One of the reasons we recently moved to Florida was to be closer to our extended family. I grew up far away from my grandparents and wanted something different for my own children.
My family shares the same faith and while we might disagree on small doctrinal issues it isn’t something that causes tension in our relationship.
It is important to me that my children see others (especially family members) walking out their faith. For me it is beneficial to see others live out their faith in a practical way.
I love that my dad will read my kids a bible story before bed or my sister will talk about Jesus with my kids in regular conversation. My kids have seen me challenged by their aunt to read the Bible in 90 days, and the changes that ensued. My brother will lead the families in prayer before a meal it is just something integrated in our lives and impacts most of what we do.
I realize that I am fortunate that my family all shares the same basic Christian faith. I know in many families religion can divide and cause pain and separation which children do not always understand. While no one in my family is perfect I’m thankful my kids have many role models to look to when learning more about our faith.
I know that if they have a question about something not only can they ask me or their dad, they also have a slew of aunts, uncles, and grandparents to ask!
How does extended family affect the faith of your children?
Read more about how extended family affects the faith of our children on the following blogs.
- Mom’s Toolbox – Extended Family and the Faith of our Children
- Amy’s Finer Things – The Role of Godparents
- Owlhaven – Amazing Grace: From Generation to Generation?
- Kitchen Stewardship – The Vital Importance of Godparents
- Parenting Miracles – A Family Resemblance Beyond Blue Eyes
- Smockity Frocks – How Extended Family Nurtures the Faith of Our Children
- Beauty and Bedlam – Extended Family Relationships
Amanda says
Boy, is this a subject I could go on and on about. How I wish I had a story like yours. How I wish we had extended family on both sides to uplift and encourage our children. Unfortunately, we have went through some deep trials with extended family that has forced us to put up boundaries to protect our children. It’s hard as a Christian to know where those boundaries are. On one hand it’s important to extend the love of Jesus, on the other hand it is NOT okay to allow yourself to be emotionally and verbally abused over and over, and our kids need us to be strong enough to make those hard decisions to protect them. Even the news of a pregnancy in our home is not something that is celebrated from extended members, but looked upon as a horrible thing. It’s truly heartbreaking.
You are truly blessed to have such love in your life.
dgsandbjsmom says
Right now at our church my Dad is the pastor, my Mom works with the kids, my husband leads the music, I play the piano, my Aunt and Uncle and extended family have large family prayers at every gathering.
teresa says
Thank you for writing this post.
I grew up as a child of confusion. Raised Catholic, parents now Buddhist, uncle orthodox Jewish, Aunts are Jehovah’s Witness (grandma too) and Pentacostal, Grandpa was Baptist, … shall I go on?…no.
It was confusing and hurtful as slowly what turned out to be great times during the holidays and family events to No family events by the time I was 11-12 years old / or shared holidays other than with my father’s Catholic family until my grandmother passed and I was 16 years old. Now 48 years old and with 5 children combined (mine, his, our princess)… we try very hard to keep the family in touch and together, not an easy task. We are Christian, and although very diligent in our faith and path with Christ… I, especially do not discuss faith with my family – it always leads to difficult ugly times.
I, However, Lead by example and hope that my extended non Christian family sees me as someone they respect and admire, in hopes that they will one day wish to have my same faith in God… but it is a personal decision and I choose to pray for all of them.
You are so fortunate to have the life and love in your lives as you do…
My heart admires your blessings ?