Does this sound like the way a writer would begin a religious blog back in the first century? It definitely is not the way we talk to one another nowadays, but it is the way Paul began every letter he wrote that is found in the New Testament. It makes me think that those two words, grace and peace, must have great significance. Yet if we take a look around the world, our cities, our social media, the lives of our kids, and even our own lives, those two words would most likely not hit the top 10 list of words to describe the world in which we live.

In order to be able to connect the dots, a child relies on the adults around them to pay close attention to what the physical and behavioral changes are trying to say. As a children’s ministry leader, you are part of the team who can assist families when anxious feelings overwhelm a child. The following are ways you can help children and their parents find a path to bring hope and healing to the child’s hearts and minds.

While living with stress and anxiety is a reality for many of the students (and parents) we work with, we know this is not how God wants them to experience life. Jesus promised us His peace, and Paul tells us we have access to a peace that transcends understanding. So, how can we help parents help their teens experience this promised peace?

Discipleship at home begins with our own relationship with the Lord. The more our faith is evident in daily life, the more opportunities we give our kids to follow in God’s footsteps.

As Christian parents, I think we can agree that our biggest hope and dream for our kids is that they will learn to love and follow Jesus for all of their lives. And while it will be a work of the Holy Spirit and a decision each of our children must make for themselves, we have an important role to play to lead and guide our children to know and follow Jesus.