The season of physical isolation has led to some significant things in our home. First, it has left us with LOADS of extra time together, making personalities, individual interests, emotions, idiosyncrasies of each member of our family stand out. Second, it gave the gift of time; increasing the opportunity to read, listen and learn. As far as being a parent goes…I have been reminded I still have so much to learn. Today I’m sharing family and parenting resources worth checking out.
This is the first post in a series of three, sharing resources that I have used and found beneficial in this season. Check back over the next couple weeks for additional posts that will include leadership/ministry recommendations and some personal recommendations.
Hopefully there will be something here that can help spur you on as you walk with your child in whatever stage they are in.
Resources Worth Checking Out:
Get out of Your Head Kids Tool Kit – Jennie Allen
This a FREE downloadable guide for parents to talk to their kids about what is going on inside their head (EXCELLENT resource). Walks parents/caregivers through steps to help kids combat spiraling, toxic thoughts with truth. Great strategies that can benefit them for the entire rest of their life.
Made for This Podcast – Jennie Allen
Check out the Episode – ‘Practical Help for Kids’ with Psychologist Dr. Cristina Sevadjian
This is all about the lie’s kids believe & how the adults in their life can help them combat toxic thoughts with truth. (The way we think impacts how we feel and what we do.) Dr. Sevadjian shares great practical strategies for parents, teachers, coaches and anyone who invests in kids.
Books I’m Reading:
Parenting Beyond Your Capacity – Reggie Joiner & Carey Nieuwhof
This is a great book for parents in any season/stage of parenting. It offers valuable encouragement for all parents and will likely challenge your thinking with some strategies and insights that can increase your parenting capacity. Parent with the end in mind. This is a quick and easy read from a Christian worldview and includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter.
The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers – Gary Chapman
Let me just say – I was blown away by how much I learned from this book. The premise is that by understanding the five primary ways we show love to teenagers, we can build stronger relationships with them. It is so much more than that though. It dives into navigating strong emotions like anger, dealing with conflict, setting boundaries and more. There is a chapter dedicated specifically to single parent households and another for blended family households. Great read with practical strategies to benefit every parent.
Books to Read with Kids:
It will be Okay – Lysa TerKeurst
A book about helping kids find assurance and courage to face their fears by trusting God in the midst of fear and understanding that He is still good even when life doesn’t feel good. This is a precious story for an adult to share with a child (ideal for preschool or elementary). It illustrates the message through a friendship between a fox and a seed, who are being cared for by a good and kind farmer. The illustrations are beautiful, the language is easy to read but in my opinion appropriate for even older elementary students. Ten scriptures are included that can be used to fill your child with truth.
*This book is excellent and would be a great addition in every household, whether your child struggles with fears outwardly or not.
You-Version Bible Reading Plans:
(download the FREE You Version app in your app store to access these FREE plans)
Middle School: Worth Repeating – 20 Day Reading Plan by ReThink Group
Short daily devotion, including application and scripture. Excellent, thought provoking and engaging, quick reads for middle school age students. This plan focuses on lessons and principles that are ‘worth repeating.’ (Students will read about friendships, talking to God, grace, pride and more.)
High School: Now & Later – 25 Day Reading Plan by ReThink Group
Includes easy to read devotional, with a daily challenge for the student and a focus verse(s). Students are given a main point to consider, a prayer focus, and a question or other way they can respond. This devotional is an excellent, age-appropriate reading plan to help students understand that the decisions they make NOW will affect their life LATER. Ideal for male or female students.
This season has included unique challenges for so many of us. You may have had moments where you felt like you ‘aren’t enough or aren’t good enough‘. Let’s be honest, some days are just plain difficult. Some seasons are too.
Character is shaped for us and for our kids more in difficult situations than easy ones. So throw the ideal of perfection out the window and focus on modeling resiliency and how to adapt to change. Take advantage of the many amazing resources available to support you. We can all become better.
These are just a few family and parenting resources worth checking out. Hope they are helpful to you.
This season is not just difficult for adults. In addition to the resources shared above specific for kids; if your child or someone you know is struggling with bouts of grief in this season, please check out this post.