How Your Relationship with Christ Shapes Your Parenting

Parenting Isn’t About a Perfect Plan—It’s About a Powerful Relationship

If you’ve ever asked yourself,
“How do I become a better parent?”
You’re not alone.

But maybe, like me, you’ve realized that it’s not about doing more... it’s about being more connected.
Not to the next strategy or book. But to Jesus.

Watch on YouTube or listen on Raising Faithful Families podcast.

Because your parenting will always flow from the relationship you have with Christ. And when that relationship is active, intentional, and grace-filled—everything changes.

Let’s talk about why this matters, how to spot the difference between parenting from religion versus relationship, and how to practically bring your faith into your everyday parenting.

Religion vs. Relationship: What’s the Difference?

Many of us grew up with a well-meaning version of Christian parenting that leaned heavily on rules, performance, and behavior.

We heard things like:

• “Be good so God is proud of you.”

• “You better behave or you’ll disappoint Him.”

• “You need to be better. The Bible says you must obey.”

That kind of parenting—while often done with good intentions—can lead to pressure, shame, and a constant fear of messing up. It’s parenting from religion.

But parenting from relationship with Jesus? That changes everything.

It says:

• “You are loved—no matter what.”

• “God’s grace covers us both.”

• “Let’s grow through this together.”

When you know God personally, when you trust His character and walk closely with Him, it softens your heart. It humbles you. And it reshapes the way you see your child.

Instead of demanding perfection, you begin to reflect the same compassion and patience that God shows you daily.

Your Parenting Is a Spiritual Overflow

Jesus tells us in John 15:5:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.”

That fruit?

• Love

• Joy

• Peace

• Patience

• Kindness

• Goodness

• Faithfulness

• Gentleness

• Self-control
  (see Galatians 5:22–23)

All things we desperately want in our parenting.

But they aren’t things you can force. They grow from your connection to Him.
You don’t need to strive for perfect behavior—you need to stay rooted in Christ.

What Your Kids Learn By Watching You

Here’s the truth:
Your children learn more about God from how you live than what you say.

Yes, teach them scripture.
Yes, go to church.
But what really sticks is:

• How you respond when they push your buttons

• Whether you admit your own mistakes

• If your faith is real when no one’s looking

It’s not about performance. It’s about presence.

When you walk in grace, humility, and peace—you’re giving your child a living picture of who Jesus is. And that sticks more than any memory verse ever could.

Stop Searching for a Script. Start Seeking the Source.

Instead of constantly asking:

• “What’s the right way to discipline here?”

• “What do I say when they’re emotional?”

• “How do I make this moment matter?”

Start asking:

• “Jesus, how can I reflect You right now?”

• “Holy Spirit, guide my tone and my timing.”

• “Father, remind me that my worth as a parent isn’t in perfection—but in You.”

Parenting isn’t a performance. It’s a daily walk of dependence.
And the more we seek His presence, the more we parent in peace.

Practical Ways to Parent from Relationship with Christ

Here are a few things that help me stay anchored in Him while navigating the messiness of motherhood:

✅ Pray before you respond.
Even a whispered, “Jesus, help me,” is powerful.

✅ Read the Word for YOU, not just your kids.
You can’t pour from an empty cup.

✅ Model humility.
Apologize when needed. Show your child what grace looks like in action.

✅ Create space for God in your routines.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. A worship playlist, a verse on your mirror, a morning prayer—it all matters.

✅ Ask God to help you see your child the way He does.
This perspective changes everything.

Free Resource for Parents Who Want to Lead More Calmly

If you know this is an area you want to grow in—especially in emotional regulation and leading your family with peace—I’d love to invite you to my Free 5-Day Challenge: Stop Yelling at Your Kids.

It’s helped hundreds of parents break reactive cycles and walk in God’s peace.

Inside, you’ll learn:
✔️ How to recognize and manage your triggers
✔️ How to invite God into your hardest moments
✔️ Practical tools for calm, Christ-centered parenting

👉 Join free at www.covenantcollections.com/5day

Final Encouragement

Friend, you don’t have to have it all together.

Your strength isn’t in your ability—it’s in your connection to the One who leads you.

So if today feels messy or heavy, take a breath.
Invite Jesus in.
And remember: parenting from a relationship with Christ isn’t about being the perfect parent—it’s about becoming a present one.

God’s got you.
And your relationship with Him will shape your family in the most powerful, eternal ways.

Want support from other parents walking this same journey?
Come join us in The Calm & Confident Club — a Christ-centered community filled with practical tools, grace-filled coaching, and real-life encouragement.

You are not alone 💛

Author

Katy Bordeaux is a Certified Parenting & Family Coach and the founder of both Covenant Collections and Kingdom Purpose Moms. Passionate about guiding families to thrive, Katy combines biblical wisdom with practical parenting strategies to help parents build strong, faith-filled homes. Connect with her for more resources and support on your parenting journey.

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