Posts in the Parenting category offer a realistic and honest look at parenting from a Biblical perspective. You’ll find helpful, practical, funny and encouraging topics for Christian moms.
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6 Practical, real-life ideas to help your kids notice others, give freely and grow compassionate hearts
Teaching generosity for kids doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional. Giving as a family has always been important to us, and we’ve tried to make it a regular part of our lives. Still, I realized recently that just because we are doing these things doesn’t mean our kids always recognize them as generosity.
When I talked with my kids about it one morning when they were younger, they could name a few ways we give, but not nearly all of them. They hadn’t really thought about how generosity for kids includes more than just money.
Generosity also includes giving your time, paying attention to the needs of others and choosing to do good work even in small, everyday moments. That was a good reminder for me that if I want to teach my kids generosity, I have to talk about it more and be more intentional about showing it.
You’ll hear people say that children have to be taught generosity because it goes against human nature. There’s some truth to that. If you’ve ever asked a toddler to share their favorite toys, you know it doesn’t always go smoothly.
At the same time, I’ve also seen how naturally kids can have compassionate hearts. When my children see someone in need, their first instinct is often to ask how we can help. That is something worth encouraging and building on.
If you’re looking for simple ways to focus on generosity for kids in your own family, you’re not alone. Most of us want to raise children who notice the needs of others and respond with kindness.
What is generosity for kids?
Generosity for kids is more than just giving money. It’s helping children learn to notice the needs of others and respond with kindness, whether that means sharing what they have, giving their time or showing compassion in everyday situations.
Teaching kids generosity starts with small, consistent moments that help them grow into generous people over time.
These are some of the ways we’ve been teaching generosity in our home and figuring out how to teach kids generosity in real, everyday life.
1. Give kids their own money to practice generosity
One of the first steps in teaching kids generosity is giving them a chance to practice it for themselves. When our children turned 5, they started getting a weekly allowance based on their ages. We use a simple envelope system with saving, spending and giving so they can clearly see how their money is used.
For example, at age 5, the money might be divided into three parts for saving, one part for spending and one part for giving. Every month or two, we talk about how they want to use their giving money and what generous acts they want to be part of.
When we first started this with our daughter, I assumed she would want to give her money in the offering at church. Instead, she wanted to do something more tangible. That led us to buying items for a local food bank.
Since then, that one decision has grown into something much bigger. We have matched her giving, my parents have contributed and she has had multiple opportunities to serve at food pantries.
What started as a few dollars became a meaningful way for her to see how generosity can make a real difference in the lives of others.
Even better, as she has grown into a teenager, she’s had opportunities to continue giving in fun ways, such as sponsoring a food drive in elementary school, organizing charity drives at her school for toiletries and other items students might need as well as spearheading a project to raise money for safe drinking water in other countries.
2. Help kids practice generosity in real-life ways
Generosity for kids becomes more meaningful when they can see the impact of what they are doing. For our family, supporting a local charity has been one of the most practical and consistent ways to do that. We have volunteered in food banks as well as toiletry banks.
Our kids enjoy going to the store, looking for deals and figuring out how much good they can do with the money they have. We talk with them about what the food pantry and toiletry pantry needs most so they can understand how their choices help meet needs in our local community.
Along the way, they’ve also come up with their own ideas. Sometimes they want to help a family member, sometimes they give to our local church and other times they choose different charitable organizations. We try to encourage those ideas and guide them as they learn what it means to be a generous person.
3. Make generosity fun and meaningful for kids
Teaching generosity for kids doesn’t have to feel serious all the time. In fact, making it fun often helps it stick.
My kids enjoy being part of the process, especially when they get to make decisions. One time, my son chose to buy a box of Honey Nut Cheerios with his giving money. It wasn’t what we planned to purchase that day, but it was his choice, and it still went toward helping someone else.
Their school has also created opportunities to make giving fun. They’ve done activities where kids can donate money to vote in a silly competition or send small treats to classmates. These moments may seem simple, but they create teachable moments that help kids connect generosity with joy rather than obligation.
4. Talk about why generosity matters
If we want generosity for kids to grow into something lasting, we have to talk about why it matters. Kids need to understand that their actions are part of something bigger.
We talk about the families who will receive the food or support and what it might feel like to not have enough. We help our kids see that their giving is not just a small act but part of meeting the needs of others in meaningful ways.
This helps them begin to understand that generosity isn’t about recognition. It’s about showing love and care in ways that reflect God’s love for us and for others.
