Parent Portal
We know parenting can be difficult sometimes. Even though there’s no way to be a perfect parent, or raise perfect kids, there are many ways to become great at parenting. Here at Canvas, we’re committed to partnering with you as we disciple the next generation together. There are practices, habits, and tools that can help us parent better at each stage of a child’s life.
Parent Tips
As a parent, you might be thinking: “where am I going to find the time to disciple my kid?” The good news is, you don’t have to create any new time in your schedule, but rather leverage the time you already have. Below are some tips on how to do exactly this:
In The Car
After church, as you head home, ask your kid what they learned about God today.
On the way to school, ask them how they can show kindness to someone today.
Listening to worship music on your drives together teaches the power of connecting with God through music to your kids. Click on the button below to see our official Canvas Church Worship Playlist on Spotify.
Around The Table
Model a prayer of thanksgiving to God before your meals together. It can be as simple as “God, we thank you for this day, this time together, and this food we are about to eat. Amen.”
This is a natural time where you can be together as a family every day, so try to take advantage of this opportunity. Speak life into your kids, tell them who they are, laugh together, plan trips together, and talk about the highs and lows of your day or week as you’re gathered together.
During Bath Time
If you have a younger child, take a moment during bath time to read a bible story from the Jesus Storybook Bible and talk about it together.
Before Bedtime
This is a great time to model and teach your kid about prayer. It can be as simple as naming one thing they’re thankful for and one person to pray for.
Parenting Blog Articles
Great parents are parents who are committed to learning their child and teaching them the ways of Jesus. We’ve sourced some helpful blog articles below from reputable sources that will help you connect with your child at any phase, along with answering some common parenting questions!
Setting and Keeping Technology Boundaries
By Parent Cue
What can provide ten minutes of entertainment for a crying toddler, and the resulting quiet that comes with it, can eventually turn harmful to an iPad-addicted ten-year-old. And, these days, it’s not a matter of if your kid will be using technology in school. It’s simply a matter of when.
iPads and laptops are everywhere, and for parents who want to put limits on their kids’ screen time, it can be difficult to find a healthy balance. So what should a parent do?
Read Article
Parent Books and Resources
Below are some resources to leverage the limited amount of time you have with your child to help them grow up to love God, love people, and serve others. This includes books, devotionals, and bibles. While not all are necessary, these are great options to choose from as you develop your plan to disciple your child. Just click on one of the book covers below and you’ll be taken to a site where you can purchase your own copy!
Don't Miss It by Reggie Joiner
Seen by Will Hutcherson
and Chenwe Williams
Becoming Better Grown Ups by Brad Montague
Parenting is Heart Work by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller
Parenting Your New Baby
by Kristen Ivy and Reggie Joiner
Parenting Your Kindergartner
by Kristen Ivy and Reggie Joiner
Parenting Your Sixth Grader by Kristen Ivy and Reggie Joiner
Parenting Your Ninth Grader by Kristen Ivy and Reggie Joiner
Press Play by Carlos Whittaker
Indescribable by Louie Giglio
The Jesus Storybook Bible
God's Story For Me (Ages 2-5)
The Beginner's Bible (Ages 6-7)
The Adventure Bible (Ages 8-9)
Intentional Parenting
by Doug and Cathy Fields
Take Back Your Family
by Jefferson Bethke
Kids Devotionals
Finding a great devotional for your child, and spending the time to read it with them daily, can teach them the importance of intentionally growing in their relationship with God. Devotionals can also spark life-giving conversations between parents and children that will open communication about faith and help create spiritual curiosity for a life time. Just click on one of the book covers below and you’ll be taken to a site where you can purchase your own copy!
Know God by Lauren Terrell
Press Play With Ollie by Orange Kids
Kids Books
Reading books aloud to children stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. It helps them develop language and listening skills and prepares them to understand the written word. Books can also be used to teach children about the character of God and what it means to follow him. Just click on one of the book covers below and you’ll be taken to a site where you can purchase your own copy!
Love Does For Kids by Bob Goff
God Speaks in Whispers
by Mark Batterson
Kids Bibles
Finding a great bible for your child is one of the best purchases you can make! There are options for children at every age that use pictures and engaging writing styles to teach them the greatest story ever told. Just click on one of the book covers below and you’ll be taken to a site where you can purchase your own copy!
The Action Bible (Ages 10-12)