I Didn’t Grow Up Learning About God. But My Kids Will

Let’s be honest: Christian parenting is no joke. It’s beautiful, powerful, and yes… a little overwhelming sometimes. I couple of months ago, I sat through a class that made me reflect a lot on my own upbringing. The topic? Children and Christian Education.

You see, I wasn’t raised in a home with Bible stories at bedtime, family prayer time, or Sunday mornings at church. My parents divorced when I was just a year old, and faith wasn’t part of our routine. I don’t remember ever seeing someone pray, read the Bible, or talk about Jesus in my house. Still, somehow, even as a little girl, I prayed when I felt scared or sad. I didn’t understand much, but I believed there was someone out there listening.

Fast forward to my teen years, my dad started going to a Baptist church close to where we were living in Brazil (Yes, I was born and raised there.) And guess what? That one move changed my whole story. I tagged along, and that’s when I discovered worship. God spoke to me through music in a way I’ll never forget (He still does!) My dad didn’t stay long at that church (or any church at all), but I did. I believe God used that season in my dad’s life just to draw me closer to Him. And I’m still here: still worshiping, still learning, still growing. One step at a time.

So, what would I have loved to experience growing up? Oh, friend… so many things. But here are three that stood out during this week’s class:

 

A Foundation Built On God's Word

If I had known the Bible as a child, I’m sure some of my choices would’ve looked different. I didn’t grow up thinking about modesty, purity, or God’s design for family. I was raised with the world’s values, not God’s, and that left a mark. But thank God for redemption. Today, I get to help my kids build a foundation I didn't had.

Discipline That Mirrors God's Heart

Discipline in my childhood home was more like punishment. And to be honest? I carried that into my own parenting, even after becoming a Christian. But God (you know I love a “but God” moment!) showed me a better way. Through His Word and the Holy Spirit’s help, I’ve learned how to lead with love, set boundaries with grace, and correct in a way that points to Jesus—not fear.

After learning this, I deeply regretted how I had repeated the same mistakes my parents made. But I didn’t just sit with that guilt. I brought it to God and asked for His forgiveness. And I also did something that many people find hard: I asked my kids for forgiveness too. Saying “I’m sorry” to them didn’t make me weak or take away my authority. On the contrary, it took courage. It was a powerful lesson in humility, and one I hope they carry into their own lives. Sometimes, the most impactful way we teach our children is by showing them that even parents mess up, and that owning our mistakes is part of walking in truth and grace.

A Healthy Fear of The Lord

I didn’t grow up understanding what it meant to fear God. And not in a scary way! I’m talking about reverence, awe, and respect. Now that I know better, I try to teach my kids that fearing God means honoring Him in every part of our lives. It’s about choosing His way, even when it’s not the easiest. Especially when it’s not the easiest.

 

Raising kids to love and follow Jesus is a big task. But guess what? We’re not alone in it. God is with us every step of the way. Whether you were raised in the faith or you’re breaking generational patterns like me, you can start today. Start small. Start with a prayer. A worship song. A bedtime Bible verse. It matters.

Here at Spark of Faith, we believe every family can become a little light that shines for Jesus. So if you’re in that messy, grace-filled parenting season too... welcome. We’re walking it together 💜

Let’s raise world-changers, one prayer at a time.

Gabby | Gabi