These are the kinds of teachable moments that help generosity take root in a child’s heart.
5. Show kids how to give their time, not just money
An important part of generosity for kids is learning that giving isn’t only about money. Giving your time and effort is just as valuable.
While our kids have helped with the food pantry, we’ve also looked for other ways to serve. There have been seasons when organized volunteering was harder for our family, but we still found simple ways to help. When I taught a Sunday School class, my kids enjoyed helping me prepare and try activities.
We also talk about how helping a friend, supporting a family member or simply paying attention to someone who needs help are all ways to practice generosity. These everyday moments are often where kids learn the most.
More than anything, generosity for kids is caught by what they see. Our actions as parents shape how they understand what it means to live generously.
When my husband volunteered with Team Rubicon and traveled to help with disaster relief, it gave us a powerful opportunity to talk about generosity as a family. The kids had questions about what he was doing and why he was doing it.
His answer was simple. If there is something you can do to help, then you should. Sometimes giving money is helpful, but other times you are called to step in and serve directly.
That example showed our kids that generosity isn’t just something we talk about. It’s something we live out. It’s choosing to be part of meeting the needs of others and trusting that even small acts can make a meaningful impact.
Christian Easter books to help young children learn about Jesus
The Easter story is the most pivotal one in the entire Bible, yet teaching it to preschoolers can be challenging. The story includes some difficult themes to cover with little ones, and it can be hard to know how much to share and how to explain it in a way they understand.
Picture books are a great way to help bring the Easter story of Jesus to life for this age group, especially when they include lovely illustrations that help little ones stay engaged. Whether you are looking for the best Easter books for preschoolers to fill an Easter basket, one to read with your own children or one to use in a church setting, these three Berenstain Bears books are a great fit.
Why Easter books matter
Personally, I’m a huge fan of reading to kids. It’s one of the best ways to build vocabulary, strengthen your relationship and introduce new concepts in a way that feels natural and engaging.
Because the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection is intense, using books with colorful illustrations and simple text helps young children begin to understand the true meaning of Easter in a way that isn’t overwhelming.
In the lives of my own children and the kids I work with at church (where my teen daughter and I help create curriculum), I’ve found Bible story books engage children in learning in ways they’re much more likely to remember.
The story of Easter is too important to skip over or water down completely. With the right children’s books, we can share it in a way that is both truthful and appropriate for young kids to learn the holiday is about so much more than the Easter Bunny and an Easter egg hunt.
I received copies of three Easter and Bible related Berenstain Bears books at no charge in exchange for providing book reviews and social media posts. All opinions, however, are completely my own and not influenced by the free copies.
How we’re using these books in our church preschool class
My daughter and I create the curriculum for all K through 5 classes at our church, and she also teaches the preschool class during one service. She has always had a heart for young children, especially preschoolers, so she is constantly on the lookout for resources that will work well in a Sunday School setting.
Recently, she was out shopping with her brother and picked up a new book, The Berenstain Bears: The Very First Easter by Jan and Mike Berenstain. She thought it would be a great fit for her class, especially since the Berenstain Bears books are some of our family’s favorite books.
That same day, I opened the mail to find that exact book along with two other Berenstain Bears titles for review. It felt like one of those little God moments where everything just lined up.
After looking through all three together, we quickly agreed that The Very First Easter is the perfect book to read to the preschool class on Easter Sunday. It became part of our curriculum—and one of our favorite Easter books—just like that.
Book #1: The Berenstain Bears: The Very First Easter
This book tells the Easter story in a clear and straightforward way that works really well for preschoolers. It begins with following our animal friends, the Bear family, on the night before Easter. Papa Bear is reading a story to the cubs, and then the book transitions into the story itself.
From there, The Berenstain Bears: The Very First Easter walks through the events starting with Palm Sunday and continues all the way through Jesus’ resurrection. The flow of the story feels natural and easy to follow, which is especially important for younger kids who are hearing these events for the first time.
What I appreciate most about this book is that it doesn’t shy away from the truth of what happened, but it presents it in a gentle, age-appropriate way. It keeps the focus on Jesus and why Easter matters without becoming overwhelming.
Out of all three books, this one is my top pick for teaching the Easter story in a church or classroom setting. It stays focused, it’s easy to understand and it clearly points back to the meaning of Easter for young readers.
The Crucifixion page images are very age appropriate for young children.
Book #2: The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story
This book takes a slightly different approach to sharing the Easter story. Instead of reading it as a traditional narrative, this sweet story follows the Bear family watching children perform a play about Jesus at church.
