulnerable, but most moms are craving connection just as much as you are.

I’ve learned that most people are relieved when someone else makes the first move. They’ve been waiting for permission to reach out, too.

And others may blow you off, but that’s OK, too. You still made progress by reaching out in the first place, and the more you do it, the easier it gets.

Join a group in person

Small groups are one of the best ways to build consistent friendships. Whether it’s a Bible study at church, a book club or a local moms’ group, joining something structured takes the pressure off.

Groups give you regular touchpoints with the same women, which is how acquaintances become true friends. You don’t have to overthink it. You just show up consistently and let friendships develop naturally.

Make sure to actually give the group a solid try. I have been tempted to stop going to groups after the first meeting when I felt awkward and didn’t know who to talk to or what to say.

Remember that in-home Bible study I talked about? The first meeting was OK, but I also felt a bit awkward, because that’s who I am.

Yet, I’m so glad I kept going and gave it a fair shake. It made a huge impact in my life both practically and spiritually.

Join a group online

In-person connection is important, but connection in general matters. I met a group of moms through a forum for expectant moms back when I was pregnant with my oldest (who just turned 16!).

That group spun off and I have a few of those mamas with whom I still talk regularly about life and faith. I have watched their kids grow up from afar as they have mine. They’ve been great support for questions about parenting, since we’re in the same phase with parenting at least one of our kiddos.

Online communities can also be a great place to connect. Social media can be a starting point for how to make friends as a Christian mom—especially for long-distance friendships or when you need encouragement at 2 a.m.

My own experiences inspired and helped me so much, that I’ve created my own group for Christian moms. Check out and join the free and private Christian Moms with Grace Facebook group!

Invite imperfectly

Here’s the truth: your house doesn’t have to be clean, and you don’t need to have it all together to invite someone over. Some of my deepest friendships have been built over messy living rooms and store-bought cookies.

Hospitality isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. Invite a new mom over for coffee. Suggest meeting at a coffee shop if your home feels too chaotic.

Plan a field trip to the park or children’s museum with another family. Just create space for connection, however imperfect it might be.

Look for common interests and common ground

Friendship grows faster when you share something in common. Maybe it’s a similar parenting style, a shared love of hiking or both being new to the area. Maybe you’re both navigating the challenges of a new baby or adjusting to life in a new city.

Finding common ground doesn’t mean you have to be identical. It just means you have something to build on. Even shared struggles can become the foundation for deep connection.

I once connected with a mom at the playground over struggles with managing constipation for one of my kids. Mom life can bring connections in the oddest ways sometimes!

Expand your comfort zone

If you’ve been doing the same things and seeing the same people, maybe it’s time to try something new. Join a Christian homeschool co-op if you homeschool. Volunteer at your child’s school.

Try a different service time at your church to meet new people. Or maybe even seek God’s will and move toa different church if He so leads. Sometimes you can spend years at a church and not be connected.

You don’t have to become someone you’re not, but gently stretching beyond your comfort zone opens doors to new friendships you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

When friendships are hard or inconsistent

Let’s be honest: adult friendships are complicated. Schedules don’t align. Texts go unanswered for days. A good friend moves to a new place, and suddenly your mom tribe feels smaller.

Some seasons of motherhood are lonelier than others. When you have a new baby, when you’re adjusting to a new town or when life just feels too full, maintaining the kind of friendships you long for is much harder.

Give yourself grace. Give your friends grace, too.

Friendships ebb and flow, and that’s OK. Your best friend from last year might be in a different season now. A group of moms you used to see regularly might drift apart as kids get older and schedules shift. That doesn’t mean the friendship wasn’t real or valuable; it just means life is changing.

And sometimes, despite our best efforts, connection feels impossible. If you’ve tried reaching out and it’s not working, remember that God sees you. He knows the loneliness, and He’s faithful even when friendships feel inconsistent or hard to find.

Keep showing up. Keep being the kind of friend you want to have. And trust that in different places and seasons, God will bring the right people into your life at the right time.

I’ve learned through my life that some friends are for a season. This is true even outside of motherhood.

Some people are situational friends. You’re in the same situation together (work, school, etc.) and you become friends, but once that changes, you drift apart.

It’s OK to let that go and be glad for the time you had together. New seasons can mean new friends. Life is always changing.

You were made for community

Motherhood is beautiful and exhausting and overwhelming. And it was never meant to be walked alone. God designed you for connection, for friendship, for community within the body of Christ and beyond.

Making friends as a Christian mom takes courage. It requires you to be vulnerable, to make the first move, to step outside your comfort zone and risk rejection.

But the reward—genuine connection, true friends who see you and love you and walk beside you—is worth every awkward introduction and every unanswered text. And it makes the initial stress about how to make friends as as Christian mom pale in comparison.

This week, I want to encourage you to take one small step. Send that text. Smile at the mom in the church lobby. Sign up for a small group or a Bible study.

Show up to the birthday party even though you’re tired. Invite someone for coffee, even if your schedule feels impossibly full.

You don’t have to do this perfectly. You just have to start.

God sees your loneliness, and He’s inviting you into something better—a life marked by connection, friendship and grace.

The mom tribe you’re longing for? It’s out there. And it starts with one brave, imperfect step toward someone else.

Struggling with loneliness?

• Learn more about the free Christian Moms with Grace Facebook group.
• Read encouraging Bible verses about loneliness and download the free Bible reading plan.

Encouraging Bible verses and practical wisdom for Christian moms

Motherhood is both the most rewarding and most challenging job we’ll ever have. As a mom, I’ve experienced some of the best moments and some of the worst moments of my life.

Just last week, for example, I had a great evening with my 15-year-old daughter shopping for a first day of school outfit. But I also had an evening of frustration when chores weren’t getting done by either kiddo.

We go from marveling at our children’s beautiful hearts to questioning every parenting decision we’ve ever made in minutes sometimes.

Add in the weight of being a Christian mom and raising children in the modern world, and, quite frankly, it can be overwhelming. Know that you’re not alone.

