PARENTING

Children are an inheritance from the Lord.

“Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”
PSALM 127:3-5

Arrows are such an apt metaphor for children. To be a warrior with a quiver full of arrows and a strong bow in an era of ancient warfare was a formidable position. However, those arrows can get bent, miss the mark, and even cut you if you are not careful. One day parenting can feel like you are celebrating a great victory on the battlefield and the next day you are running for the hills with your weaponry lying scattered on the ground.

Parenting is a joyous, arduous adventure and we at Oakwood don’t want you to do it alone. We want to do all we can to help you become biblically equipped parents who stay in the fight so we can all celebrate a great victory together some day down the road.

Equipping Studies

A couple times a year we will offer short-term biblically based parenting studies to give you guidance and practical tools to raise your children and lead your family. These classes typically take place at 6:00pm on Sunday nights in Room 106. Space is limited so don’t wait too long to sign up. See below for the upcoming classes.

Grandparenting Matters Class

Helps you as a grandparent have a greater spiritual impact on your family. This is a 6-week study.
Meets Sunday nights beginning October 4th at 6:00pm-7:30pm
Location: Room AE 106
Cost is $10 per couple.
Registration deadline is Sept. 28th. Register below. Spots are limited.

Training Events

From time to time, we will offer seminars with guest speakers or training conferences that take place in the evening or over the weekend. These are chances to hear from subject matter experts who address targeted areas of challenge that parents are experiencing. See below to register for the upcoming event.

Shepherding the Heart of Your Athlete - Parenting Seminar

A parenting seminar to help you identify and use your child's sports personality to develop faith and character through competition.
Event Location: The Chapel
Event Cost: $5
Registration Deadline: Aug. 24

Parenting Resources

There are a lot of great (and some not-so great) parenting resources on the market. We have curated a few great resources below.

Big Picture Parenting:

Raising Passionate Jesus Followers – Phil & Diane Comer
Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family – Paul David Tripp
Parenting: Getting it Right – Andy & Sandra Stanley
Wait Until 8^th – A parents technology guide & pledge

Podcasts:

Starting Off:

Preparation for Parenting – Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo
Growing Kid’s God’s Way – Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo
Habits of the Household – Justin Whitmel Earley

Boys Only:

Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys – Cara Natterson
Raising Emotionally Strong Boys – David Thomas
The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide To Raise Sons of Courage and Character – Jon Tyson

Girls Only:

The Caring and Keeping of You 1: The Body Book for Younger Girls – Valorie Schaefer
The Caring and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls – Cara Natterson

Preteens:

The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality – Luke Gilkerson
Changes: 7 Biblical Lessons to Make Sense of Puberty – Luke & Trisha Gilkerson
The Tech-Wise Family – Andy Crouch

Teenagers:

Relationships: 11 Lessons to Give Kids a Greater Understanding of Biblical Sexuality – Luke & Trisha Gilkerson