Because of that format, the story includes a broader overview of Jesus’ life along with His death and resurrection. It doesn’t go as in-depth into specific events like the Last Supper, but it still clearly communicates the message of Easter.
This book also includes a page of related stickers, which are always a hit with kids.
The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Storyis a great option if you are looking for something that connects the Easter story to a church setting, since kids can see other children learning and participating as well. It reinforces that Easter time is about more than traditions like candy and Easter egg hunts and instead points back to Jesus and salvation.
Along with terrific images and text, this book also comes with a page of stickers.
Book #3: The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search and Find
This book is quite different from the other two, but in a really fun and engaging way. It’s a large, sturdy board book that includes a variety of Bible stories from both the Old and New Testaments.
As kids flip through the pages, they can search for different items hidden within each scene. It turns the book into more of a feel book experience for kids, because they aren’t just listening—they’re interacting with every page.
This interactive element makes it especially appealing for toddlers and preschoolers who may have a harder time sitting still for a traditional story.
In addition to familiar stories like creation, Noah’s ark and Daniel in the lions’ den, The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search and Find also includes parts of the Easter story, such as the Last Supper and the events leading up to the resurrection.
I really like this one as a supplement to the Easter story because it helps kids engage with Scripture in a hands-on way. It’s not just something they listen to—they’re actively involved in it.
The Last Supper scene in this book is perfect for the Easter season.
Which Easter book is best for preschoolers?
All three of these books are great resources, but they each serve a slightly different purpose.
If you are looking for a clear and focused retelling of the Easter story, The Very First Easter is definitely my top recommendation. It works especially well for church settings, family reading time or anytime you want to walk through the story from beginning to end.
If you want something that connects the story to a church environment, The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story is a good choice.
And if you are looking for something interactive that keeps little hands busy while still pointing them back to Bible stories, the Search and Find book is a fun option to add in.
A meaningful Easter basket idea for kids
If you are putting together Easter baskets this year, these books are a great way to include something meaningful alongside the fun items on Easter morning.
It’s easy for Easter holiday season to become all about jelly beans, chocolate bunnies and Easter eggs, but adding in a Christ-centered book with a heartwarming story helps keep the focus where it belongs. These would also be great to read together throughout the Easter season as you prepare your child’s heart for what the day truly represents.
Plus, books are great basket stuffers to add to your book collection without adding more sugary candy.
Teaching young children about Easter doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, we can share the story of Jesus in a way that is both meaningful and understandable for them.
These books are a simple way to start those conversations and help little ones begin to grasp the incredible truth of what Jesus has done for us.
Real-life tips for when the Christmas season feels anything but peaceful
Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. But, honestly, these days when the holiday season rolls around, I feel a bit anxious and stressed. Finding peace at Christmas in the midst of the stress and busyness can feel really hard.
As mamas, we can be so busy working hard to make sure everyone has a merry Christmas that we get bogged down in the details. The message of Christmas — the true meaning — ends up getting lost in the fray.
And that’s not at all what we want. I’ve learned that I have to be intentional about keeping Christ in Christmas. It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also the busiest and most distracting.
As my Christmas to-do list starts rolling through my head, I’ve got some reminders and strategies for us all to experience peace this Christmas and rest in the comfort of the birth of Jesus.
Because true peace doesn’t come from quiet around us. It comes from God’s presence in our hearts and lives.
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Remember the source of peace
This may seem like the most obvious tip of them all. Yet, the only way to truly experience God’s peace is to make time for Him.
That means even during Christmas time — maybe especially during Christmas time — that we spend time with Him through His Word and in prayer.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Having a steadfast mind simply means that we put our minds to God. That’s the quickest way to find peace in any situation.
There are some simple ways to get into the Word of God during the Christmas season. Having good habits in place for devotion time in God’s Word make this easier.
But, even if you don’t have a regularly scheduled devotional time, this is an amazing time of the year to start.
Books like “A Family Christmas Devotional” are written to help you and your entire family reflect on and remember the birth of Christ Jesus in as little as five minutes a day. It has simple reflection questions for kids, teens and adults.
The good thing about a family devotional is you are helping your children set good habits and traditions to keep Christ in Christmas as well.
This Christmas season, commit to spending at least five minutes each day inviting God into the busyness and fray. Ask Him for inner peace and reminders of the true reason for the season.
Simplify your expectations
I know in my own life how easy it is to get caught up in doing all the things so our kids know the magic of Christmas. We want the gifts to be thoughtful, the cookies to be homemade and the house to feel cozy and cheery.