In fact, it’s for these very reasons that I put together a free monthlong study about grace-filled parenting. The truth is God didn’t create us to parent on empty and feel overwhelmed. We can lean into His patience, wisdom and love.

Being a mom with grace isn’t about being a perfect mom (because she doesn’t exist!). It’s about showing up as present, faithful mothers who rely on God’s strength, extend grace to our children and ourselves, and trust in His wisdom for the important job of raising human beings who will impact the world for His glory.

It’s a style of parenting that works whether you have younger or older children.

I’d love for you to go on this journey with me with four weeks of practical, grace-soaked truth, one mom talking to another, chocolate optional, Spirit essential. Ready? Let’s dive in together.

Weekly themes for the Grace-Filled Parenting Bible study

Grace-Filled Parenting is divided into four different weeks with their own themes. And the best thing about this study is it’s rooted in Biblical principles and is created for mamas like you (and me) who don’t have hours a day for quiet time.

Each week has a Bible reading plan with one to three verses per day, reflection questions, a short video and optional emails. The Christian Moms with Grace private Facebook group will also be home to the study for discussions and more.

Each of the weeks includes the following:

• Daily Bible readings (1–3 verses)
• Weekly reflection questions
• Encouragement + discussion in our private FB group
• Free printables each week
• Weekly Zoom call for connection & prayer

Week 1: Living faithfully as a mom

Before we get into parenting techniques or how we speak to our children, we need to start with something even more foundational: our own faith. This first week is all about resetting our hearts and realigning with God. We’re not doing this out of guilt, but because He is our source.

As moms, we often pour ourselves out without pausing to be filled up. But a grace-filled home starts with a mom who is anchored in Christ.

Living faithfully doesn’t mean we never have hard parenting days or moments of failure. Instead, it means we clothe ourselves “with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12, ESV) as we navigate the beautiful chaos of motherhood.

When we’re exhausted from sleepless nights or dealing with challenging behaviors, it’s easy to react from our flesh rather than the Spirit. But as Christian parents, we have access to supernatural love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV).

During this week, we’ll take a look at what living faithfully as a Christian mom in daily life really means, how to pursue spiritual growth while raising kids and how God equips us even in the mundane and ordinary moments of motherhood.

This week isn’t about doing more. It’s about coming back to the heart of why we mother the way we do. Because when we live rooted in God’s Word, everything else begins to shift with grace.

Week 2: Speaking life over your children

As moms, our words carry incredible weight. From cheering on our kids to correcting them mid-tantrum, how we speak becomes part of their inner voice. This week, we’re focusing on the power of our words — not just what we say to our children, but how we speak about them, over them and even to ourselves.

God calls us to speak life with both grace and truth. That means we don’t ignore misbehavior or hard moments, but we approach them from a place of love and wisdom, not frustration or fear. It also means extending that same grace to ourselves when we don’t get it right.

This week, we’ll explore what Scripture says about the tongue, encouragement, blessing and gentleness. And we’ll learn how to reflect the heart of our Heavenly Father through our everyday communication.

We’ll be reminded that our words can build up or tear down, and we’ll ask God to help us become moms who are intentional with how we speak, choosing words that plant seeds of faith, identity, and love in our children’s hearts.

Week 3: Discipling your children daily

Teaching our kids about Jesus doesn’t have to mean daily devotionals or elaborate object lessons. While those can be wonderful, everyday discipleship is more often about how we live than what we say.

It’s the rhythms of our home, the conversations at bedtime, the way we handle stress and the example we set in our own faith walk.

This week, we’ll take a closer look at what it means to disciple our children in the daily moments like driving to school, folding laundry or navigating another round of sibling arguments.

God hasn’t asked us to be perfect moms with Pinterest-worthy faith routines. He’s asked us to be faithful, to model trust and to bring our kids along as we follow Him.

As we dig into these verses, we’ll be encouraged to sow truth into our kids’ lives in small, consistent ways — not with pressure or perfection, but with presence, intention and grace.

Week 4: Trusting God with your parenting journey

No matter how much we plan, pray and prepare, parenting will always bring uncertainty. There are seasons of fear, moments of regret and questions we can’t answer.

But one of the important things to remember is our children belong first to God. And we can trust Him with their hearts, their futures and even our shortcomings.

This week is about surrender. It’s about letting go of the unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves and choosing to believe that God is faithful, even when we feel like we’re failing.

We’ll reflect on verses that remind us of His presence, His provision and His promises for our children and for us as moms. Whether you’re in a joyful season or walking through difficulty, these Scriptures will point you back to the One who sees, sustains and equips you.

This isn’t a passive trust. It’s an active choice to parent from peace rather than fear. And it’s the beautiful reminder that while motherhood can feel like a heavy responsibility, it’s also a sacred partnership with a God who never leaves us to figure it out alone.

What grace-filled parenting looks like in real life

You don’t need to overhaul your entire life or start a brand-new routine to practice grace-filled parenting. In fact, the beauty is the gift of grace meets you right where you are from the carpool line, to the kitchen, to the middle of a meltdown.

Here are a few small but powerful ways you can start shifting your home toward grace — one moment at a time:

Start your day with God — even if it’s short.

A few quiet minutes before the chaos starts can set your heart in the right direction. Ask God to help you see your kids through His eyes today and respond with His love, not just your own exhaustion.

Pause before you react.

When your child pushes every button, pause and ask, “What does this moment need—correction, connection, or simply calm?” Sometimes a hug speaks louder than a lecture.

Speak truth over your kids and yourself.

It’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong, but grace helps us call out what’s good. Tell your child, “I love how you care for your sister,” or “God made you such a thoughtful leader.” Let that same truth reflect back on you, too.

Protect your margin.

When you’re rushing from one thing to the next, grace is the first thing to go. Make room for slow moments, silly moments and soul-filling moments. They matter more than the to-do list.

Give yourself grace, too.

You will mess up. You will lose your temper. And you will forget something important. Being a perfect parent just isn’t possible.

But God’s grace doesn’t run out and every misstep is a chance to model humility, repentance and fresh starts.

Grace-filled parenting doesn’t mean you always get it right. It means you’re learning to parent from a place of peace, not pressure and inviting God into the process.

