Parents with a Purpose

Being parents is a demanding task, and in this complex world we often find ourselves reflecting on the increasing difficulty of raising our children. Raise your hand, if you agree, on how complicated it is to be parents in this ever-changing context.

As we look back on when we raised our children, we recognize that, even if at the time it seemed simpler, we made mistakes. We are proud of our children, yet aware that we could have done better, especially from a spiritual perspective. Reflection leads us to one conclusion: we need God’s help.

Especially today, with our children overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, and identity struggles, we realize the growing challenge. With modern technologies, we give them access to a virtual world, but often this means exposing them to harmful content. We must reflect on the choices we make as parents, aware that what we place in our children’s hands can deeply influence them.

The reality is that our children, bombarded with information, may struggle with stress, insecurities, and fears. Statistics show that 80% of children watch videos on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, often without proper guidance. As parents, we must intervene—not only knowing that our children spend too much time online, but by acting to protect them.

Today, we begin a short series on “Parents with a Purpose.” As Christian parents, we want our children to know God and love Him. We begin this reflection by asking ourselves: “How can we help our children love God?” A journey that will lead us to explore the deeper meaning and purpose of being parents.

Welcome to our space dedicated to reflecting on parenthood, with a special focus on how to be Christ-centered families. Today, we draw inspiration from a prayer, often considered the most recited in Judaism:

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4–6)

This prayer calls us to reflect on the centrality of loving God with every part of ourselves. But how can we teach this to our children? The answer is clear:

“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:7–9)

Here lies the key to being parents with a purpose: transmitting to our children the love and knowledge of God in every aspect of daily life.

The crucial difference is being Christ-centered families, not merely calling ourselves Christians by culture. Loving God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our strength becomes our highest calling and priority. This is fundamental, because in the early years of our children’s lives, no one has greater influence than us parents.

Instead of simply considering ourselves Christian parents, we must become Christ-centered families, where God is not just a part of our life, but is our very life. This perspective guides us to pass on divine truths to our children through conversations at meals, during travel, and in the moments we share together.

We ask ourselves how we can do better as parents. We see young people wounded, insecure, and confused, and we wonder what we could have done differently. Perhaps, as parents, we could have been more attentive, communicated better, and cultivated a shared spirituality.

We Risk Too Little

Often, in our concern for our children’s well-being, we tend to eliminate risks and avoid pain. However, this may make them more fragile. As Humanitas Salute affirms, overprotected children are the most fragile. Learning to manage risk is important for growth and independence.

Let us remember the times when we were young and faced challenges without excessive protection. Exposure to risk, if wisely managed, can teach our children to overcome challenges with resilience.

We Rescue Too Quickly

Rescuing too quickly can deprive our children of the valuable life lessons that come from the consequences of their own actions. We must allow them to face consequences so that they learn to make responsible decisions.

We Model Too Weakly

The most powerful way to transmit faith to our children is through our example. We cannot expect them to follow Christ if they do not see Christ in us. Let us avoid hypocrisy and live our faith consistently.

How to Express a Christ-Centered Faith

1. Parents, Practice What You Preach  Do not limit yourselves to declaring your faith, but demonstrate it through your daily actions. Live a life that reflects love and dedication to God.

2. Home as a Spiritual Environment  Create an environment where speaking about God is natural. During daily conversations, at the table, while traveling, involve your children in discussions about faith.

3. Read the Bible Together  Read the Bible with your children from a young age. Teach them the importance of reading God’s Word through your example.

4. Prioritize the Church  Participation in church is not optional, but a priority. Show your children that serving in the house of the Lord is an integral part of life.

5. Expose Them to the Joy of Knowing God  Expose your children to the joy of personally knowing God. Through prayer, Bible reading, and service in the church, allow them to experience God’s presence and power.

Conclusion

As parents with a purpose, our goal is to cultivate a Christ-centered family. Instead of being Christians in name only, let us become a family that loves God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our strength. In this way, we transmit faith authentically to our children, guiding them toward a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.