But sometimes, in trying to make everything picture-perfect, we miss the peace that’s waiting quietly beneath the surface.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is that my family members don’t need me to do everything; they need me to be present. It’s OK if we skip a few traditions this year or take some shortcuts.
The truth is, peace at Christmas often comes when we release ourselves from the pressure to make it all perfect.
What matters most is that we’re creating space for God’s presence and quality time for one another.
Try asking yourself: “Will this help my family draw closer to each other and to Jesus?” If the answer is no, maybe it’s time to let it go this year.
Talk to your family and see what matters to them most. You might be surprised that some of the simpler pleasures of the season are what they look forward to most anyway.
Adjusting our expectations can help us focus on the simplicity of the holiday and embrace the true joy of Christmas.
Make space for quiet moments
Peace doesn’t usually shout; it whispers. And in a world full of noise, we have to make space to hear it.
That might look like waking up five minutes early to pray before the day begins or turning off the TV for a few minutes at night to read Scripture as a family. Sometimes, it’s simply pausing during dinner to thank God for His blessings or taking a deep breath before heading out the door.
When I think about Mary, the mother of Jesus, I’m reminded that she “pondered these things in her heart” (Luke 2:19). She didn’t rush from one thing to another. She took little breaks and reflected.
Peace lives in the quiet, reflective moments when we let the God of peace calm our hearts with His presence.
(If you’re looking for a simple way to build that habit, my Family Christmas Devotional is designed for just that. It helps families spend five intentional minutes together each day focusing on Jesus, even in the busiest season.)
Let go of comparison
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing our Christmas with everyone else’s. We see the perfectly decorated trees on Instagram, the coordinated family outfits, the endless gifts, and suddenly our best effort feels small.
But peace doesn’t come from measuring up to others. It comes from resting in the truth that you’re already enough and that your family’s Christmas doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
God isn’t asking for perfect decorations or an elaborate Christmas dinner; He’s asking for open hearts and a little time spent with Him.
When we stop comparing, we make room for gratitude. And a thankful heart always brings peace.
Keep your focus on Jesus
When it comes down to it, peace at Christmas is really about keeping our eyes on Jesus. Everything else—presents, lights, activities—fades in comparison to the wonder of His birth.
This year, try weaving reminders of Jesus into your home and daily rhythm:
Display a nativity scene where everyone can see it.
Play Christmas worship music in the background as you wrap gifts.
Choose a verse about peace to memorize as a family, like John 14:27.
End the day with a short prayer of thanks for the Prince of Peace who came for us all.
Because the more we focus on Him, the more we realize peace isn’t something we have to chase. We already have it through Christ.
Take care of yourself.
Mama, I know how easy it is to put yourself at the bottom of the list, especially at Christmastime. You’re wrapping the gifts, planning the meals, coordinating the calendar and making sure everyone else feels loved and cared for.
But if you’re running on no sleep, cold coffee and cookie dough, it’s hard to feel peaceful no matter how strong your faith is.
The truth is, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential. When you’re rested, nourished and spending even a few quiet minutes with God, you’re better able to pour love and peace into your family.
Give yourself permission to:
Go to bed a little earlier, even if the to-do list isn’t done.
Say no to one more commitment without guilt.
Step away for a few minutes of quiet and prayer when you feel overwhelmed. (Maybe go for a short walk and get some fresh air.)
Eat a nutritious meal between all those Christmas cookies (I’m talking to myself here, too!).
Remember, even Jesus rested. He stepped away from the crowds to pray and recharge. If the Son of God needed rest, we definitely do, too.
When you care for your body and soul, you create space for God’s peace to settle in. And one of the best gifts you can give your family this Christmas is a peaceful, present version of you.
Closing encouragement
If this season feels heavy or overwhelming, take heart and know you’re not alone. Many of us are craving peace at Christmas.
The good news is that peace isn’t something we have to create; it’s already been given through Jesus.
When we slow down, simplify and keep our eyes on Him, we find the calm our souls have been searching for.
So this Christmas, let’s choose peace over perfection and presence over performance. Let’s welcome Jesus—the true Prince of Peace—into every moment.
And if you’d like a simple way to stay centered on Him throughout December, check out “A Family Christmas Devotional.” It’s 25 days of short, heartfelt reflections to help your family experience more joy, connection and peace this Christmas.