10 Powerful Bible verses for grace-filled parenting

These Scriptures are a beautiful reminder that we don’t have to parent in our own strength. When we root ourselves in God’s Word and lean into the grace of His Son, we find the patience, peace and wisdom we so often long for.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

When your patience wears thin before breakfast, remember: these qualities aren’t something you have to force. They’re the fruit of walking closely with God. Ask the Spirit to produce His fruit in you today. You don’t have to rely on your own natural storehouse of wisdom.

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)

Grace in parenting doesn’t mean letting everything slide. It means showing up clothed in Christ’s character.

Showing grace to your children isn’t a sign of personal weakness. As He has given you complete forgiveness, you can also forgive, correct and lead your children with love.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Your words matter; they shape your children’s hearts in profound ways.

Even when discipline is needed, you can speak with grace, truth and intention to build your child up instead of tearing them down.

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

You’re planting seeds that may not bloom right away into immediate success in the lives of your children. You must trust the process — even when progress feels slow — and keep pointing kids toward truth.

You serve a God of perfect wisdom and can trust in His timing, even when it doesn’t necessarily match your own. God’s delivery time is always the right time.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.”

Psalm 127:1-2 (ESV)

You’re not meant to carry the whole weight of your child’s future. Do your part, but rest knowing God is the one building your family and watching over your children.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

Motherhood is exhausting. Jesus doesn’t ask you to hold it all together. He invites you to come to Him and find rest in His strength, not your own.

As God’s child, you are able to cling to Him and rest in Him.

“He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”

Isaiah 40:11 (ESV)

What a beautiful picture of how God tends to mothers! You’re not leading your children alone. God sees you, carries you and gently leads moms like you through every stage and struggle.

The work of God is done in your life simply by being His beloved daughter doing her best to live for Him. Thankfully, you don’t have to have an independent ability to be a Christian parent. None of us would succeed!

“In the same manner the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

Romans 8:26 (NIV)

In those moments when you don’t even know what to pray for your children or yourself, the Spirit steps in.

The good news is you don’t have to figure out everything on your own. God’s Spirit is actively helping you in your weakness.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

God isn’t finished — not with you, and not with your kids. When you feel like a failure or worry about your children’s spiritual growth, you can rest in knowing that God is committed to completing the good work He’s started in each of your lives.

Grace means trusting that He’s working, even when you can’t see the results yet. His invisible grace is there to sustain you along the journey.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Grace-filled parenting ultimately comes down to trust. God knows your child even better than you do, and He will guide your steps as you walk with Him.

You can trust God’s plan for your family is good, even when you can’t see the bigger picture. You trust His timing is perfect, even when progress seems slow.

And you can definitely trust He loves your children more than you do and will guide your path as you seek to honor Him.

Join the Grace-Filled Parenting journey

These verses are a beautiful reminder that you don’t have to parent from pressure or perfectionism but from the grace God freely gives. If you’re ready to take that truth and walk it out in your everyday life as a Christian mom, I’ve got something special just for you.

Grab your free 7 Days of Grace-Filled Parenting devotional

This printable devotional is designed to help you:

• Reset your mindset as a mom
• Reflect on God’s truth in the middle of everyday chaos
• Parent with more peace, purpose and confidence in Christ

Each day includes a short Scripture, a heartfelt reflection and space to connect with God in a real and practical way. It’s perfect whether you’ve got 10 quiet minutes or you’re squeezing in grace on the go.

You’ll get instant access to the devotional and be the first to hear when the full Grace-Filled Parenting study begins in September!

Be part of the free Grace-Filled Parenting study

This September, I’m inviting Christian moms to join me for a 4-week journey that will refresh your soul and reframe how you approach motherhood.

We’ll cover:

• Living faithfully as a mom
• Speaking life with grace and truth
• Discipling our kids through everyday moments
• Trusting God with the big and small of parenting

You’ll get weekly encouragement, Scripture-based reflections and optional journal prompts plus access to a printable upgrade and a community of moms walking through it with you.

Want to make sure you don’t miss it? Grab the free devotional above, and I’ll send all the details straight to your inbox.

Want to go deeper?

The Grace-Filled Parenting Journal gives you guided space to reflect, pray and live out what you’re learning. Grab your printable copy here:

Keep showing up, mama

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t need a perfect track record or a picture-perfect routine.

What matters most is that you’re walking with God and pointing your children toward Him one moment, one prayer, one imperfect day at a time.

Grace-filled parenting isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying rooted in the One who does.

So when you feel tired, uncertain or like you’ve missed the mark again, pause, breathe and remember: God chose you to be your child’s mom on purpose.

You’re doing holy work, even when it’s a hard parenting day. Keep going. Keep trusting. And most of all, keep showing up — covered in grace.

Check out these other posts on grace-filled parenting:

Being a grace-filled parent

Christian parenting advice: 10 tips for raising Godly kids

Grace-filled sibling relationships

Graceful or grace-filled?

Raising a Christian child in public school

Real-life help from a mom who gets it

Back to school can be exciting, overwhelming and emotional — sometimes all before 9 a.m.

If you’re a mom trying to juggle drop-off schedules, supply lists, earlier bedtimes and maybe even your own work responsibilities, you’re not alone.

I’ve been there (still am there!), and I want to share some of the back to school tips that have helped our family navigate the start of a new school year with a little more peace and a lot more grace.

Whether you’ve got littles starting preschool or big kids heading into high school, these 20 practical and faith-filled tips are for you — from one real-life mom to another.

1. Practice lunchbox skills before day one

If your child is new to packing a lunch or hasn’t used certain containers before, take a little time to practice. Let them open their lunchbox, unzip their sandwich bag and open any tricky containers.

What’s second nature to us as adults might trip up a 5-year-old at a crowded lunch table. Plus, practicing now can save them frustration and help them feel more independent when the first lunch bell rings.

Also be sure to have them try things like opening milk cartons (if possible; these are harder to find!) and putting straws in juice boxes.

