EMAIL 1
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Subject Line: Identity Matters: Building What Matters in Our Kids
Dear Parents,
When it comes to the things you are trying to teach your kids, what rises to the top of your mind? We know you might be in the middle of helping them learn how to tie their shoes and do their homework, or maybe you’re still in the potty-training phase. There is so much that we want them to learn and understand, and it can be exhausting. In the grand scheme of life, there may be one thing they need to embrace that has the potential to lead the way in every area of their life. That’s their identity.
So many kids are struggling to figure out their identity as they grow up. They tend to move from one identity to another depending on what season they are in, who they are around, and what is influencing them. In reality, there is only one identity that can sustain them for the long haul, and that’s an identity that is rooted in their relationship with God. If they can land on believing that they are first and foremost a child of God and learn to live from that truth, life may not always be easy, but they will be able to face whatever comes their way.
This month, we want to give you some practical tools that will help you point your children to a true identity in Christ. There are things you can do as a parent that will point them away from the worldly identities that will tempt them and lead them to rest in who they are in God’s eyes. Take a few minutes to check out our Online Parenting Class and think through what else you can do to lead your kids to a deeper understanding of who they are. This month we also have a great Parent Toolbox Resource that will give you a practical way to remind your child in a practical way who they are in Christ. You can use these 30 Lunchbox Notes to encourage your child in their journey of life and faith and reinforce their true identity.
To watch this month’s video or download the Toolbox Resource, click on the links below.
[ INSERT LINK TO ONLINE PARENTING CLASSÂ VIDEO ]
[ INSERT LINK TO TOOLBOX RESOURCE ]
Cheering you on!
[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]
EMAIL 2
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Subject Line: Identity Matters
Dear Parents,
When experts and researchers talk about what is happening in this generation, they always go back to one critical issue and conversation. Yes, things like technology and screen time are hot topics for sure, but the real issue underneath that conversation revolves around the building of identity. Our kids are being shaped and molded in so many ways, and they are struggling to figure out who they really are. Their peers, interactions at school, and so many parts of the world are pushing them to embrace lots of different identities. As followers of Jesus, we want to point them to the only identity that is worth living for and the one that will sustain them for life – an identity in Christ.
We want to help you point your children to Jesus and help them continue to build their identity as a child of God. Don’t forget that we have a great Parent Toolbox Resource this month that will give you a practical way to remind your child who they are in Christ. This month, we also want to provide you with an article titled “Who Does God Say I Am?” that will challenge you to think about how you see yourself as you seek to lead your family. If you haven’t yet watched our Online Parenting Class, we would encourage you to do so as you think through this important topic.
[ INSERT LINK TO M2P PARENTING BLOG ARTICLE ]
[ INSERT LINK TO M2P ONLINE PARENTING CLASS VIDEO ]
[ INSERT LINK TO TOOLBOX RESOURCE ]
We are in this together! Let us know if there is ever anything we can do for you or your family.
Praying for you as you lead at home,
[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]
M2P KIDS April Parent Video Script
Guiding and Shaping Our Kids’ Identity
One of the joys of parenthood is watching our kids’ individual personalities emerge. In their very early days, we see hints of who these little people will be as they begin to explore the world around them. They take in all kinds of information to help them discover who they are apart from mom and dad. As parents, we are positioned by God to take an active role in influencing our children’s identity development. We have the incredible opportunity to guide them in discovering who they truly are in the eyes of God – created in His image, filled with a purpose, and perfectly loved by Him.
We are raising our kids in a world that wants them to believe that who they are is defined by their appearance, their possessions, and their accomplishments. This has been true in previous generations; however, the increased connection to all types of media constantly pushes these messages before our kids. Additionally, we fight an even bigger battle as God’s truth about gender and sexuality is challenged. Now, more than ever, we have to be diligent in teaching our kids what God says about who they are.
In Genesis 1:27, we read this life-giving truth, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” This verse tells us that each person is uniquely created in the image of God, with inherent value and purpose – no mistakes and no confusion. Our kids need to learn that they were intentionally crafted by a loving Creator to reflect His character to the world around them.
Psalm 139 beautifully describes how intimately God knows each one of us. It says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” This reminds us that God knows every detail of our children. They are fearfully and wonderfully made, and He has a plan for their lives.
1 John 3:1 declares, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” Our identity as children of God is rooted in His unconditional love for us. This is the most important truth our kids can ever grasp – they are deeply loved by their Heavenly Father, no matter what.
So, how can we, as parents, help guide our children’s identity development in light of these truths? It starts with communication. We need to communicate consistently and often to our kids that they are safe and loved, just as they are. We can do this through our words, actions, and attitudes.
Affirm your kids by pointing out godly characteristics you see in their lives. When they demonstrate things like love, kindness, and compassion toward others, let them know. Teach them that these qualities come from the Lord to help show people what He’s like. When your children make mistakes or face challenges, reassure them that their worth isn’t based on their performance. You can remind them of God’s grace and forgiveness, reminding them that they are valued not because of what they do, but because of who they are in Christ.
You can also model healthy self-esteem and confidence that comes from Jesus by embracing your own identity as a child of God. As much as your kids are deeply loved and purposefully created by the Lord, so are you. Your worth is not tied to your appearance, job, possessions, or accomplishments. You were created by Him and for Him. When your kids see you living out your faith with authenticity and joy, it creates a powerful example for them to follow.
And finally, pray for and with your children regularly, asking God to reveal His unquestionable truth to them and to guide them as they learn who they are as part of His family. Ask Him to help them understand His abundant love as the One who knows them better than anyone else and desires for them to live fully as the unique individuals He created them to be.
Remind your children daily of God’s love and the purpose He has for their lives. Trust in His goodness and faithfulness as you intentionally walk alongside them to help lay a firm foundation of truth about who and whose they are.