Overview
Child/Parent Dedication adds a meaningful layer, illustrating the commitment of parents to instill faith while recognizing that each child's spiritual journey is unique. It’s a reminder that parenting is not just about immediate needs but also about nurturing a long-term relationship with God and community. Overall, the focus on trust and intimacy in both parent-child and parent-God relationships underscores the foundational role these early years play in a child's development.
Nursery: 0-1
Podcast:
Development Stage:
Congratulations, your family has been blessed with a new baby and now you are preparing to nurture and attend your new baby the best you can. During this stage your child is going to need you the most. There will be many restless nights, but it will all be worth it in the end.
This stage also gives you the opportunity to go through child/parent dedication. Dedicating your child to the Lord in front of your local church is a way to formally commit to raise your child in a Christ-centered home, to disciple them as they continue to grow physically and spiritually. It is also a great opportunity for your church to commit to walk alongside you as you point your child toward Christ.
Expectations:
Expectations for parents of a 0-to-1-year-old can vary widely, but here are some common ones:
- “I Need You Now”: Nobody sleeps, everybody smells, and a baby convinces you, “I need you now.”
- Dedication Service: Work with your spouse, family, and pastor to plan a time to follow through with child/parent dedication.
- Feeding and Nutrition: Understanding the baby’s feeding schedule, whether breastfeeding, formula feeding, or introducing solids around six months.
- Sleep Patterns: Expecting frequent nighttime awakenings and learning to establish a sleep routine.
- Developmental Milestones: Keeping track of milestones like rolling over, sitting up, and crawling; being aware of the importance of play and interaction for development.
- Health and Wellness: Maintaining regular pediatrician visits for vaccinations and check-ups, as well as being attentive to signs of illness.
- Emotional Support: Providing a nurturing environment that fosters emotional bonding and security.
- Self-Care: Recognizing the importance of taking care of oneself, both physically and mentally, amidst the demands of parenting.
- Flexibility: Being prepared for plans to change and adapting to the unpredictable nature of a baby’s needs.
- Learning and Research: Educating themselves on parenting techniques and child development to make informed decisions.
- Support Systems: Building a support network of family, friends, or parenting groups for advice and companionship.
- Time Management: Balancing responsibilities and finding time for self-care and relationship maintenance.
Leaders:
- Kevin and Hannah Bishop
Resources:
- You Are: Speaking God’s Word over Your Children by Emily Assell
- Focus on the Family Complete Guide to Baby and Child Care by Paul Weisser
Nursery: 1-2
Podcast:
Development Stage:
This is the stage in your child’s life where they begin to try to do everything themselves. Your focus during this stage of life is to do your best to build trust and intimacy with your child. This will help with building trust and intimacy with God.
Expectations:
When parenting a 1-2 year old, expectations can vary, but here are some common ones:
- Messy Phase: Nobody’s on time, everything is a mess, and your child will insist, “I can do it.”
- Building Blocks: There will be plenty of opportunities to build trust and intimacy with your child and God.
- Spiritual Rhythms: Reinforce biblical truth through speaking prayers and blessing over your child. Begin teaching your child to pray.
- Developmental Milestones: Expect rapid development in motor skills, language, and social interaction. Your child might start walking, climbing, and saying simple words.
- Routine and Consistency: Establishing a daily routine can help provide structure. This includes regular meal times, naps, and bedtime.
- Independence: Toddlers often want to assert their independence, which can lead to some challenging behaviors. Encouraging self-feeding and simple tasks can help.
- Exploration and Curiosity: Expect a lot of curiosity! Toddlers love to explore their environment, which can lead to both learning and some messes.
- Emotional Changes: Tantrums are common as toddlers learn to express their emotions. Patience and understanding are key during these times.
- Socialization: Opportunities for social interaction, whether through playdates or classes, are important for developing social skills. Include your child in activities and outings.
- Communication: While verbal skills are developing, expect a mix of gestures and words. Encourage communication by talking, reading, and singing together.
- Health and Nutrition: Focus on providing a balanced diet and maintaining regular pediatric check-ups. This is crucial for growth and development.
- Safety: As children become more mobile, ensuring a safe environment is vital. Childproofing your home can help prevent accidents.
- Self-Care for Parents: Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Parenting can be exhausting, so make time for rest and support.
Leaders:
- Carol Reid
Resources:
- Tonight: A Book of God’s Bedtime Promises by Emily Assell
- Chosen: Claiming Your Kingdom Purpose by Emily Assell