2. Ease into early wake-ups a few days at a time

If your summer mornings have been slow or even a bit slower than usual, gradually shifting back to earlier wake-ups will make the start of school easier.

Begin with setting alarms 30 minutes earlier each day in the week (or two!) leading up to school. This gentle transition helps reset their internal clocks without making that first school morning feel like a rude awakening.

It also gives you a chance to troubleshoot your own routine before it really counts. And, if your own schedule has been different, this allows your internal clock to reset as well.

3. Use a simple spreadsheet to track school supplies

I love spreadsheets. My latest obsession is AirTable, which takes spreadsheets to a whole new level. (Absolutely no affiliation with them. I just love them!)

Instead of relying on memory or digging through plastic bags every time you get home from Target, create a basic spreadsheet or phone note. List each item your child needs and check them off as you buy them.

You’ll save money by not doubling up and sanity by not second-guessing what you’ve already purchased. It also helps if you’re shopping for multiple kids or need to split up supply gathering with your spouse or older child.

Because school supply lists are often specific and, especially in elementary, can have overlapping supplies, spreadsheets just make organizing them all that much easier.

I even use a second page in the spreadsheet to track other things we need like backpacks, lunch containers, clothes, etc.

4. Shift bedtime gradually for everyone

Back to school means early mornings, so adjusting bedtimes is just as important. About a week before school starts, start backing up bedtime by 15 to 30 minutes each night.

Your kids might resist it, especially the older ones, but even just turning off devices and dimming the lights can help their bodies start winding down.

And just like with getting up earlier, it’s worth shifting your own bedtime too. Running on caffeine alone doesn’t count as self-care.

5. Create a “launch pad” near the door

Designate a spot by the door where backpacks, shoes, water bottles and school devices go. You can use a basket, a bench, a corner, a countertop or whatever.

Everything for school having a home near the door you exit will cut down on the morning chaos of misplaced items and last-minute scavenger hunts.

It also gives kids a small sense of responsibility as they learn to pack and unpack on their own. Bonus: It helps you feel more organized, even when the rest of the day is a blur.

6. Do a dry run of the morning routine

A couple of days before school starts, walk through your morning as if it’s the real thing. Set alarms, get dressed, eat breakfast, pack bags and time how long it all takes.

This helps everyone, including you, ease into the new rhythm and identify any problem areas (like realizing someone’s favorite hoodie is still in the washer).

It’s a low-stress way to set your family up for a smoother first day. You can also use it as an excuse to actually head out the door for some early errands or a doughnut trip.

7. Walk older kids through their new schedule

If your child is in middle or high school, try to walk the halls with them (or let them do it solo) before the first day.

Our school has an open house for all grades the week school starts. This is a great time to let them find their locker, locate their classrooms and get a feel for the flow.

Even if they say they’re fine, a little preparation can quiet some of those unspoken nerves. For kids who worry about the “what ifs,” this small step can make a big difference in their confidence.

Plus for kids like my daughter who is into aesthetics and organizing, it gives them a chance to set up their locker ahead of time rather than lugging all the supplies for it in on the first day.

8. Talk through first-day expectations

Sit down and talk through what the first day will look like. Cover everything from what time they need to wake up to how pickup works at the end of the day.

Go over things like what to pack for lunch, where they’ll wait for the bus or how they’ll find their classroom. Talk with them about what to do if they get lost, confused or have trouble.

Knowing the plan reduces anxiety for everyone. And if something does go off-plan (because it probably will), they’ll feel more prepared to adjust.

9. Build a grab-and-go snack station

Set up a basket or bin with school-approved and mom-approved snacks your kids can easily grab for their lunchboxes or after-school hunger.

Our basket includes granola bars, peanut butter crackers, breadsticks and cheese, fruit snacks and applesauce. Pick whatever works for your crew.

Having a dedicated snack station also helps avoid the endless “What can I eat?” question that seems to hit at 3:30 every day. And if your kids are packing or helping pack lunch, they have a go-to spot to grab from.

10. Start praying together about the school year

Find a time to pray together for the upcoming year. You can do this at breakfast, bedtime or whatever works naturally for your family.

Pray for their teachers, their classmates and for them to shine God’s love in whatever comes their way.

And don’t forget to pray for yourself for patience, peace and wisdom as you guide them through a new season.

These prayers not only speak to the heart of the Father, they remind your children and you that they aren’t going into the school year alone.

Check out these 30 back-to-school prayer cards to take inspire you.

11. Plan easy meals for the first week

The first week back can feel like a blur, so do yourself a favor and have a few go-to meals ready to go. Make a double batch of something simple like chili, baked pasta or muffins and freeze half.

You’ll thank yourself when dinnertime rolls around and you don’t have the energy to cook from scratch. Even frozen pancakes for breakfast can be a big win on a rushed morning.

Be sure to give yourself grace along the way as well. If you don’t want to cook ahead and freeze, plan easy meals your family likes that don’t take too much energy or thought.

Our family has a first day of school tradition of going out to dinner and talking about the day. That works, too!

12. Plug school events into your calendar early

As soon as you get that school email or paper calendar, plug all the key dates into your digital or paper planner. Things like early dismissals, school picture day, parent-teacher nights and holidays can sneak up fast.

Having them on your radar now helps you plan ahead (and not be the only mom who forgets pajama day). It’s a small habit that makes a big difference.

Don’t forget to share important dates with grandparents or other family and friends as well. As soon as I have concert dates and such, I pass that information along as well.

13. Set up a low-key homework station

You don’t need a full-blown homeschool room (though that’s great if you do!). You really just a spot with good lighting, basic supplies and limited distractions.

A corner of the kitchen table, a lap desk on the couch or a shelf in their bedroom can work. Having a consistent place to do homework helps kids mentally shift into “focus mode.”

It also cuts down on the nightly scavenger hunt for pencils and glue sticks. During our time with e-learning, we used shoe boxes wrapped in wrapping paper to hold supplies. We’ve also just had a school box in a kitchen drawer that has pencils, glue sticks, scissors and such.

14. Start a family verse or motto for the year

Choose a Bible verse or short phrase to be your family’s anchor for the school year. Post it somewhere visible like on the fridge, a chalkboard or the bathroom mirror.

