Focus on the Family

Your Child’s Spiritual Development

Do you want your children to grow closer to God, but don’t know how to encourage them in their walk? Find articles on how to lead your child to Jesus and how to teach them faith basics. 

Do you want your children to become and live more like Jesus, but don’t know how to encourage them in their growth? To help you navigate your children’s spiritual development, we’ve compiled a list of faith topics, all from a parenting or kids’ perspective.

Salvation: Leading Your Children to Christ

For parents:
Introducing Your Children to God by Larry Fowler

A salvation story for kids:
Saving Grace by Cayleen Gardner

An article for tweens:
Are You a Sheep? by Kathryn M. Graves

Foundations of Faith

Evidence for the Resurrection by Alex McFarland
Defending the Faith by Alex McFarland
God . . . the Father? by Vance Fry
How to Read the Bible — as a Family by Janine Petry
Resurrection: The Most Important Truth by Sean McDowell
Teaching God’s Big Story by Michelle Anthony

Spiritual growth topics in alphabetical order:

The Bible and Bible Reading

God’s Word Is True by Kurt Bruner and others
Studying the Bible as a Family by Larry Fowler
When the Bible Isn’t G-Rated by Jessica Thompson

Faith

A Faith That Sticks by Kara Powell
A Logical Faith by Nancy Pearcey
What the Bible Says About Faith by Andy Stanley

Fruit of the Spirit

Love

Do Your Kids Know You Love Them? by Danny Huerta

Peace

Everyday Peacemakers by Jeannie Cunnion

Goodness

Nurturing a Servant’s Heart in Kids by Henry Blackaby and Sheila Seifert

Identity and Direction

‘Who am I?’ — Your Child’s Identity by Kurt Bruner and others
What Should Kids Choose: Discovering God’s Will in Big Decisions by John Ortberg

Persecution and Disaster

Living in a Broken World by Philip Yancey
Talking to Kids About Natural Disasters by Vance Fry
Talking to Kids About the Persecuted Church by Sheila Seifert

Spiritual Warfare

Teaching Kids About Spiritual Warfare by Rachelle Wiggins

Talking to God

The Gift of Prayer: Ask, Seek, Knock by Amy Parker
Hard Prayers to Pray for Your Kids by Shona Neff

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Entertainment Reviews Your Family Can Trust

Plugged In shines a light on the world of popular entertainment while giving families the essential tools they need to understand, navigate, and impact the culture in which they live. Let us help your family make wise and informed choices about movies, TV shows, music, video games, and more!
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Talk to a Counselor

If you need further guidance and encouragement, we have a staff of licensed, professional counselors who offer a one-time complimentary consultation from a Christian perspective. They can also refer you to counselors in your area for ongoing assistance.
Reach a counselor toll-free at 1-855-771-HELP (4357).
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Understand How to Respect and Love Your Son Well

"Why doesn’t my son listen to me?" Have you ever asked yourself that? The truth is, how you view your son and talk to him has a significant effect on how he thinks and acts. That’s why we want to help you. We’ve created a free five-part video series called “Recognizing Your Son’s Need for Respect” that will help you understand how showing respect, rather than shaming and badgering, will serve to motivate and guide your son.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Mom or dad, could you use some encouragement and support? Put your ear buds in for this Christian parenting podcast and get practical, faith-based inspiration through all stages of parenting. Hosted by Dr. Danny Huerta, in every 8 to 15 minute episode, you’ll hear parenting experts share Biblical truths, effective parenting techniques, and useful resources that will help you feel equipped as a mom or dad in today’s culture.
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Learn How to Speak Your Strong-Willed Child's Language

In this free 6-part video series, Cynthia Tobias, author of many popular parenting books including You Can’t Make Me, explains why your strong-willed child thinks in certain ways and gives you effective tools you can use when communicating with him or her. Start today!

Get Equipped With the Truth So
You Can Bring Light to the Lies

Abortion is not an easy subject to talk about. You want to defend the truth, to expose the realities so easily confused during these times. Yet, it is so easy to tense up, to get nervous, to get so concerned with wanting to say the “right thing” that you end up saying nothing at all. If you feel at a loss when these conversations come up, this video series, “8 Lies About Abortion,” can help equip you with the truth, and the confidence to engage in the discussion.

Next Steps: Marriage Assessment

We want your marriage to be thriving and healthy. Take the free Marriage Assessment from Focus on the Family to learn how to strengthen your bond with your spouse and get the tools to help you need to grow closer together. 

Next Steps: Fruit of the Spirit Devotionals for Couples

The Fruit of the Spirit Devotional is a free series of nine short videos to get you into God’s Word and inspire you to seek the Holy Spirit’s help in loving your spouse.

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