Find more great resources and ideas for Christmas:
A review of “The Ghost You Can’t See,” a faith-based fantasy adventure tweens and teens will love
Finding faith-based adventure books for tweens that are both exciting and clean can feel like searching for buried treasure. That’s why I’ve loved The Issachar Gatekeeper book series from L.G. Nixon.
A few months ago, I shared a review of the first two books in the fantasy series. The new book in the series, “The Ghost You Can’t See,” keeps the adventure going with a story that’s packed with mystery, courage and Biblical truth all while staying clean and tween-friendly.
I received a free copy of “The Ghost You Can’t See,” a Christian fantasy book for tweens and teens, in exchange for my honest review and social media coverage. All opinions are my own.
About “The Ghost You Can’t See”
As part of a series, “The Ghost You Can’t See” both continues with main characters we’ve come to know and love — namely Lucy Hornberger and her best friend Schuyler Williams — while also introducing new characters.
Lucy, who we meet in the first book of the series, “The Ghost of Darwin Stewart,” is a young girl (13) facing all the struggles of real life like parents, chores, school and even a bit of romance.
Early in the first book, Lucy’s world changes when she learns she’s been chosen to battle evil spirits.
Instead of having special powers, Lucy is gifted with some magical items in the first book that let her see supernatural creatures not otherwise visible. Pretty quickly Schuyler joins her with the girls having been best friends their whole lives.
The pair quickly face a series of tests in the first book. Then in the second book, “The Ghost Writer,” Lucy’s spiritual battles continue as she comes to the rescue of a classmate who has been cursed.
Like all great fantasy books, those in The Issachar Gatekeeper series let us see a mix of the real world and the magical world beyond.
Lucy is working for The High King, who reigns over all that is good, to defeat Darnathian, whose true identity is the dark prince reigning over evil.
Having fought against evil with good in the past, Lucy has fully embraced her new life in this latest book and is ready to watch out for daemons (or evil spirits) and protect those around her. However, her path isn’t easy, and her challenges grow more complex with each book.
In this third book, Lucy faces struggles with friendships, new responsibilities at home and taking on a curse from hundreds of years ago.
Lucy remains the perfect heroine for the series with a mix of relatable strengths and weaknesses in both the real world and in the fantasy world. It’s a creative way to explore spiritual warfare in an age-appropriate, Biblically sound way.
Ghosts in a Christian fantasy book
Don’t let the word “ghost” throw you off. These books aren’t about haunted houses or spooky specters.
Ghosts are often taboo in Christian circles — and understandably so in the sense of departed souls haunting others. But, that is not the take or interpretation in these books.
Nixon, a devout Christian, portrays these ghosts as manifestations of demon spirits. Early in the series, for example, Lucy learns the ghost she sees isn’t the real Darwin Stewart but a demon taking his form.
Instead of spooky ghost stories, L.G. Nixon’s fantasy novels for tweens are faith-based adventures.
This creative take on the supernatural makes it easy to connect the story’s deeper meaning to Biblical truths.
“The Ghost You Can’t See” is a great book for digging into the ways the supernatural world affects our daily life in a way that is approachable and understandable to tweens. While reading the book, I found a variety of references to Biblical concepts.
It’s an easy connection to make between The High King representing God and the dark prince, Darnathian, representing Satan — much like in The Chronicles of Narnia from C.S. Lewis.
Multiple passages throughout the book explain Biblical concepts in a great way that older kids will easily understand while also just reading a good book. This passage, for example, explains the importance of monitoring what we allow into our minds:
“Darnathian whispers half-truths and deceptive thoughts to bend your thinking — a redirection, if you will. Unconsciously, you know something is missing, so you add your own interpretation to fill in the gaps. Then, instead of truth you have a lie…Don’t you understand? What you let into your mind can change your thinking. It’s like nourishment for those little gray cells.”
“The Ghost You Can’t See” by L.G. Nixon
Nixon does a great job of encapsulating the fantasy genre while also making Biblical principles accessible. It’s a relatable Christian middle grade book.
“The Ghost You Can’t See” is a perfect book for Christian moms who are fans of Harry Potter and looking for a clean Christian book series for teens with a young protagonist fighting against a dark force.
Why tweens (and parents) will love it
Yet, with all of that said, will tweens actually like the book? Is it relatable, engaging and thrilling? In short, yes to all of the above — and for good reason! Voracious readers and casual readers alike will be drawn into this fantasy adventure for tweens.
”The Ghost You Can’t See” has lots of fantasy elements but is also relatable. Lucy is struggling with friend drama in the middle of spiritual wars. For example, Lucy faces doubts about her best friend early in this third book and finds herself losing heart.