Refer back to it when someone has a hard day or when you need a reminder of God’s faithfulness. It’s a simple way to keep your focus on what matters most.

Consider one of these:

• Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
• James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God… and it will be given to you.”
• Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another…”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Encourage one another and build each other up…”
• Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”
• Colossians 2:6-7 – “Continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up…”
• Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything… and the peace of God… will guard your hearts.”

15. Schedule time for rest in the first month

Those first few weeks back can be a whirlwind of forms, events, new routines and emotional shifts. Plan for quiet evenings or even a low-key weekend at home to give everyone a chance to reset.

Kids need the margin, and honestly, so do we. It doesn’t have to be fancy — a movie night, a lazy Saturday breakfast or just skipping one more thing on the calendar is enough.

We try to keep activities on that first weekend especially low-key. Nobody is up for anything big.

16. Talk about friendship and kindness

Remind your kids that being kind, inclusive and respectful matters just as much as grades. Encourage them to notice classmates who are left out, be a friend to someone new and use their words to build others up.

These little conversations plant seeds that will shape how your child interacts with the world. As we model kindness to our children, we can see them do the same with those around them.

Also have conversations about friends in regards to identifying a good friend and knowing when to keep a classmate as more of an acquaintance than a friend.

These issues popped us for our kiddos by first grade and continue now into middle and high school.

17. Take time to grieve the season shift

It’s OK if you feel emotional when school starts. My kids are in middle and high school and I still have back-to-school blues each year.

So whether your baby is heading to kindergarten or your teen is driving off alone or anywhere in between, give yourself some grace for your own feelings.

The shift from summer to school can bring up unexpected feelings. Let yourself process them without guilt. Grief and gratitude can coexist — and both are normal.

18. Make a back-to-school playlist

Let each family member choose a song and create a playlist you can play during the first-day drive or breakfast. It’s a fun and easy tradition that adds a little joy to the morning.

You might find that “your song” becomes part of the rhythm of the year. Music has a way of grounding us and lifting our moods.

My family has a playlist on Spotify that we call “Car Music.” It’s had songs added and taken away through the years that include a variety of each of our favorites.

19. Do a family “summer wins” recap

Before diving headfirst into school mode, take a moment to reflect on what made summer sweet. Talk about your favorite memories, things you learned or moments you want to remember.

It’s a great way to close one season with gratitude before stepping into the next one. You could even write them down and tuck them into a jar for later.

This is also a great time to assess whether you’ve missed something you really wanted to do over the summer. Get it in before the first day if you can!

Another bonus to this is that it helps your kids remember the fun they really did have throughout the summer months.

20. Choose a consistent and simple after-school rhythm

The hours right after school can get chaotic fast: backpacks get dumped, emotions run high and snacks disappear like magic. Decide now what you want that time to look like.

Whether it’s 10 minutes of quiet time, a quick “How was your day?” check-in or a simple snack-and-homework routine, a little structure goes a long way. Your after-school rhythm doesn’t need to be rigid — just intentional.

We’ve found that one kiddo needs a bit of quiet in the car right after school to decompress from the day. The other likes to talk about their day a bit more. Do what works best for you and your kiddos.

Back to school doesn’t have to mean back to chaos. With a little bit of planning and a whole lot of grace, you can step into this new season with peace and purpose.

These tips aren’t about perfection. They’re about showing up for your family and trusting God to meet you there, even on the hard mornings.

You’re not alone in this. And I’m cheering you on every step of the way!

A real look at cleaning with kids at home

If you’d have told me a decade ago that I’d write about house cleaning tips, I’d have laughed in your face.

Back then, I had a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old, and I was struggling to keep up with the bare minimum.

These days, those babies are now in middle and high school. Through the years, I’ve learned a few things that work from my mom and from my own experiences.

(Find the link for the free 4-week deep cleaning challenge at the bottom of the post.)

Affiliate links are used in this post, if you make a qualifying purchase via my link, I receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. It helps support my blog, so thank you for your support! Read my full disclosure here.

Why a clean house is more peaceful

When my house is a mess, I feel guilty. And when I feel guilty, I get grumpy.

And when I get grumpy, I’m more inclined to snap at my family for small things.

The other option is jumping into a pit of self-pity and sadness that I’m not better at cleaning my house.

I feel more pressure than my husband to keep our house clean and more embarrassment when it isn’t. I interpret our messy house as my own personal failure.

You’d think that would make me an excellent housekeeper. But it doesn’t.

Instead of doing something about it, many times I just beat myself up. I have had literally years at a time where I couldn’t do better for a variety of reasons and still berated myself over it.

However, I have learned some things through the years, and I’m going to share them with you in case you aren’t one of those rare folks who love to clean.

I don’t offer a detailed cleaning plan. I’ve tried those, and they stress me out and make me feel worse about all that I’m NOT doing. Instead, I’m offering real-life tips that have helped my family. 

Most of these are inspired by my mom who not only is an excellent housekeeper but truly enjoys cleaning. (I know. It’s weird to me, too!)

Employ the ABC method: Always Be Cleaning

One of my best tips is ABC: Always Be Cleaning. That might sound like a nightmare to you, because it certainly would have to the me of a couple years ago. But, hear me out.

My mom’s strategy is to clean as she goes so there isn’t a big mess to deal with later. It sounds simple, and it really is.

I do things like wipe down my kitchen sink after washing dishes (which takes an extra 60 seconds at most).

Deal with the mail immediately after bringing it in so it doesn’t end up on the countertop for days.

I wipe down the bathroom counter after I finish getting ready. Most of the time, I just use my wet washcloth from washing my face.

I pull up the covers on my bed as soon as I get up, so the bed is mostly made.

I’ve learned a lot of these tasks take a short amount of time. Seriously in 30 seconds, I can do a quick wipe of my bathroom countertop. I can unload the dishwasher in less than 5 minutes.

Keep cleaning supplies handy

If you’re going to always be cleaning, then you need cleaning supplies where you use them.

