Parenting in Uncertain Times

As a church, our heart is to equip you and come alongside you as you disciple your children and lead them into the presence of God. With everything happening in our world today, it can feel overwhelming to steward conversations around heavy, confusing and emotional topics. Yet it is vital that, as parents, we disciple our children well through cultural moments and show them what it looks like to live for Christ in the midst of uncertainty.

If we do not intentionally guide these conversations, social media, the world and the news will do it for us. So, how do we parent our children with purpose in uncertain times?

First, the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit are the most important tools you have to parent effectively. Second Timothy 3:16–17 tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Our goal is not to disciple our children into our politics or help them choose a side of the “aisle.” Instead, we desire to train them in righteousness and equip them for every good work God has called them to. Your children were born for such a time as this. They can lead for the Kingdom of God right here and right now, despite everything happening in the world.

The Lord is not surprised by this moment, and He knew you would be parenting in this day and age. The Word of God is your source of wisdom, guidance, teaching, correction and training. As you turn first to Scripture, the Holy Spirit will speak to you and serve as your wise counselor as you navigate parenting. Mom and Dad, I want to encourage you to allow the voice of God to be the loudest voice in your life right now. The best thing you can do as a parent is to dig into the Word and live with a constant posture of prayer: “Speak, Lord, for I am listening.”

Second, I encourage you to consider having your children pause from social media for a season. Today, kids can witness real-time tragedies through their screens. While it is healthy to be informed, there is a point at which it becomes unwise for children to view images and content that are difficult even for adults to process.

Just as I would not allow my children to watch an R-rated movie, I would not allow them to consume unfiltered, R-rated content on social media. Matthew 6:22–23 reminds us, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness.”

Many students are being filled with anxiety and fear because of what they are watching. Our goal is not to keep our children uninformed, but to help them be informed in a wise and age-appropriate way. This isn’t about sheltering; it’s about discernment. Scripture tells us not to walk in fear, and we want our children to understand God’s heart for the world, their role as believers, and the victory we have in Christ - without unnecessary fear fueled by graphic images and videos.

Third, allow intentional time for your children to ask questions about what is happening in their world. Create a safe space where they can openly process, share their feelings or concerns and hear from you about how you are navigating cultural moments through a Christ-centered lens. It is vital that students feel they can have open and honest conversations with their parents or guardians.

One Hope - an incredible ministry we partner with - conducted a study on the most influential voice in a student’s life. Overwhelmingly, the number one voice was their parents. Interestingly, when parents were asked who they believed held the greatest influence in their child’s life, many did not identify themselves. Parents, your children want to hear from you. They are curious about your perspective, your thought process and what God is speaking to you during this season.

To help create a safe and intentional space for conversation, consider the following:

• Prioritize family dinners with no devices present.
  
  
• Use car rides as opportunities to turn down the music and talk.
  
  
• Ask more questions and listen carefully, paying attention to the nudging of the Holy Spirit as your children respond. He will guide you in how to ask and how to answer.
  
  
• Embrace late-night conversations. For many teenagers, 10pm. is when they are most ready to talk. Take 30 minutes to sit with them - so much fruit can come from these moments.

Finally, during uncertain times, it is important to remember that we are not living for the things of this earth, but for the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Christ is clear that we do not need to fear, because He has already overcome all things.

I encourage you not to get pulled into an earthly mindset shaped by headlines and news cycles. Instead, ask first, “What does God say about this?” Take time to process with the Holy Spirit and seek His heavenly perspective. Uncertain times are also an opportunity to allow the Lord to search our own hearts. Where might He need to uproot fear, anger, prejudice, idolatry, judgment or other unhealthy attitudes?

Rather than pointing fingers, let us invite the Lord to do a work in us and through us as we live fully for His Kingdom.