Parents, there’s a difference between creating an anti-abortion culture and a culture of life in your home.
Talking about the evils of Planned Parenthood won’t create a pro-life family. Neither will a worldview course, reading the Bible, reciting Psalm 139 every night, or marching for life at the drop of a hat.
At the end of the day, what makes the difference is their experience in your home. And that will be defined by the culture you create.
The right way to influence your children
Research has shown two factors determine whether your kids will inherit your beliefs…
First, they have to know what you believe. Second, they have to feel emotionally connected to and supported by you.
That’s right—just talking about the goodness of the pro-life cause and bringing up politics won’t do them any good. Your relationship, how you celebrate and support them, and the culture you create will dictate whether they share your pro-life convictions.
Create a culture of care, celebration, and support; your kids will take your beliefs seriously. It sounds simple, but you know it’s far from easy if you’re a parent.
Christians struggle to celebrate life, too
Let’s be clear—the Enemy hates life. When the Devil tempted Eve to sin, what did he bring into the world? Death. God wants us to choose life. The Enemy is constantly and masterful, baiting you into choosing the opposite. He knows the good you’re capable of, and he hates it.
So it is no wonder that choosing life in a fallen world is a daily struggle. It’s all too easy to fall into patterns of not affirming life in your heart. And that will eventually spill over into your relationship with your kids.
Do you tell them all the ways you’re proud of them?
Are you able to enjoy their company and laugh with them?
Do they suspect they’re a burden, duty, or obligation?
But here’s the good news—you don’t have to be that kind of parent! You can build a powerful, life-giving pro-life family.
What a pro-life family looks like
Creating a culture of life is much simpler than many think. All it takes is a little mindfulness and consistency.
1. Thank God for your child every day.
Whether during your devotional time, in the car, or in unnecessary Zoom meetings, regularly praise God for blessing you with children.
Be specific! What are ways that your kids are crushing it? What are qualities you see developing in them that you admire? What’s something they’ve done recently that made you proud? When was the last they made you laugh? Praise God for these everyday ways he’s blessed you through your child!
2. Encourage your child daily.
After a few days of thanking God for your child, you’ll have a laundry list of specific qualities and behaviors worthy of encouraging in your child.
Knowing why your child is awesome is one thing. Most parents are fully aware of why their child is a rockstar. But making a habit of praising your child? It can all too easily slip under our radar as parents.
That’s why it’s best to start small—try saying “I love you” at least once daily if you aren’t already.
Next, try praising your child when they do something noble or good, anything that you want them to keep doing. Remember—kids will do things to gain your attention. It’s far better that they get it by doing good than by making a scene!
3. Listen to your kids when they share hardship.
When kids are little, they basically have two emotions—everything’s awesome, and HOLY MOLY, THIS IS THE END OF THE WORLD.
How you respond to those crises can define your family’s culture. Come alongside your child. Start a conversation as best you can. Ask them what they’re feeling. Empathize without compromising the boundaries you’ve established to protect them. Give them a hug. You might be surprised by the difference just asking “What’s going on?” can make.
4. Tend to your own emotional well-being.
If you’re struggling to relate to your child or find yourself snapping when you shouldn’t, it might be time for some personal heart care.
That could be as simple as a weekend getaway with your spouse. But almost every parent has deeper wounds that need healing.
Uncovering those wounds and mourning the stories behind them can transform your relationship with yourself and, by extension, everyone around you. Once you begin your healing journey, you might be surprised by the emotional bandwidth that opens up to love your children.
The heart of a pro-life family
Raising children who celebrate life requires more than just imparting belief—you embody those beliefs through consistent actions and genuine connections.
This isn’t a guarantee that you’ll raise a pro-life child. Is it your best bet? Sure. But as a parent, you know that there’s only so much a person can do for their child.
While external forces and opposing ideas may sway and shake them, your unwavering support and celebration of life will make the most lasting impact. Even if they wander, they will always know the heart of your home—that you and your family love and cherish them, no matter what. And that means they’ll always have somewhere to return with loving parents eager to welcome them back.
