Simple Kids Check-In For A New School Year
Last, but certainly not least, our fall inventory series is doing a simple fall check-in for our kids!
Children change so rapidly that it can be hard to keep up with what they need at each stage. It feels like it takes constant communication and connection with them to know how we can best help them as their parents. Make sure you check out the resources at the end of this article for some of our favorite kids resources and parenting resources!
Here Are 4 Simple Ways to Do A Fall Check-In For Your Kids:
1. What are my child’s strengths and how can I cultivate them this season?
Every child has unique gifts that God has given them and it is so fun to discover those strengths in our kiddos! Think about how you can practically cultivate your child’s gifts this fall. It may look like one on one time with you, signing them up for an activity/sport, or bringing in other adults they love and respect to help you.
You don’t have to do a check-in for your kids alone! Ask friends and family what they think your child’s strengths are. (Don’t forget siblings, too!) In fact, asking your child what their strengths are could be an excellent exercise in self-awareness and help you as you plan to help them grow this year!
2. What are my child’s weaknesses and how can I help them grow in these areas?
We all have weaknesses, some of which we will continue to improve upon throughout our adult lives. Be patient with your kids as you help them work through the things that challenge them. Odds are, you may have some of the same challenges that they do. Maybe you’ve even conquered some of them! Be their coach and advocate as you address the areas in their life that need some growth. (And remind them that their worth isn’t in what they do, it’s in what Christ has done for them). Frequently remind their kiddos of their security and identity in Jesus!
3. Where is my child spiritually and how can I help them grow in their walk with Christ?
This looks different at every age and for different personalities. Make a plan with objective ways to do this. What is the next step in regard to faith for your child? Brainstorm with other parents (including those ahead of you in your parenting) to think of ideas for the best way to do this. I’ll provide some of our favorite resources below.
Make sure your child is connected to a healthy, local church community. They need to see that it’s not just their parents who believe in Jesus, but other adults and individuals that they respect and love. Discipleship happens in community and we need each other as we parent our kids in the way of Jesus!
4. How is my relationship with my child?
I learned from the Raising Boys and Girls podcast that you tend to “butt heads” with the oldest child of your same gender, or the child that is most like you. Is there a child that needs some extra attention or investment in your relationship with them? Odds are, you’ll have to work harder to build a healthy relationship with at least one child compared to others simply based on your personality and their personality! And that’s ok! Make sure you take inventory of any biases you may have between children and do your best to give equal grace and understanding to each of them. There may be a kiddo that needs some extra one-on-one time with you to help strengthen the relationship. The little things count! Playing basketball, grabbing an ice cream cone, or stopping at their favorite playground makes a difference.
Our Favorite Resources
Here is a short list of some of our favorite parenting resources lately!
Books:
- Parenting: The 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp
- Gospel-Powered Parenting: How The Gospel Shapes and Transforms Parenting by William P. Farley
- Raising Worry-Free Girls by Sissy Goff
- Braver, Stronger, Smarter: A Girl’s Guide to Overcoming Worry and Anxiety by Sissy Goff
- Raising Emotionally Strong Boys: Tools Your Son Can Build On For Life by David Thomas
- Strong and Smart: A Boy’s Guide To Building Healthy Emotions by David Thomas
- Are My Kids On Track? The 12 Emotional, Social, and Spiritual Milestones Your Child Needs To Reach by Sissy Goff, Melissa Trevathan, and David Thomas
- Raising Passionate Jesus Followers by Phil and Diane Comer
Podcasts:
