Are You Focused on These 5 Christian Parenting Principles for Your Children?

Parenting is one of the greatest callings God gives us, but let’s be honest - it’s not always easy. You want to raise children who love God, respect others, and carry strong values into future generations. 

But how do you focus on instilling core principles and values while also disciplining and raising them in the way they should go? 

The truth is, Christian parenting principles aren’t just about big-picture ideas; Church on Sundays, youth group on Wednesdays, family dinners shared together or doing a family devotion. Those are things you should strive for, but to first get there, the small ideas have to first be done with intention. 

Here are small, practical and specific ways to apply Christian parenting principles in your home: 

1. Edify and Encourage Your Children Through Words

The words you speak to your children shape their inner voice. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Your words either build them up or tear them down. Instead of just correcting their mistakes, intentionally affirm their strengths.

For example, instead of saying, “You always forget to clean up,” try, “I love how responsible you are when you take care of your space.” This small shift helps your child see themselves as capable and responsible rather than forgetful or messy.

2. Demonstrating Prayer as the Go-To

Teaching your children to pray doesn’t mean just saying grace before meals or bedtime prayers. It’s about modeling prayer as a natural response to life. When your child is nervous about a test, pause and pray with them or when they are home sick from school, pray for whatever is causing the sickness before sending them off to their room. 

This Christian parenting principle allows children to learn to turn to God not just in crisis but in the ordinary when they see you do the same. By making prayer the habitual go-to, you teach them that God is present in all things, big and small. 

Make prayer a ritual practice in your home by checking out these short family prayers to share together!

3. Surround Your Family with Other Faith-Filled Families

Who your children spend time with will influence them. “Walk with the wise and become wise”, as Proverbs 13:20 says. Make an effort to build friendships with other faith-based families. Host dinners, start a small group, or plan play dates with like-minded parents and children.

When your children see faith lived out not just in your home but in a community, it reinforces the principles and values you’re instilling.

4. Teach Them the “Why” Behind Your Faith, Not Just the “What”

It’s easy to tell kids what they should believe, but it’s more impactful to help them understand why faith matters. Be cautious of “your parents faith becoming their faith”.

Instead of just saying, “We go to church because it’s important,” explain, “We go to church because God created us to be in community with other believers, and it helps us grow in our faith.”

Encourage them to ask questions. When kids feel like they can explore their faith instead of just memorizing rules, they develop a stronger, unbreakable relationship with God.

5. Connect Faith to Discipline, Not Just Rules

Discipline isn’t just about correcting bad behavior; it’s about nurturing your child’s heart. Instead of just saying, “Because I said so,” use discipline as an opportunity to teach hard but necessary biblical truths.

For example, if you’ve found out that your child lied to you, consider sitting them down and reading Proverbs 12:22: “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” 

Then ask, “Why is honesty important? How can we rebuild trust?” 

This Christian parenting principle ties back to a biblical approach of discipline by focusing on who they are becoming as a person that reflects God's values of truthfulness and trustworthiness. Alongside enforcing consequences, this method helps children understand that discipline is not about just punishment, but about reflecting their actions with the principles of trust and integrity found in Scripture.

Don’t Strive for Perfection, Strive for Intentionality

Remember, raising kids isn’t about having all the answers but about showing them the way. By applying these Christian parenting principles of verbally encouraging their strengths, building a community of faith, teaching them honesty, and grounding everything in God’s word, you’re not just raising children; you’re raising the next generation of believers who will carry God’s truth through your legacy. 

Don’t leave your family’s legacy and future to happen-stance. We’ve created a short and impactful Family Legacy Study, designed specifically to guide you in raising your children with a biblical approach, defining the values you want to live by and so much more. Grab some more information on the Family Legacy Study here!