Parenting is the most challenging job you’ll ever do. How do you nurture, guide, and protect your children while helping them grow into kind, responsible, and faithful individuals? Unfortunately, there is no single guidebook. Many authors have tried, from Dr. Spock to “What to Expect,” but none can speak to your unique challenges. However, there is one book that offers timeless insights to help parents manage the stress and uncertainty of “doing it right.”
The Bible is often overlooked as a source of parental guidance. God’s Word is filled with lessons on love, discipline, patience, and the importance of leading our children in faith. Whether you are a new parent or have been wrangling your brood for years, we hope you find the following Bible scripture on parenting helpful and worth returning to.
Bible Verses for New Parents
For those just starting their parenting journey, the Bible provides reassurance, encouragement, and wisdom during the early years. Here are some starting points to anchor your relationship:
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
New parents can easily feel overwhelmed, but this verse reminds us that children are a blessing and a divine gift. Even on sleepless nights, God entrusts us with the precious role of raising our little ones.
Parenting takeaway: The years go quickly. Cherish each moment, even in the difficult seasons.
Isaiah 40:11
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”
Isaiah 40 promises hope and comfort for the Israelites facing exile. It describes God as a shepherd who cares for His people by showing tenderness, protection, and guidance. This mirrors how parents care for and nurture their children and reassures new parents that God understands the exhaustion and weight of responsibility.
Parenting takeaway: Trust God to lead you with patience, wisdom, and strength as you nurture your child.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
This passage comes after Moses delivers the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), one of the most important prayers in Judaism. It emphasizes loving and obeying God wholeheartedly and passing this faith to the next generation through everyday conversations. Parents can integrate God’s truth into daily life and be a continuous source of guidance.
Parenting takeaway: Kids learn from our words and actions every moment, whether you think they’re paying attention or not.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Paul wrote this letter to the Philippian church while in prison, yet it is one of his most joyful and encouraging writings. New parents who worry about doing things right can take comfort in this reminder to bring their anxieties to God instead of venting them in unhealthy ways.
Parenting takeaway: When you feel overwhelmed, pray rather than allow fear to guide your actions.
2 Timothy 3:15
“And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Paul writes to Timothy, his spiritual son, reminding him that his mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois) taught him Scripture from infancy. This shows the power of instilling faith at a young age. The spiritual lessons you teach your kids early on have a lasting impact.
Parenting takeaway: Even babies can absorb songs of praise, Bible stories, and loving prayer.
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
This verse emphasizes parents’ role in forming spiritual beliefs and values early on. When we instill godly principles in our children at a young age, they will carry those lessons into adulthood.
Parenting takeaway: Imagine the adult you want your child to become and invest in their spiritual growth through teaching, example, and prayer.
Scripture for Parents at All Stages
Children test even the most seasoned parents. No matter how old your child is, these verses can provide peace and guidance when parenting becomes difficult:
Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
The Roman world often practiced harsh discipline, but Paul introduced a new model of loving guidance. In his letter to the Ephesian church, he instructs parents to raise children with both discipline and encouragement to reflect God’s grace.
Parenting takeaway: Correct with love and nurture your kids in a way that fosters growth, not resentment.
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
This verse contrasts the strict parenting of the ancient world with Christ-centered encouragement. Children thrive in an environment of encouragement and love, but harsh criticism can break their spirit. Learn how to temper anger and disappointment and turn them into teaching moments.
Parenting takeaway: Encourage, affirm, and correct in a way that builds up rather than tears down.
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
James writes to believers facing trials and encourages them to exercise self-control and patience. Parenting requires these same qualities. When you listen and have patience, especially with teenagers, your kids will feel validated and more likely to open up.
Parenting takeaway: Foster open communication and patience so your children feel heard and valued.
3 John 1:4
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
John, writing to his spiritual children, reflects the ultimate desire of every Christian parent—to see their children live for God. There is no greater reward than seeing your children live an intentional life guided by clear morals and a kind heart.
Parenting takeaway: Raising children in faith and seeing them thrive is worth the long nights, dirty diapers, and disagreements.
Deuteronomy 4:9
“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”
This verse comes from Moses’ speech to the Israelites before entering the Promised Land. He reminds them to remember God’s faithfulness and laws so that future generations remain rooted in God’s truth. Applied to parenting: the lessons we teach our children also lay the foundation for future generations.
Parenting takeaway: Faith and learning are not just personal but generational.
Resources for Parents
Because parenting is such hard work, all parents need their own support systems. Here are a few recommendations of where to start:
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS)
LSS provides support groups, educational opportunities, and outreach programs to help parents develop practical communication skills and address their children’s needs. Their services include home visiting programs and counseling to stabilize families.
NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
NAMI Minnesota offers support groups specifically designed for parents of children with mental health challenges. These groups provide a space to share experiences, learn coping skills, and discover resources to meet the challenges of raising a child with a mental illness.
Family Voices of Minnesota
This non-profit organization provides support and information for families raising children with disabilities and special health needs. They offer one-on-one parent support, parent groups, educational webinars, and resources to help families navigate healthcare and other services.
Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Programs
Through various school district programs in the Twin Cities, ECFE provides classes and resources for parents and their young children to learn and grow together. Programs focus on child development, parenting techniques, and family well-being.
Amma Parenting Center
Amma Parenting Center offers classes and support for expectant and new parents, including childbirth education, newborn care, and breastfeeding support. Their goal is to empower parents with knowledge and confidence.
Youth Service Bureau (YSB) – Woodbury Branch
YSB provides youth and family services, including emotional and mental health support, chemical health counseling, family education, and diversion programs. Their mission is to help youth and families learn the skills they need to succeed at home, in school, and throughout the community.
The Church’s Role In Raising Children
King of Kings church plays an important role for parents. It provides a strong, welcoming community that supports your children through all stages of their lives, including:
In addition to the many programs targeting child development, King of Kings offers several adult groups that support parents through Bible study, community engagement, and other activities. If you and your family are looking for a place to learn and grow, please join us for Sunday worship. We’d love to meet you!