One of the most important things that mothers are called to do is raise up their children. While there are many important things you may do in your lifetime, raising children is easily one of the most challenging things you could be tasked with and also one of the most fruitful.
As a mother you are called to minister to and raise up your children in God’s way. So, how can Christian Mothers properly discipline children in today’s society? In this blog post, we’ll discuss what discipling your child means and walk through practical examples of how to disciple them including: teaching them to pray, having conversations about God and His Word and getting involved in your (church) community.
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:4
What does disciple mean?
In Hebrew the word for disciple is talmid, meaning a student, or more accurately an apprentice. When you disciple your child, you are a teacher who shares their knowledge and wisdom.
Taking an Active Role in Biblical Discipleship
Biblical discipleship as a parent means playing an active role in teaching your children. When your child goes to school you would expect their teacher to use their knowledge to educate them well, with kindness and patience. The same is said for parents in teaching and raising their own children. While you may not be teaching them the times tables, what you are teaching is significantly more valuable. Adopt the attitude and perspective of a teacher and watch your child grow.
Read More: How to Overcome the All-or-Nothing Mindset as a Mom with Grace and Joy
Spiritual Growth Isn’t Passive
Christian parents must be proactive in teaching their children, and especially in leading by example. If your children are disciples, then you as their teacher must be intentional. Raise your children up in the instruction and discipline of the Lord, and you also set the foundation for them to flourish spiritually.
Active Discipleship in Christian Parenting
Active discipleship requires knowing God’s Word, intentionality and great effort. As a mother to young children this isn’t always an easy task; in a frustrating parenting moment it might be difficult to recall a scripture to lean on and teach. A great resource for biblical parenting, especially for moms with toddlers and littles, is the Wise Words For Moms Chart by Ginger Hubbard. What you do on a day to day basis is what’s most important when raising children as a Christian mother.
“Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:4
Practical Ways To Disciple Your Kids as Christian Parents
Discipline is a necessary and important part of raising children-no matter their age. The way you discipline and disciple might evolve over time as they grow, but one constant should be that it’s all rooted in love. Discipline should not be rooted in anger or a tool to instill fear. Our ultimate goal as Christian parents should be to raise faithful disciples who are good human beings-loving, kind, slow to anger, generous, patient. Be loving and consistent with your children and watch how beautifully they’ll grow.
1. Get involved in your community.
Fellowship is one of the many beautiful gifts the Lord has given us to endure and persevere in our journey as believers. Being part of a community of likeminded believers gives us strength, encouragement and support. When we include our children in fellowship, we are showing them what it means to be part of a community. We exemplify friendship, communion, and generosity.
Fellowship, attending church regularly, and participating in children’s ministry or youth groups are important to reinforcing biblical teachings at home. Get involved in your local community, or find small groups where your family can be spiritually nourished and walk alongside a community of believers.
2. Pray with your kids.
As a Christian mother you know how powerful and important prayer is. When we teach our kids to make prayer an important part of their life, we are teaching them how to stay connected to our Heavenly Father. Tips for incorporating prayer into daily routines—before meals, bedtime, or during moments of discipline—so children can see the importance of turning to God in all aspects of life.
- Pray together before bed at night.
- Purchase a kid’s prayer book and help them memorize a prayer each week.
- Pick a “scripture of the week” to recite and help your kids memorize.
3. Have open conversations.
Engage in open, consistent conversations about faith, God, and the Bible. Use real-life moments to teach biblical lessons, like when your child is being disobedient.
Encourage your children to ask the hard questions along with the “easy” questions. There is no one, other than your church leaders, who is better equipped to walk your child through the tough conversations in a safe environment.
4. Teach God’s Word.
Parents are called to be the primary spiritual educators of their children. This means teaching the Bible consistently at home. Some ways you can teach your children God’s Word:
- Pick an age appropriate daily devotional together. Commit to reading it every day and have an open discussion.
- Pick a bible verse that speaks to the current season your child is walking in (friendships, obedience, etc), or a situation they’re working through (grief, puberty, etc). Write it somewhere they’ll see daily and memorize it together.
- Get involved in a local bible study small group. Encourage your kids to join a youth group too!
- Have your own bible study session weekly over a favorite meal or early morning over breakfast/coffee.
5. Be consistent.
Discipline and spiritual instruction have to be applied consistently to have lasting results. Consistency in disciplining your children is essential for fostering their lifelong growth and aligning their hearts with God’s truth. To achieve this, you should approach discipline as an intentional act of love that reflects biblical teachings.
- Establish clear boundaries and expectations rooted in scripture, such as teaching respect, kindness, and obedience (Ephesians 6:1). Communicate these rules calmly and consistently, and make sure that your children understand the “why” behind them.
- When discipline is necessary, avoid reacting in anger. Take a moment to pray, reflect, and respond with grace and guidance. For example, if your child disobeys, explain how their actions conflict with biblical principles, and then apply consequences that are fair.
- Balance correction and encouragement. Celebrate their growth when they make wise choices, and remind them of God’s grace when they fall short. Over time, this consistency builds trust, helps them connect discipline with love, and lays a foundation for godly character and lifelong growth.
Read More: How To Balance Homemaking and a Full-Time Job
Final Thoughts: Biblical Parenting Is About Trusting God
Biblical parenting is not a guarantee of having perfect kids or being the perfect parent. It doesn’t promise that your children will never make mistakes or face challenges. As parents, we need to remember that our children are individuals with their own choices and free will. However, when we raise them according to God’s Word, we greatly reduce the likelihood of detours into rebellion or destructive paths. By grounding their childhood in biblical principles, we provide them with a firm foundation that will guide them throughout their lives, even if they stumble along the way. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This verse doesn’t promise a trouble-free journey, but it does assure us that the seeds of faith and wisdom we plant will remain, ready to grow and flourish in God’s perfect timing.
As you navigate the joys and challenges of raising children trust in God’s guidance and your efforts as a mother. Even on difficult days, remember that God’s ways always lead to flourishing, even if the journey isn’t always smooth or quick. Parenting according to biblical principles isn’t just about spiritual growth—it impacts your children’s emotional, relational, and moral well-being, equipping them for lifelong success. While it can be tempting to become discouraged, know that perseverance and faith in God’s process are never in vain. Your unconditional love, consistent discipline, and Christ-centered teaching will leave a lasting legacy in your children’s hearts. Lean on God, trust His promises, and take confidence in knowing that parenting His way strengthens the path toward a vibrant and enduring faith for your children.
Resources for Christian Moms
How to Discipline Children Biblically (podcast)
10 Bible Verses Every Parent Should Teach Their Children (FREE download)
mamas it’s time time to wake up (video)
Your child’s behavior is not the problem (video podcast)
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