Teach Your Child: The Role of Parents in Every Stage of Life
The Call to Parent With Purpose
Friends, one of our most significant responsibilities and privileges in this life is raising children. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, guardian, or mentor, you uniquely shape the next generation. The Bible clarifies that our children are a gift from God, but it also reminds us that we are called to be stewards of their lives. Psalm 127:3-4 says, “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.” Just as a warrior carefully aims and releases his arrows, we must guide and release our children into the world, prepared and equipped for the life God has called them to.
Today, I want to discuss the different roles we play in our children’s lives as they progress through various stages of growth. Parenting is not a one-size-fits-all journey; it changes as our children grow. As they move from toddlers to teens and from young adults into full-grown adulthood, our roles as parents must also shift and evolve. Let’s look together at how we can partner with God in raising successful, faithful children who thrive in life and live according to His purpose and plan.
Laying the Foundation in Early Childhood (Ages 1-10)
The early years of a child’s life are crucial because this is where the foundation is laid. As parents, you are their first teacher, mentor, and manager. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” These early years are the training ground; the lessons you teach them during this time will shape their character and future.
During this stage, you are responsible for teaching your children the fundamentals—how to love, respect others, handle challenges, and, most importantly, know and love God. Your role is hands-on. You guide their every decision, manage their environment, and help them navigate the world. This is the stage for discipline, correction, and instruction, but also love, affection, and praise.
Friends, do take into account the importance of praise. Children thrive on encouragement. Proverbs 22:15 says, “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.” Discipline is necessary, but it must be balanced with love and affirmation. How you handle correction in these formative years will shape their trust in you and God. Teach them right from wrong, and show them how to live in a way that honors the Lord.
Coaching Through the Teen Years (Ages 10-18)
As your child enters the teenage years, your role begins to change. From ages 10 to 18, you’re no longer the manager who controls every aspect of their lives. Now, you become a coach or a regional director, guiding them while allowing them to make more decisions independently. Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” As a coach, you’re no longer calling every play, but you’re there to guide, strategize, and encourage.
Your child is learning to handle more responsibility, and it’s your job to empower them to take ownership of their lives. They need to learn how to manage their time, relationships, and spiritual walk. You’re not doing it all for them anymore; you’re showing them how to do it themselves. Your job is to help them think critically, offer wisdom, and stand by them as they navigate these critical years.
During this stage, they need encouragement more than ever. They’re facing pressures from their peers, school, and the world around them. Your role is to be a voice of support, reminding them of who they are and whose they are. Colossians 3:21 says, “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” Your words can either build or tear them down, so use them wisely. Speak life over them, guide them with love, and help them grow into the person God created them to be.
Supporting Them into Young Adulthood (Ages 18-25)
As your child reaches young adulthood, ages 18 to 25, your role shifts again. Now, you transition from being the coach on the field to becoming a board member, offering wisdom and support from the sidelines. Proverbs 29:17 says, “Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.” By this stage, you’ve done the groundwork, and now your role is to offer guidance as they take the lead in their own life.
At this point, your child is the CEO of their life. They make big decisions—about their education, career, and relationships. Your job is to offer wisdom when they ask for it and to trust that the lessons you’ve taught them will guide them. You might say, “If I were you, I’d handle it this way,” but you’re no longer the one calling the shots. You trust that the seeds you’ve planted will bear fruit.
It’s important to remember that in this phase, your relationship must shift from one of authority to one of mutual respect. They need to know that you are there for them, not to control them, but to support them. The key is maintaining a robust and healthy relationship so they’ll continue to seek your counsel even as they become more independent.
Navigating adulthood Together
As your child moves into adulthood, perhaps into their late 20s and beyond, your role becomes more about being a trusted advisor. Proverbs 13:1 says, “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.” You’re no longer managing their decisions or telling them what to do, but you’re there to offer wisdom when they need it.
At this stage, your child may be navigating the complexities of life—building a career, starting a family, or finding their place in the world. They’ll face challenges, and while they are now in the driver’s seat, your guidance as a trusted advisor will still be valuable. Your influence doesn’t end when they become adults; it simply changes. You’re now a voice of experience, someone they turn to when they need clarity or reassurance.
It’s also important to model humility and openness during this stage. You don’t always have to have all the answers, and it’s okay to acknowledge when you don’t. What matters most is that your child knows you are there, always willing to listen and support them in love.
Leading by Example in Every Stage
Throughout every stage of parenting, there’s one constant: your example. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, walk along the road, lie down, and get up.” Your children are always watching, and how you live your life will speak louder than any words you could say.
Your faith, actions, and integrity are the blueprint your children will follow. Whether they are toddlers or adults, they will look to you to learn how to handle adversity, how to treat others, and how to walk in faith. Lead by example in every season. Show them how to live a life of honor, love, and trust in God.
Trusting God to Guide Both You and Your Child
Finally, we must remember that parenting is a journey that requires faith, patience, and trust in God’s guidance. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” There will be moments when you don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. You don’t have to do it all on your own. God is with you every step of the way and will guide you and your child.
As your child grows, pray for wisdom and lean on God for strength. Remember, it’s not just about raising successful children; it’s about raising children who know the love of God and walk in His ways. Let’s ask the Lord to help us be the parents He has called us to be. Let us trust that His plan for our children’s lives is more significant than anything we could imagine. And may we see our children flourish, not only in their accomplishments but in their relationship with the Lord.
Additional Bible Verses To Encourage Us Further:
– Proverbs 19:18 – “Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.”
– Colossians 3:21 – “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
– Proverbs 23:24 – “The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.”
– Psalm 127:3-4 – “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.”
– Proverbs 22:15 – “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.”
As we continue to parent and guide our children, let us always seek God’s wisdom and direction, trusting that He is working in their lives as in ours. Amen.
Let us Pray
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for the gift of parenthood and the precious children You have entrusted to us. Lord, we ask for Your wisdom and guidance as we raise and guide our children. Help us to be the parents You have called us to be, teaching our children with love, discipline, and grace at every stage of their lives.
Father, we acknowledge that we cannot do this on our own. We need Your strength and patience as we nurture and train our children to become the people You have destined them to be. Guide our words, actions, and decisions so that we may lead by example, modeling a life of faith, integrity, and love.
Lord, we pray for our children. Protect them, lead them in Your ways, and fill their hearts with a desire to seek You in all things. As they grow, may they walk in the path You have prepared for them and become strong, faithful individuals who live according to Your purpose.
Thank You, Father, for being with us on this journey. We trust in Your plan for our families and know that with You by our side, we will see our children flourish and fulfill the calling You have placed on their lives. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great week!