When we moved into a two-story house a few years ago, I knew myself and knew I’d either forget to bring cleaning supplies up or down the stairs or find it easy to procrastinate if they weren’t in easy reach.

So I buy enough for each location. Each bathroom has disinfecting wipes and toilet bowl cleaner. I do share glass cleaner between them.

The kitchen sink has disinfecting wipes and vinegar. I buy smaller bottles of vinegar, so I have separate vinegar bottles for upstairs.

I know this doesn’t sound ground-breaking to many people, perhaps. But it has made a difference for me.

For example, earlier this week I realized that I hadn’t yet cleaned the half bathroom downstairs and needed to. On my stop by there before going to pick up the kids from school, I cleaned the toilet in a minute. Later I wiped down the sink.

And those are the biggest areas that need weekly cleaning in there, so it worked well. If the supplies were even just around the corner in the pantry (a few steps away!), I know I wouldn’t have done that. And, quite honestly, I probably STILL wouldn’t have done it even now a couple of days later.

Cleaning isn’t all or nothing

Previously I’ve had the idea that if I can’t clean everything then I don’t even want to start.

However, I have been timing myself on doing tasks and realize that in a few minutes, I can accomplish a lot. And the things that need cleaned most don’t take all that long.

I can spend five minutes cleaning my bathroom and feel much better afterward. Yes, it still needs to be deep cleaned and floors mopped and such, but every little step counts.

Finding hours to devote to any one task is difficult. Being able to physically spend hours cleaning my house is basically impossible nowadays.

I’ve changed my mindset from doing it all or nothing to doing what I can when I can. Now I almost see it as a challenge to see how much I can get done in a set amount of time like 15 minutes.

And I’ve been shocked at how much I really CAN do quickly. (I also find more motivation to clean or straighten up if I have a time limit. I can endure cleaning for 5 to 30 minutes!)

Embrace the right cleaning products 

Sometimes it’s about working smarter and not harder. From my mom, I learned vinegar can power through hard water spots and build-up anywhere. It’s a cheap and easy solution to cleaning things!

In my years of having a smooth-top stove, I’ve learned the absolute best cleaner for getting cooked in spots off is a mixture of baking soda and water. The grit in the baking soda, helps gently remove things.

I make a bit of a paste of with it and get to work. It works better than stovetop cleaners.

Another favorite cleaning product of mine is Dawn Power Spray. It’s great for messy pans and also for pretreating laundry. I’ve had spots on clothes coming out of the dryer, Dawn Power Spray-ed them, and they came clean.

And for very specific messes, I’ve found solutions as well. If you need to get Silly Putty or slime out of fabric, rubbing alcohol will help it come out with minimal scrubbing effort needed.

If you have blood in fabric, dab some hydrogen peroxide (undiluted) onto the spot, let it fizz, then wash like usual and it will come clean. In fact, I keep a spray bottle of peroxide in my laundry room for this very reason.

Enlist help

Throughout my adult life, my physical health has taken a hit many times. And with chronic health conditions, sometimes it takes a beating and I can’t do things.

So I have learned to ask for help and be willing to accept it. My kids have their own bathroom. They’re required to clean it once a week. They divide the tasks.

I gave them a lesson on exactly what I want them to do and how to do it. They don’t always clean as well as I do, but I do check in on their progress and have had them redo things.

And it still is helping both me and them! One of these days they’ll have their own bathrooms to clean.

In different stages of my kids’ lives, they’ve been able to help in various ways. While we don’t assign specific chores most of the time, we do expect them to help when we ask. They both are good to do just that.

Kids can do things like wipe down the table, sweep the floor, take out the trash, empty the dishwasher, fold laundry (folding washcloths and pairing up socks are great starting places), put away their belongings and more.

I will say, one nice thing about kids getting older is they are able to take on more responsibilities. Just the other night, I had a few pans to wash after dinner.

My husband tasked the kids with doing that, so I could sit down — and it was really nice to do that!

Don’t procrastinate 

I’m not usually a procrastinator by nature, but I can be very good at overlooking things that need to be taken care of or put away. Very good!

I try to make sure that I’m putting things away when I’m finished with them. But in that mindset, I’m also trying to make sure that each item in our house has a home.

If I get derailed from putting something away immediately, then I make a conscious effort to take care of it next time I come across it.

Along with putting things away, I try not to procrastinate when it comes to dishes and laundry.

There are ALWAYS dishes and laundry. But, I’ve worked to simplify as much as I can.

Staying on top of the dishes

I have arranged my kitchen around my dishwasher. So the things I use most often are stored right above the dishwasher or within a couple of steps.

I can empty the dishwasher in five minutes or less and usually make myself do it the next time I am working in the kitchen (which is quite often with kids!) or ask one of my kiddos or husband to unload it.

I’ve also worked to be practical. My kids take their lunch to school everyday. I have enough lunch containers for two days worth of cold lunches for both kids.

That gives me two days to wash the containers in the dishwasher instead of by hand, which saves me time. If I throw in a day of hot lunch in their hot Thermos, then that helps even more.

I also have to add that I intentionally buy dishwasher safe items to make life easier and not have to wash as many things by hand.

Managing the laundry

And then there’s laundry. While I’m not as fast as my mom who folds and puts her away immediately, I definitely make an effort to deal with it in the same day.

My washer and dryer are on the second story in the middle of the bedrooms, so that really helps. We keep two laundry baskets for dirty things at all times in the laundry room: one for darks and one for whites.

I keep two additional baskets for my husband and me. One for clothes in our closet and another for towels and whites in our bathroom closet.

I can easily see when a basket is full and a load of laundry need to be thrown in. It helps keep me from getting as overwhelmed with load after load of laundry all at once.

Another bonus is that I have a set amount of laundry baskets and I have to make sure to keep laundry folded and put away so we can use the baskets as needed. (I do keep a spare one, though. I’m not THAT good!)

My handy husband also hung me a nice bar in the laundry room so I can hang up clothes straight from the dryer. If I hang up most of our pants and shirts, then I don’t have as much work to do with folding either.