Feeling left out or cast aside by friends is something tweens can certainly relate to. Lucy certainly isn’t perfect and struggles with a variety of imperfections, even including being clumsy.
The book doesn’t use any inappropriate language. It does, however, use language that tweens and teens will relate to. The characters’ dialogue sounds like listening to a group of kids with sarcasm and slang terms unique to the series. For example, expressions like ‘Son of a buck snort!’ add humor without crossing any lines.
The story continues
One of the great things about a book series is getting to know and follow the characters throughout their journey. Just as in any other series like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, The Issachar Gatekeeper series gives tweens and teens the chance to see main character Lucy and Schuyler grow and change.
As they are growing and learning, so are young readers. It’s a great series in that it grows with the reader.
As with any great series, each book ends with just enough of a cliffhanger to make you eager for the next book. As an avid reader myself, I appreciate that each storyline ties up in the book while also leaving us wanting more at the end just as all favorite fantasy books should do!
Getting your own copy
The Issachar Gatekeeper series really is worth adding to your tween or teen’s book list. This is the perfect time to get started with the series.
L.G. Nixon’s site is running a limited time offer to get the books in the series for $10 each and receive a copy of the seasonal novella from the series, “The Ghost in Your Christmas Present.”
You can also just purchase book three, “The Ghost You Can’t See” for $15.99 for paperback, $8.99 for ebook or $3.99 for audiobook. (As the mom of a dyslexic child, I love this series has the accessibility of an audiobook as well!)
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.”
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!
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.
Music has always been my way to connect with and learn about God, even as a child. Now as a mom and someone who writes church curriculum for children’s ministry, I see how powerful Christian kids’ worship music can be for helping little hearts learn big truths about God.
There are so many verses and concepts I remember due to songs I learned with catchy melodies that have stuck with me. The same is true for my own children.
The fruit of the Spirit? We can recite those thanks to a song the kids learned in children’s church.
Yet, I also know how little children work: they get bored of the same songs after a while. You may hear the song on repeat for ages, but eventually they are ready for a new song.
Finding good children’s worship media resources is important.
I recently had a chance to preview the new Slugs & Bugs release “Sunday Songs.” I came away with some new Sunday School songs stuck in my head—in a good way!
As parents, we want to fill our homes with things that point our kids toward Jesus, but finding music that’s both fun and faithful can be tough. That’s what makes finding great Christian family music like Slugs & Bugs “Sunday Songs” such a gift.
I received a Slugs & Bugs “Sunday Songs” CD at no charge in exchange for providing a review and social media posts about it. All opinions, however, are completely my own and not influenced by the free copy.
A bit about Slugs & Bugs
If your family hasn’t discovered Slugs & Bugs yet, you’re in for a treat. Their songs are smart, Scripture-based and silly in the best way — the kind of music you won’t mind on repeat.
Slugs & Bugs is a ministry for families that provides great resources for teaching children about Jesus in fun and catchy ways. Back in 2006, Randall Goodgame and Andrew Peterson released the first Slugs & Bugs album and the ministry has been growing ever since.
In fact, Mr. Randall, as he goes by on stage, has toured Slugs & Bugs Live throughout the United States to play more than 350 shows. Since 2019, the ministry has also released four picture books and a 26-episode T.V. series.
The Slugs & Bugs YouTube channel is filled with terrific music videos of kids songs and fun lesson videos kids of all ages will enjoy.
The songs on this Christian kids’ worship music album
The Slugs & Bugs “Sunday Songs” album includes a mix of classic hymns and new Christian worship songs. Some children’s Sunday School and Vacation Bible School favorite songs on the album include:
“Father Abraham”
“This Little Light of Mine”
“I’ve Got the Joy”
“Jesus Loves Me”
“He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”
You’ll also hear some new songs that teach Bible stories. I love that the CD pulls out some lesser known Bible stories, such as the story of Joseph in the Old Testament who was sold into slavery.
I know the story well, but I didn’t remember the exact name change he had. I wasn’t even sure how to pronounce it, to be honest! But now I know.
And even better, children will love the song that will leave a lasting imprint on them for years to come.
One of the first songs released on streaming from the album is “Lydia, Seller of Purple.” This snappy tune tells the story of Lydia, which isn’t one of the New Testament stories often shared in children’s church.
And then the album also includes three tracks of characters talking help children understand the Biblical truth they’re singing about in a fun way.
