If you’re a parent right now, you’re likely feeling the pressure from all angles. The kids can’t play on the playground. Playdates are completely out of the questions. Visits to Grandma’s house aren’t recommended. On top of that, you add the mess of figuring out e-learning, and it really takes its toll.
But just because it seems chaotic doesn’t mean you have to be stuck in survival mode. Last week, Matt Morrison and I sat down in the Wednesday Webinar to discuss how parents can be more intentional than ever in this crazy season of quarantine. There is an amazing opportunity embedded in this time to disciple your kiddos and teach them about the amazing God who is in control and wants to be their friend forever.
So, where do you begin? There are so many resources available, but sorting through the options can feel paralyzing. With that in mind, let me share with you a few of my favorites that you can begin using at home as early as tonight.
The Kid’s New Adventure Bible (NIV or NiRV)
This is our standard Bible used in Promiseland on Sunday mornings. It retails for $15-35 on Amazon, depending on whether you purchase the paperback or hardback (though I highly recommend the paperback, since it’s harder for a child to destroy). This Bible finds a great balance between a readable translation, helpful study tools, and vivid illustrations.
The Bible Storybook
For the younger kiddos, I recommend The Bible Storybook. I particularly love the interactive Bible app that comes with it, developed in collaboration with the popular YouVersion and OneHope platforms. This also retails for roughly $15 on Amazon.
The ParentCue
I can’t say enough about my love for ParentCue and the resources coming out of our partners at Orange. ParentCue is a free product from the same curriculum developers we use on Sunday mornings with your children, and it’s focused completely on helping you become the parent you want to be. Their website features a helpful blog, tons of parent guides, and relevant recommendations for your stage of parenting. I encourage you to bookmark theparentcue.org, or you can just download the ParentCue app on iTunes or GooglePlay and get the resources on your mobile device.
RightNow Media
As a Christ Fellowship attender, RightNow Media is a free resource for you that provides on-demand Bible studies at your fingertips. It’s like Netflix, but for biblical teaching. They have some amazing family resources available too.
I especially love the series “What’s in the Bible? With Buck Denver,” which explains the Bible’s origins and how to study it. It’s written and produced by Paul Vischer, the creator of VeggieTales. You’ll discover how little you knew about the Bible yourself, and laugh quite a bit with your kiddos along the way.
Just for you, RightNow also has my favorite study for parents, “Intentional Parenting,” available to stream for free as well. This is a great time to begin the course with your spouse.
Adventures in Odyssey
If you grew up in the church, you likely grew up with this timeless series from Focus on the Family. The award-winning audio program is producing some great content that your child will enjoy. Click here to browse their content.
I encourage you, as parents, to take advantage of this time. I know you must feel exhausted, but don’t miss this incredible opportunity. As always, we’re posting content for you and your kiddos on the Christ Fellowship Promiseland Facebook page and my team is available to help you with anything you may need. Please reach out!
