Nursery- Two Years Old

Like a gardener who is tending their gardening plot Christian parents can not just let their kids grow up without guidance, pruning, watering, tending, and fertilizer. We are striving to raise the next generation of believers, our foundation is God’s word. We encourage you to use these gardening tips in parenting your kids.

“I love the analogy of life as a garden, whether you love to garden or not, most people love to be in one. Sometimes they are organized, orderly, and monochrome, sometimes free flowing, vivacious and colorful. But in all cases, they symbolize life and growth” *

Heart

The section is for you as a parent.

As a parent of a newborn who is growing and changing every day it can be overwhelming as you try to take everything in. You are learning the quirks of a new person so it also depends on you to have a really quick learning curve. Remember to breathe, remember that God is in charge and not you or this new little person in your life.

Below are a couple of questions to help you evaluate where you are doing this stage of life. Questions not to condemn but create in your heart and mind to think about things other than when the next time your baby needs to eat.

• Are you taking time to take care of yourself?
• Are you taking the time to cultivate your relationship with the Lord?
• If you are married and experiencing this Newborn life stage it is important to prioritize your marriage. How can you pursue open communication, intimacy and communication with your spouse?
• It is often helpful to think beyond that of your household. Are you taking the time/space to allow others into your life? Are there ways you can serve someone in your community and world? It may not look like how you have served others in the past but when you serve others you it helps you remember the wider world the Lord has placed you in.

Head

Below are some resources we have found to help you as parents.

Read

Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic

Parenting by Paul Tripp

Family Shepherds: Calling and Equipping Men to Lead their Homes by Voddie Baucham Jr.

Listen

Rain for Roots

Join

In-person friendship/mentorship from faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.

Check out

Jen Wilkin Parenting Classes

Family discipleship resources from The Village Church

Hands

Habits (to start/continue)

Read Bible stories out loud from the The Gospel Story Bible. Listen to worship songs, Seeds Family Worship.

Celebration (of a child’s accomplishments): Celebrate smiles, new faces, and new sleep patterns! Verbally recognize when new growth happens in your little. If your newborn has older siblings this is a great place to point out to the sibling(s) what new and exciting achievements your baby has made. You can celebrate by ordering in, going out to eat, or anything that is special for your family. The point is to recognize small moments are meaningful moments.

Milestones (marks of developmental transition): participate in Sojourn Midtown’s Child Dedication service.

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