Raising Kids God's Way: The Power of the K.I.D.S. Minivan

As a parent, do you ever feel like you're driving a minivan full of rowdy kids on a long road trip with no GPS? You have a destination in mind - raising your children to be kind, responsible adults who love God. But the journey can be bumpy, with unexpected detours and meltdowns (sometimes yours!). The good news is, you're not alone. God has given us a roadmap for parenting in His Word, the Bible. And even better, He promises to be right there in the driver's seat with us.

So, what is God's parenting plan? Think of it like a minivan, but instead of Swagger Wagon, it's the K.I.D.S. Minivan:

Kindness is like the big hatch that opens the hearts of our kids. When we respond with gentleness and compassion, our children are more likely to listen and learn from us, even in frustrating moments.

Instruction is the sturdy frame of the minivan. God instructs us to "teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise" (Deuteronomy 6:7). We can look for teachable moments in everyday life to share God's wisdom.

Discipline acts as seatbelts and airbags, providing loving boundaries to keep our kids on the right path. Rather than harsh punishment, biblical discipline guides and corrects with grace.

Supernatural Power is the engine that keeps us going when we feel like we're running on empty. We tap into God's strength through prayer, knowing He can move in our kids' hearts and lives in ways we can't.

If you're thinking, "This sounds great, but I'm running on fumes here," remember the Driver of the minivan. God sent His Son Jesus to Earth to show us the way back to Him. Jesus lived a perfect life and died to pay the penalty for our shortcomings. When we put our trust in Him, He gives us a new start and the power to parent His way.

As Deuteronomy 6:5 says, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." When we make loving God our priority, it realigns our perspective. Suddenly, it's not all on us to be "perfect" parents. We're freed to be present and authentic with our kids, modeling what it looks like to rely on Jesus.

Some days, that might mean apologizing when we mess up, showing them we all need forgiveness. Other times, it's savoring small moments, like bedtime prayers or kitchen dance parties. Parenting by faith isn't about religious rules but building a relationship with God, who loves us and our kids like crazy.

There will still be plenty of are-we-there-yet days—times when we're tired, our kids are testing limits, and we just want to pull the minivan over and quit. That's when we most need to plug into a community of other imperfect but trying parents. We should let other trusted adults speak into our children's lives. We should share struggles and joys with friends who get it. We should serve together and celebrate how God is at work in each family.

You might feel awkward reaching out initially, but it's worth it. Take advantage of parenting groups and opportunities to get better equipped as a parent and find someone who is in the same boat as you.  You can also set up a time to meet another family for a pizza night or maybe swap babysitting with neighbors so you can have a date night.

Parenting takes a village - and God puts people in your life to encourage you. You never know how a simple "me too" from another parent can brighten your day and give you strength for the journey.

As you drive your K.I.D.S. minivan, remember to enjoy the view. When you see your child comfort a friend or stand up for what's right, take a moment to praise God for the incredible kid He's growing. Blast your favorite worship music on the hard days and belt it out, kids and all. Keep praying and steering back towards Jesus, even if you veer off course sometimes.

God picked you to be your child's parent and won't leave you in the lurch. You've got this with His love in your heart, His Word as your guide, and His people by your side. Now buckle up and enjoy the ride!