Christian Parenting Resources

The Church As a Resource

Probably one of the best resources Christian parents have for sharing their faith with their child is the local church. In addition to the classes, events and resources within the church, there is the opportunity to meet with other Christians. Older couples in the church have already raised their families and might be willing to mentor your family as you move through child rearing, into the teenage years and finally into the empty nest years.

Sunday School

Sunday school is one of the best free resources for Christian parents. Through weekly classes, local churches offer training for children in Bible and character studies. Many churches use curriculum for all age groups from the same publisher so that themes match and allow many opportunities for family discussion. For example, the child may study about Jesus' miracles at the same time the parents are studying this same topic. While the lessons will be age appropriate for each group, the underlying message is often similar.

Special Clubs

Many churches offer special clubs for kids outside of Sunday school, such as youth group events for older kids or Awana for younger kids. Many churches are starting to see the advantages in opening their doors to kids for sports, scout meetings and much more. The best way to find out what is going on in your area is the local newspaper or through church newsletters.

Church Library

Most churches offer a library filled to the brim with various resources. Depending upon the size of your church, some libraries are stocked better than others. Some churches may offer curriculum, nonfiction and fiction, and others may focus more on nonfiction books that grow people spiritually. If you'd like to see more resources for parents, you may want to consider suggesting these items be added or even hosting a fund raiser or two to get those materials into the library.

Don't rule out churches that are not your home church. Many will allow people to check out materials with identification. You can often take advantage of a larger church's resources, even if you don't attend that church regularly.

Borrowing from Other Church Members

Other parents in the church may have materials they've used with their own children that they are no longer using and would be willing to let you borrow. For example, perhaps you want to play Bibleopoly with your children but you aren't sure if you want to spend the money to purchase the game until you're certain your children like the game. You might borrow Bibleopoly from a friend in the church and test it on your family. This can save you quite a bit of money because you will not be purchasing items your family has no interest in using.

Christian Bookstores

Christian bookstores are filled with resources for Christian parents. From books on parenting to study materials, to games and videos, they carry just about any item you could want and what they don't carry they can often order. You may want to try stores like:

• Family Christian Stores
• Wellspring and Berean Christian Stores
• Lifeway Christian Stores
• Christianbook.com—online Christian bookstore!

Online Resources for Christian Parents

There are also many online options for Christian parenting resources. Here are just a few of the terrific resources you can find online:

• Christianity Today Parenting--A spin off of Christianity Today, MomSense offers an inside glimpse into raising Christian kids in today's volatile environment. You can subscribe to the magazine, but the website also offers free articles, tips, downloads, recent news and other resources.

• Grace and Truth Books—publisher offers some great books for building Christian faith and character. What is great about this site is that the books cover all age ranges as well as common issues parents regularly face. You'll even find books on building up the family as a while unit.

• Crosswalk.com—In addition to a parenting area filled with tips, articles and study material, Crosswalk has a home school area for those family interested in schooling their children at home or parents who just want to understand more about Christian home schooling efforts.

• Christian Parents—Fabulous site with many different articles on the most important job you'll ever have. Just about any topic you'd ever want about Christian parenting.

• Christian Parent Resources—Recipes and printables, this site offers some unique items you won't find elsewhere, prepared by a fellow Christian parent.

• Just Moms—A Christian online community for mothers that allows Christian mothers to connect with other moms around the world for advice and resources.

As you can see, there is a wealth of resources available for Christian parents. Yet, even with all of the resources available, the simplest resources are often the best—a Bible and good common sense. Trust your instincts in how to build Christian character in your child. You know him better than anyone else, after all!