4 Ways to Start Thinking Generationally for Raising the Future

As parents, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind with school drop-offs, activities, dinner, homework, baths, and bedtime. Your mental capacity is often maxed out just keeping up with the present. But what if, in the middle of all this, you could start raising the future?

Many people assume that thinking generationally requires some grand, life-altering action, but in reality, it’s in the small, everyday moments that the foundation of your family’s future is built. The way you handle conversations, model character, and live out your values today will intentionally shape the generations that come after you.

4 Ways to Think Generationally When Raising the Future Generations

#1: Shift Your Mindset to Long-Term

Start by consciously shifting your thinking. When making decisions or having important conversations with your children, ask yourself, “How will this affect future generations?” 

When challenges arise or conflicts occur, think about how your response can model a biblical approach for your children now and what they might pass on in the future. Over time, this intentional action will become second nature, and inevitably, your thought process to think generationally to raise the future will become a habit. 

#2: Intentionally Reflect Daily

Set aside time each day, perhaps at the end of the day or during your morning routine, to reflect on how your actions align with your family’s long-term goals. 

Ask yourself questions like, “How did I shape my children today to think beyond themselves?” or “Did I model the values I want my family to carry forward?”

Reflecting regularly on your parenting approach helps train your brain to think about the lasting impact of everyday actions.

#3: Be Intentional About What You Model

Our children learn not just from what we say, but from what we do. To think generationally as you raise the future, it’s important to be intentional about the behaviors, habits, and values you model every day. 

Imagine you're stuck in traffic, running late, and frustrated. Your child is watching. You could react with impatience - or take a deep breath and say, "We can’t control traffic, but we can control our attitude. Let’s talk - what’s exciting at school right now?" In that moment, you’re modeling patience and self-control - fruits of the Spirit that your child will one day pass down.

#4: Create Intentional Space for Family Conversations

Make it a habit to regularly talk about what kind of legacy you want to create as a family. These conversations don’t need to be long or overly formal, but by bringing them up consistently, you reinforce the importance of thinking generationally for raising the future. It’s a great mental reminder both for you and your children, and it invites them to start thinking long-term as a family. 

Ask your children what they value most at this point in their lives and share what you hope to pass on to them. 

To get the conversation going with your children, use this family meeting guide to ensure you cover all of the bases and keep your family engaged and proactive along the way!

Why the Smallest Moments Often Matter the Most

The key to raising the future is not only in big, life-changing decisions, but in how we train ourselves to think about the long-term impact of every action, big or small. Overlooking the small but impactful parts of daily life could cause you to leave behind some of the Lord’s best moments of teaching and guiding you as a parent. 

By training your brain to think generationally and practicing these habits consistently, you’ll naturally begin to raise children who understand the importance of their legacy, and that will echo into future generations.

To dive into more resources as you begin to think and navigate generational thinking to raise the future, learn more about the Family Legacy Church Curriculum to confirm your biblical purpose for family and create a roadmap of success that will go hand-in-hand with your generational mindset!