Raising Your Children to Have Roots and Wings

How do you ensure that your child has the character and tools for success? While your daily role changes as your children get older, the core responsibility of parenting is raising your kids to have roots and wings. Today we'll discuss what it means to parent your child during every stage and find purpose and joy in parenting.

Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
    are children born in one’s youth.
 Blessed is the man
    whose quiver is full of them.

Psalm 127:3-5a

Parenting is about holding on to our children until they have deep roots and then slowly releasing them with strong wings.

Establishing Roots:

The key to establishing a foundation on which they feel safe and nurtured, where there is responsibility and values in them.

Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

How to Help Your Children Establish Strong Roots

Get them in church.

Pray together as a family when you have a need.

Ask for forgiveness when you mess up.

Protect them and give them direction.

Giving Your Child Wings

As your child approaches their pre-teen and teenage years, you should start releasing them into their own identity. Watch and make sure they are doing the right things, but give them some space to grow in who they are and learn how to steward their own relationship with God.

In adulthood, don’t stop parenting! Make yourself available to your children and check in on them. Let them know that you’re praying for them and remain available to offer advice or direction when needed.

Remember, they are not your children; they belong to God! Don’t hold on too tight or worry about what to do in every season. God will teach you how to lead them and prosper, no matter what stage of parenting you are in.

Pray this: God, I thank you for my children (or future children). I know that you have good plans for them. Help me to lead them well. Show me the areas of my life that I need to change in order to be the best parent for them. Show me areas in their lives where they need extra guidance or accountability. And when it’s time for them to step out on their own, give me the faith to know that they will be successful in everything you’ve called them to, in Jesus’ name. Amen!