7 Ways to Start Preparing Your Child for College 

Our children need to know who God says they are:

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”- Psalm 139:14
“ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” -Colossians 3:23

They are here on purpose and loved for who they are. They are never alone and are always forgiven in Christ Jesus. Here are 5 simple ways to sew truth into your children at any age:

-Daily Quiet Time. 

There are books, podcasts, and probably TikTok channels with age-appropriate devotionals for kids. Pick one and start a nightly devotional routine. Children love one-on-one time. Over time, they begin to realize that it’s not only time with us they are craving, but with Jesus. Life is hard and full of challenges, but it's also laced with joy and blessing. Quiet time can become a part of who they are and what they know as normal. A tool that they will take with them when they go. 

-Church Family

Be an active part of the local church. We belong to our present church because of the immediate impact the kids’ ministry had on their lives. The truth that has been sewn into their hearts in that ministry is something they now do as volunteers. 

Encourage them to find a place to serve at church. Serving others teaches them about how God created their hearts. When we are serving others, it flips that sinful, selfish switch we’re all born with and allows us to walk in freedom with God as we find our place in his kingdom on earth. 

Connect them with a youth group. Youth groups foster their faith and allow them to learn how to be witnesses for Christ at their schools, jobs, and on their sports teams. Finding people who will echo the same truths to our children is important. 

-Bible Study

Connect them to a small group/Bible study. I started a Bible study for my oldest daughter and some of the girls her age when they were in 4^th or 5^th grade - we called it “Breakfast Club,” after my favorite 90’s movie which they had no reference to, and the fact we met on Saturdays, made breakfast and talked about Jesus. Small group Bible study creates a safe place for kids to grow, ask questions, serve others, share wins, and shed some tears. Small groups take effort and prioritization, but it's worth it.

-Jesus Cards

"Jesus cards," are little cards with scriptures on them. I started sending them in my daughters’ lunch boxes …and they asked for more …so they could share them. In middle school, the “Breakfast Club” put them all over the school and gave them to teachers. Little do they know the eternal impact they probably made, but I hope my daughters and their friends find those cards shoved everywhere as they go off to live the next stage of their lives. Try it! It's a great way to teach kids how timely God's Word is, and how He always knows exactly what they need to hear.

-Decorate with It. 

Put scripture where kids will see it, often. When we built our current home, we went around with friends and Sharpies and wrote scripture all over the framework. When it was finished, I chose pieces to decorate with that have Scripture on them and placed them front and center, in places we will look at them often. Intentionally place truth where your kids can see it. Many days, I need the reminder, too.

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Thai Noipho