50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home

Description

In 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home, Dr. Josh and Jen Mulvihill help parents put a biblical plan into action to raise children to maturity in Christ. A clear and simple guide, this book will help you holistically disciple your child to godly adulthood. It’s also designed to become a treasured keepsake—a place where you can capture milestones and memories associated with each of the fifty areas and give it to your child when he or she is older.

Establish a plan and be proactive for each season of your parenting journey in the following areas of your child’s life: firm foundations, Christlike character development, biblical beliefs and worldview, spiritual growth, life skills, relational skills, work and money management, home management, personal care, and educational essentials.

This book will help you:

• Capture a vision for parenting
• Write a family mission statement
• Develop a discipleship plan for your child
• Record milestones and memories
• Create a keepsake to give as a special gift
• Schedule a DIY parenting retreat
• Raise your child to be a godly, mature adult

Imagine a builder having no plan to construct a home. What would it be like if he tried to build a house without a blueprint? Inevitably, there would be problems. Yet many parents attempt to raise children without a blueprint. Just as a builder needs a blueprint, parents need a good parenting plan. Part of having a plan is understanding the target we are aiming for and having a step-by-step vision to discipleship our children spiritually, relationally, emotionally, financially, and physically. Learn how in 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home.

Table of Contents

A Note to Your Child from Josh and Jen

Introduction

Section 1

1. A Huge Responsibility
2. The Need for a Parenting Plan
3. What is Parenting Success?
4. Begin with the End in Mind
5. Children Are Like Arrows
6. Taking Baby Steps

Section 2

7. Firm Foundation

* Obeys parents and respects God-ordained authority * Knows and understands the Gospel * Owns a Bible and is familiar with it * Trained to worship God through family worship * Baptized as a public expression of faith

8. Christlike Character Development

*Taught the Fruit of the Spirit * Trained to serve others * Taught to understand suffering * Learned personal responsibility * Gives and receives forgiveness freely

9. Biblical Beliefs and Worldview

* Taught core doctrines of Scripture * Knows the why of beliefs and can defend faith * Developed a biblical worldview * Developed a biblical view of manhood and womanhood * Developed a basic understanding of church history

10. Spiritual Growth

* Knows how to study the Bible and have daily devotions * Knows how to pray

* Knows the great hymns of the faith * Memorized key Bible verses * Participates in weekly corporate worship

11. Life Skills

* Knows how to care for a pet * Understands how to navigate the internet and social media * Knows how to communicate well. * Developed an appreciation for nature * Knows how to responsibly drive and maintain a car

12. Relational Skills

* Confident in making introductions * Learned how to develop and maintain friendships * Knows phone, text, and email etiquette * Knows why and whom to date * Prepared for marriage and sex

13. Work and Money Management

* Taught a strong work ethic * Developed a biblical view of money * Knows how to create a budget and manage money * Understands the danger of debt * Knows how to manage time wisely

14. Home Management

* Knows how to cook simple meals * Knows how to clean the house and do laundry         * Knows how to use common tools and has basic sewing skills * Confident as a host or guest * Knows how to care for the lawn, garden, and outdoors

15. Personal Care

* Taught manners and knows common etiquette * Taught personal hygiene and maintains a good appearance * Knows how to respond in an emergency * Understands nutrition and maintains a healthy diet * Knows how to dress appropriately

16. Educational Essentials

* Taught to read and be a lover of great books * Appreciates music and has musical opportunities * Proficient at basic math * Encouraged to explore artistic opportunities * Learned how to write well

Section 3

17. A Do-It-Yourself Parenting Retreat

Additional Milestones and Memories

Conclusion