If you’ve ever felt the pressure to “set your kids up for success,” you’re not alone. Most of us want the same thing: for our kids to grow up confident, capable, kind, and with a faith that’s real and lasting.
But let’s be honest—it’s easy to feel like we’re already behind.
Success for our kids doesn’t have to be built on a perfectly planned spreadsheet or an all-organic, screen-free childhood (whew). Often, it’s shaped in the ordinary moments—conversations around the table, tears after tough days, bedtime prayers whispered when we’re too tired to finish sentences.
So let’s take a breath together. Here are three simple, doable ways we can start building that foundation today—not just for their “future success,” but for a life rooted in wisdom, joy, and faith.
1. Think Long-Term, But Start Small
It’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking about high school diplomas, university tuition, and scholarships—but let’s zoom in a little.
What kind of learners do we hope our kids become?
Curious? Hardworking? Humble?
One of the best gifts we can give them is a love of learning and growing, and that starts way before formal schooling.
We’ve found that everyday rhythms—like reading together, asking curious questions at dinner, or wondering aloud about how God made something—plant seeds that grow over time. Yes, saving for their education is wise (and by setting up a registered education savings account and taking similar steps, this is easier than you might think) , but so is investing in their minds and hearts each day in small, intentional ways.
2. Let Life Be the Classroom
Some of our best conversations as a family have come in the car after a hard day, in the grocery store when something goes sideways, or when one kid blurts out a brutally honest question about fairness or failure. Life throws so many learning opportunities our way, and if we’re paying attention, we can use them to build character, compassion, and even faith.
Talking to our kids about various everyday instances can be a great way of doing this. This is especially helpful if they make a mistake with something. Teaching them properly can help them avoid letting it happen again.
We can ask our kids, “What do you think Jesus would do in that situation?” or “How do you think that made them feel?” Not as a lecture, but as a way to invite them into reflection and growth.
These real-world discipleship moments don’t have to be scripted—they just need us to be present.
3. Live What You Want Them to Learn
This one’s hard, isn’t it? We all have messy moments. (Plenty, if you’re anything like me.) But our kids are watching more than they’re listening, and they’re learning what matters most from how we live, not just what we say. One of the best things you can do is to lead by example.
Want them to be kind? Show kindness when you’re frustrated. Want them to trust God? Let them see you pray when you’re unsure. Want them to be generous? Let them watch you give even when it stretches you. When we model what we hope they’ll become—even imperfectly—we’re giving them something real to follow.
We won’t get this perfect. None of us do. But every small step we take—every conversation, every prayer, every time we apologize and try again—is part of the story God is writing in our families.
We’re not just raising kids who will succeed in the world’s eyes—we’re nurturing disciples, day by day. And we get to do that together.
🌱 Growing with you,
Christie
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