How to Equip Parents for a Faith-Filled Summer at Home
As ministry leaders, we know the end of the school year brings a mix of chaos and celebration. The regular rhythms of life -- school drop-offs, homework, midweek programs -- are replaced with pool days, road trips, camps, and more relaxed routines. But that shift in structure doesn't have to mean a pause in discipleship. In fact, summer offers an incredible opportunity to empower families to deepen their faith connection.
Our role in children's ministry isn't to carry the full weight of discipleship -- it's to come alongside parents, equipping them as the primary faith leaders in their kids' lives. Summer might feel unpredictable, but with a little creativity, we can help families make faith part of their everyday moments.
Here are a few easy, impactful tools you can offer families this summer:
Prayer Prompt Cards for Daily Moments
Even in the summer, there are built-in touchpoint: breakfast, bedtime, family meals. Families can use simple prayer prompts during these times. These cards can guide parents and kids in praying with and for each other. For parents who are unsure how to teach their children to pray, prompts build confidence. For kids, it's a chance to learn that prayer is a two-way conversation with God -- not just a list of wants.
Family Faith Challenges or Summer Bucket Lists
Help families put their faith into action with a list of fun or meaningful activities. Some examples could include:
Serve together at a food pantry
Bake cookies for your neighbors
Write thank-you notes to church staff
Clean a sibling's room as an act of kindness
Whether it's a checklist on the fridge or a pack of challenge cards, this idea gets families thinking about faith as something lived out, not just learned about.
Memory Verse Cards
Scripture memory doesn't have to stop when kids leave the church building on Sunday afternoon. Most curriculums include memory verses--send those home weekly or monthly. Add a fun incentive: if kids recite the verse of the week on Sunday, they earn a small reward, like a piece of candy or a sticker. This builds consistency and reminds families that God's Word is worth hiding in our hearts all year long.
At-Home Activity Packs
You probably don't use every activity from your curriculum--so why not send a few extra suggestions home with families? Whether it's a craft, a game, or a family discussion guide, these activities give parents a springboard for talking about faith and tying it into what their child is learning at church on Sunday. Many of these activities can be done with items they already have at home, making them accessible and stress-free.
Worship Playlists
Create a Spotify or YouTube playlist of songs your kids are already singing during your Sunday gatherings. Families can play them in the car, at home, or during chores. Families might be surprised at how quickly their preschooler leads their siblings in worship in the backseat of the minivan! Music sticks--and when it's Scripture-based or worshipful, it sinks deeper. This is a great way to keep Jesus at the forefronts of their minds in the most mundane of tasks during the week!
Sunday Recap Conversation Starters
Parents want to talk to their kids about church--but many aren't sure how. Make it easy by providing a short Sunday recap:
the Bible story
a few discussion questions
the memory verse
a challenge to re-read the story together at bedtime
a sample prayer based on the lesson
This equips parents for meaningful mealtime conversations and helps kids retain what they've learned by explaining it in their own words.
Remember, it's not about perfection! Parents can use any of these options for their kiddos. Feel free to use these suggestions or create some resources of your own!
Bonus: Free Resource to Share Looking for a ready-to-use tool? Download the free prayer prompt cards for families! You can share them digitally or print them to hand out in person. They're an easy way to help families stay connected to God--and each other--this summer.
Ministry Leaders, Here's your Challenge:
How are you equipping parents this summer?
Whether it's a resource you're creating or a new idea you're trying, I'd love to hear it! Drop a comment below or your ideas in our KidsMin Collective Facebook Group so we can encourage and equip one another!
Let's make this a faith-filled summer--for the kids in our ministries and the families we are blessed and honored to serve.