As my kids have gotten older, they’ve been more involved in the whole process. My daughter now does her own laundry, which is sometimes a challenge to make sure her laundry is getting processed in and out of the washer and dryer.

They can switch out laundry, hang up clothes and fold laundry. Usually one evening a week, we’ll have a “laundry folding party” and spend about 15 or 20 minutes in my bedroom folding laundry together.

Give yourself grace 

This is my final tip. No matter what systems I have in place, no matter how much progress I’ve made, I’m not perfect and I’m not going to be.

Life is going to get in the way. My health will flare for a week. My kids will get sick. Things happen.

I have learned to not beat myself up if I get out of routine and don’t clean my bathroom this week. It doesn’t mean I’m never going to get back on track. I will, and I do.

Can I say that in the past I was just a total slob and wasn’t doing my best? No way. I really was doing my best.

There are some seasons of life where it’s easier to clean than others. Having babies and toddlers make cleaning a huge challenge.

Going through physical and/or mental struggles makes cleaning a huge challenge.

Doing the best you can? Then it’s enough. Don’t beat yourself up for not being perfect or having the perfect home!

Here’s the thing: I’m never going to transform into someone who loves cleaning. (At least I will be shocked if I do!)

I won’t ever keep as spotless of a house as my grandma or my mom. But, that’s OK.

I try to be realistic in my goals and work for what makes my family and me the happiest. We are all happier when we have clean dishes and clothes.

We are all happier when there aren’t piles of papers all over the table we have to clean off every time we want to eat a meal.

We are all happier to go into a bathroom that smells fresh and doesn’t have weeks of build-up.

However, my family life isn’t going to dissolve into chaos if I let clean dishes sit in the dishwasher for 24 hours or a load of towels stay in the dryer for a couple of days.

I do my best, but I also remember my priorities. I don’t want to be so busy taking care of my family and my home that I don’t remember to enjoy my family.

Take the 4-Week Deep Cleaning Challenge

Get a jumpstart on house cleaning with this free 4-Week Deep Cleaning Challenge from Families with Grace!

It’s divided into four weeks with seven tasks each week as well as space to write in your own items. There are also some tips and encouraging verses to keep you motivated!

Encouragement and practical wisdom for the modern Christian mom

A mother’s love is one of the most powerful forces in the world—deep, selfless and enduring. While motherhood is full of joy, it also comes with exhaustion, doubts and hard days.

Sometimes we can feel like the struggle of motherhood in today’s world is vastly different from our foremothers. Yet, there are numerous lessons to learn from mothers in the Bible.

God’s Word is packed with examples of mom who loved their children fiercely and who had to learn about patience, sacrifice and trust in God.

Let’s take a look at five different mothers in the Bible and what each of them can teach us today.

This post is part of a series on Biblical love. Find all the details and links to other posts here.

Hannah: A mother’s love through surrender

Hannah longed for a child, and in her deep pain, she turned to God in prayer. She vowed that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him back to the Lord.

“‘I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.’ And he worshiped the Lord there.”

1 Samuel 1:27-28

When God answered her prayer and she gave birth to Samuel, she kept her promise, bringing him to the temple to serve the Lord.

Hannah’s story reminds us that motherhood is an act of surrender. We don’t have control over everything—our children’s futures, choices or even their safety.

But just as Hannah entrusted Samuel to God, we can trust that God loves our children even more than we do. On days when worry grips our hearts, we can cling to these words from the Apostle Paul:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

Surrendering our children to God doesn’t mean we stop being involved—it means we cover them in prayer, seek His wisdom in our parenting and trust His plan even when things don’t go how we expected.

Practical application

Pray continually and specifically – Just as Hannah poured out her heart to God about Samuel, we can lift our children up in prayer daily. Whether it’s praying for their friendships, decisions, faith or future, we can trust that God hears us.

Keep a prayer journal to track prayers and see how God moves over time. You can also start with pre-written powerful prayers for your children.

Trust God with their future – Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord, fully trusting God’s plan for his life. As moms, we often want to control our children’s paths, but true surrender means trusting that God’s plan is greater than ours.

When worry creeps in, remind yourself that God not only has a plan to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11), but He has the same plans for your children as well.

Model faithful obedience – Hannah followed through on her promise to God, even when it was difficult. We can surrender our children by modeling an unwavering faith—showing them what it looks like to trust God in hard times, worship Him in all circumstances and make faith-filled decisions.

When they see us walk in obedience, they learn to do the same. Sometimes this can be as simple as praising God out loud in front of them or involving them in a volunteer project with us.

The Canaanite woman: A mother’s love that perseveres

The Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28 showed unshakable persistence when pleading with Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Though Jesus initially seemed to turn her away, she did not give up. Her faith moved Him, and He healed her daughter.

Motherhood requires perseverance. Whether it’s advocating for our children at school, praying over their struggles or simply surviving sleepless nights with a newborn, we are called to keep going.

This woman’s story encourages us to pray boldly for our children and to never stop believing in God’s power to move in their lives.

Even when our prayers feel unanswered, we can cling to God’s promise that no good is wasted:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9

Sometimes, our greatest act of love is to keep showing up—through the tantrums, the teenage rebellion or the tough seasons of life.

Practical application

Pray boldly and persistently – The Canaanite woman refused to give up when seeking Jesus’ help for her daughter. As moms, we can follow her example by praying persistently for our children, even when we don’t see immediate answers.

Keep bringing their needs before God, trusting that He hears and will act in His perfect timing (Luke 18:1).

Advocate for your children – Just as this mother boldly sought healing for her daughter, we are called to stand up for our kids. Whether it’s ensuring they get the help they need in school, guiding them through challenges or teaching them to make wise choices, perseverance means never giving up on them, no matter how hard the journey gets.

Cling to faith in difficult seasons – The Canaanite woman didn’t let discouragement stop her. When parenting feels overwhelming, we can persevere by holding onto faith.

Trusting God through tantrums, teenage rebellion or struggles with faith itself requires endurance. But just like this mother, we can believe Jesus is still working, even when we don’t see it yet.