Whether it’s classic songs your kids already love or new tunes that tell Bible stories in memorable ways, “Sunday Songs” will have your family singing truth without even realizing they’re learning it.
Ways to use “Sunday Songs”
This Christian kids’ worship music works well for home, church or anywhere you want music that brings God’s Word to life for kids.
You can listen to in daily life—think car rides from one errand to the next—or during your family worship time.
Yet, it’s also great for children’s ministry. From children’s church to Vacation Bible School to Sunday School, kids’ church programs can easily use the songs as part of instruction and worship time.
You can even use it for children’s choir. The other CDs released from Slugs & Bugs include sheet music and chord charts for purchase. “Sunday Songs” will likely have these released soon as well.
Where to get “Sunday Songs”
Right now, there are two options for getting Slugs & Bugs “Sunday Songs” album. First (and most ideal), you can order the CD for $19.99.
The songs are also releasing on streaming services, such as the Spotify app, two per month. With 16 tracks on the CD, it will take a while before they are all released.
However you listen, “Sunday Songs” is a joyful reminder that worship isn’t just for Sundays. Worship is for every moment of family life.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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 clean, Christ-centered alternative for fans of Harry Potter and Narnia
One of the first chapter book series I read out loud with my children was Harry Potter. The magic, intrigue and young hero create engaging stories of good winning over evil—but they lack a spiritual component.
And as lovers of fiction and a Christian family to boot, we also read through The Chronicles of Narnia. My kids enjoyed that as well.
Nowadays at 12 and 15, they do their own reading instead of us reading books aloud together. Finding an engaging Christian book series for teens is a bit like finding a unicorn.
That’s why I was incredibly excited for a chance to check out The Issachar Gatekeeper series by L.G. Nixon — an adventurous Christian fantasy series for teens. It reminds me of a mash-up between Harry Potter and Narnia.
I received free copies of “The Ghost of Darwin Stewart” and “The Ghost Writer,” two exciting Christian books for teens, in exchange for my honest review and social media coverage. All opinions are my own.
The main premise
We first meet Lucy Hornberger in the first book of the series, “The Ghost of Darwin Stewart.” Lucy is an average 13-year-old girl struggling with all things a young teen faces from friendship to chores to parent problems.
However, she also learned pretty quickly that she’s been chosen to vanquish ghosts. Her best friend, Schuyler Williams, is tasked with assisting her.
Together, they face intense spiritual battles and begin to understand the power and authority of The High King, who reigns over all that is good.
Lucy’s saga — and trials — continue in “The Ghost Writer” when she discovers a fellow student who’s been cursed.
Lucy is the perfect heroine for the series. She has faults and struggles youth readers will relate to. Even I — as a middle aged mama — found myself relating to her many times!
The recommended ages for this book is 12 to 17. That seems pretty spot on to me.
Ghosts in a Christian book
Don’t let the word “ghost” throw you off. These books aren’t about haunted houses or spooky specters.
Ghosts are often taboo in Christian circles — and understandably so in the sense of departed souls haunting others. But, that is not the take or interpretation in these books.
Nixon, a devout Christian, portrays these ghosts as manifestations of demon spirits. Early in the series, Lucy learns the ghost she sees isn’t the real Darwin Stewart but a demon taking his form.
Through The Issachar Gatekeeper series, Nixon draws inspiration from Scripture in ways that are both familiar to Christian readers and approachable for those new to the Bible. She crafts thrilling and mysterious stories without straying from Christian beliefs.
Much like in The Chronicles of Narnia, characters and situations aren’t called precisely the same as in the Bible. Yet, it also doesn’t take much thought for those familiar with God’s Word to pick out the key players.
The High King clearly represents God, while Darnathian, the main antagonist, represents Satan.
What Nixon does beautifully through her engaging fiction books is show stories and examples of the character of God and His goodness, mercy and forgiveness. The books showcase struggles of faith that everyone faces.
As an avid reader of Christian fiction myself, I love stories where the lessons are seamlessly woven in and don’t feel like a sermon. Both “The Ghost of Darwin Stewart” and “The Ghost Writer” do this very well.
Where to find these Christian books for teens
You could start with book two, “The Ghost Writer,” but I highly recommend beginning with book one to fully grasp the characters and storyline.
The series is sold at book retailers, but the best deal right now is on L.G. Nixon’s website. For $23.99 you get the two books mentioned here, the third book in the series (“The Ghost You Can’t See”) plus a bonus novella book “The Ghost in Your Christmas Present.”
One lesson I’ve wanted to instill in my children is God is always with them. They can talk to Him at any time. (As a mom, I love knowing that God is with them every moment, since I can’t be!)
So, we started teaching them to pray early on. It started as toddlers with simple prayers at bedtime and has evolved from there.
Yet teaching little ones to pray has its challenges. Prayer is intangible. It can be hard to understand.
While we want to encourage our children to talk freely with their Heavenly Father, we also want them to take it seriously. Finding the right balance is a struggle.
Whenever we find resources to make teaching our littles about prayer in a way they can understand, then we want to jump right on them!
Books about prayer for children are a terrific way to help our kids understand prayer in a relatable way. Reading to our children not only is good for them mentally and emotionally, it can also help them grow spiritually.
I received a copy of “All the Things I Say to God” at no charge in exchange for providing a children’s book about prayer review and social media posts about it. All opinions, however, are completely my own and not influenced by the free copy.
Finding the right book to read
The tremendous power of books is they can teach us lessons without feeling like they are teaching. An avid reader myself, I’ve learned so many things from the written words of others.
Children’s books need to be engaging in their story-telling and in their images. Kids should come away with new ideas and lessons learned while enjoying the book enough they want to read it time and again.
“All the Things I Say to God” fits this bill well. It’s beautifully illustrated by Anita Schmidt and poignantly written by popular poet, writer and speaker, Tanner Olson.
The book follows a little girl named Abby who is learning all about prayer. We see her learn how to pray on her own and not just with her parents at mealtime, bedtime and church.
Asking the best questions
From the early days when my children were starting to grasp faith, my husband and I have told them they can ask any question. We’ll find out an answer if we don’t have one — even if the answer ends up being that nobody knows for sure.
God is big enough to handle our questions. In “All the Things I Say to God,” Abby asks the questions kids have about prayer.
The book begins with her asking her mom whether she can pray on her own. So from the beginning, we learn anyone can pray at any age and at any time, a crucial lesson for children to learn.
Talking to God as a friend
In Abby’s first solo prayer, we read her words that very much reflect how a child would pray. She starts simply with “Hi, God! It’s me, Abby.”
She goes on to tell Him about her favorite things in life, her dog and seeing a butterfly that day. Her prayer is short, simple and sweet. And that’s exactly how kiddos (and adults!) start with prayer.
I remember my own two children often praying at bedtime and talking to God about what happened that day. This is a great way to get children talking to God and realizing He cares about all that’s going on in their lives.
Growing in faith
But the book doesn’t stop there. The more Abby prays, the more she wants to learn about prayer and what she can pray for.
She learns she can ask God questions and thank Him for His gifts. The book doesn’t talk about Abby getting answers from God. It merely says she’s excited for Him to answer.
At first reading, I felt like that was a negative in the book. We all want to know how God answers our questions!
Yet, I thought about it further and realized it’s a great way to handle it. Our children would often ask questions as we read and this is a perfect discussion opportunity for kiddos who are ready to address it. For kiddos who aren’t, it just gets them thinking of what they can talk to God about.
Praying without words
“All the Things I Say to God” even covers how to pray when we have nothing to say. Abby’s mom tells her that she can simply be quiet, listen and think about God.
This is a lesson we adults need as well! Sitting quietly in God’s presence and allowing Him to talk to us is often overlooked.
Olson does a good job of introducing this concept in an age-appropriate way to help children understand prayer is communication, not just us talking to God but also us listening.
In fact, this section is one of my favorites in the book:
“So that night, after the sun set and the moon shone bright, Abby lay quiet and still. She didn’t feel lost or alone — she felt safe and loved, just thinking about God.
“Abby knew God was with her always, even in the silence.
“Abby paused and remembered God in the quiet moments of the day.”
Excerpt from “All the Things I Say to God” by Tanner Olson
What beautiful words for both children and adults!
Praying for others
Finally, we see Abby learn to pray for others. She starts by telling God how much she loves her mother.
I love Abby’s very real conversation with God in which she says: “I love donuts with sprinkles, but I love my mom more.”
This makes me smile as a mama and also reminds me of what my kiddos said when they were younger.
Who the book is best for
If you are in a phase of teaching little ones to pray, this book is a great addition to your library that will open conversations with your children about prayer in their own life. Preschool through early elementary children would enjoy this book.
As someone who writes curriculum for children, I also love it for children’s ministries. “All the Things I Say to God” explains prayer well in a group setting, too.
Ultimately, the book helps children learn they can talk to God, too, about anything at any time and do so all on their own.