Mary: A mother’s love that trusts God’s plan

Mary, the mother of Jesus, had to trust God in ways most of us will never fully understand. From the moment the angel Gabriel told her she would bear the Son of God, Mary responded with faith.

She watched her son grow into His ministry, knowing He was destined for the cross. As Jesus suffered, Mary stood nearby, witnessing His pain but trusting in God’s greater plan.

As moms, we often want to shield our children from hardships. But sometimes we must stand by them and trust God is working, even when we don’t understand. These verses are great to cling to in times like these:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

Whether we’re watching our children navigate friendship troubles, big decisions or struggles with faith, we can follow Mary’s example by trusting God’s plan for their lives.

Practical application

Say “yes” to God, even when it’s uncertain – When the angel told Mary she would give birth to Jesus, she responded with trust, even though she didn’t have all the details (Luke 1:38).

As moms, we won’t always understand what God is doing in our children’s lives, but we can choose to trust Him. We can follow Mary’s example of surrender by releasing our fears about our children’s future or stepping out in faith as He leads our family.

Walk beside your children through their hardships – Mary didn’t try to stop Jesus from fulfilling His calling, even when it led to suffering. Likewise, we must resist the urge to shield our kids from every difficulty.

Instead of fixing everything for them, we can pray for them, offer wisdom and remind them that God is always with them (Isaiah 41:10). Because the the truth is not everything is fixable, and our children must learn to deal with challenges.

Trust that God is writing their story – From the manger to the cross, Mary had to trust God had a greater plan for Jesus. In the same way, we don’t always see what God is doing in our children’s lives, but we can believe He is at work.

Even when their journey doesn’t look like what we expected, we can trust that His plan is better than ours (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Jochebed: A mother’s love that protects

Jochebed, the mother of Moses, faced an impossible decision. When Pharaoh ordered all Hebrew baby boys to be killed, she knew she couldn’t kill her child.

So, she hid her son for three months before placing him in a basket in the Nile River (Exodus 2:1-10). She trusted God with his life, and He provided—Moses was found by Pharaoh’s daughter and eventually led Israel out of Egypt.

Jochebed’s story reminds us that protecting our children sometimes means making hard choices. From setting firm boundaries to making sacrifices for their well-being to covering them in daily prayer, we are called to guide and protect them.

We may not always see immediate results, but like Jochebed, we can trust that God is at work.

Our children may not be facing threat of death from a king, but we still must protect them making tough choices. We do things like monitor their friendships, limit their screen time and say not to something “everyone else” is doing.

These things take courage and strength, but Proverbs 22:6 encourages us:

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

Practical application

Take wise action while trusting God – Jochebed didn’t just pray for Moses’ safety—she also took action by hiding him and then placing him in a basket in the Nile.

As moms, we can take practical steps to protect our children, such as setting boundaries with technology, choosing the right influences and teaching them about God’s truth. At the same time, we trust that God is in control beyond what we can do.

Let go and trust God’s plan – As painful as it must have been, Jochebed had to release Moses into God’s hands. We, too, will face moments when we must let go—it’s the very nature of parenthood to prepare them for life on their own.

Letting go isn’t easy, but we can rest in the promise that God loves them even more than we do (Isaiah 41:13).

Pray for God’s protection and guidance – Jochebed couldn’t follow Moses into Pharaoh’s palace, but God was with him every step of the way.

Likewise, we can’t always be with our children, but we can cover them in prayer, asking God to protect and guide them through all they face. Our prayers invite God to work in their lives (Philippians 4:6-7).

The widow of Zarephath: A mother’s love that trusts in God’s provision

In 1 Kings 17:8-16, a widow and her son were facing starvation when the prophet Elijah came to her. She had just enough flour and oil for one last meal, but Elijah asked her to make bread for him first.

She obeyed, and God miraculously provided—her flour and oil never ran out.

Motherhood often comes with seasons of scarcity, whether it’s finances, time, energy or patience. The widow’s story teaches us that when we put our trust in God, He provides.

When we feel like we have nothing left to give, He fills in the gaps. Throughout the Holy Bible, we can find promises of this very thing.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:19

Practical application

Trust God even when resources are scarce – The widow was preparing what she thought would be her last meal when Elijah asked her to make him bread first. Instead of giving in to fear, she trusted God’s provision.

As moms, we often worry about whether we’re providing enough—food, opportunities, emotional support and on the list goes. But God promises to meet our needs, and when we trust Him, He provides in ways we never expected.

Obey God even when it doesn’t make sense – The widow’s obedience to Elijah’s request led to God multiplying her flour and oil so she never ran out.

Sometimes, God calls us to trust Him in ways that don’t make immediate sense. It may be choosing faith over fear, stepping out in obedience or making sacrifices for our family.

Even when we don’t see the whole picture, we can trust He is working for our good.

Rely on God’s strength in hard seasons – Later in her story, the widow’s son became sick and died, and she cried out in grief (1 Kings 17:17-18). But through Elijah’s prayers, God brought her son back to life (1 Kings 17:21-22).

When we walk through painful seasons with our children—illness, struggles with faith or other difficult circumstances—we can bring our heartache to God. He hears our prayers, and while His answers may not always look how we expect, He is always near (Psalm 34:18).

Encouragement for moms: Living out a mother’s love

Motherhood is a journey filled with love, joy and sacrifice. Like the mothers in the Bible before us, we will have moments of surrender, perseverance, trust and protection.

But through it all, we are never alone. God walks with us, giving us strength for each day.

On the days you feel overwhelmed, remember this verse that talks about the special place moms have in God’s heart:

“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”

Isaiah 40:11

God sees your love, your effort and your heart. Keep leaning on Him, knowing that the love you pour into your children is a reflection of His great love for you.

No matter what season of motherhood you are in—from cradling a newborn to guiding a teenager to praying for an adult child—you are seen, valued and loved. Your love as a mother is a beautiful reflection of God’s love, and He will sustain you every step of the way.

Related articles:

5 Characteristics of good mothering for Christian moms

How Christian moms can teach their children about God

8 Prayers for joy for moms based on the Bible

7 Prayers for overwhelmed moms

30 Encouraging Bible verses on stress for moms