Each month, at our church, we ask the students in our Student Ministry one question about their relationship with their parents or their family as a whole, hoping to provide some insight to the parents that can help strengthen their connection with their kids. This month we asked,
What’s one thing you wish your parents did more often?
Here’s a sampling of what the kids in student ministry shared:
- I wish my parents listened more instead of interrupting with solutions or comments.
- I wish we spent more time together as a family, like playing games or watching movies.
- I wish they told me they were proud of me.
- I wish my parents and I had more one-on-one time, just me and my mom or dad.
- I wish they spent more time with me to pray and read the Bible.
As we looked through all the responses, we noticed some clear themes.
Here’s what really matters to our kids…
They need more quality time – Whether it’s a family movie night, a game, or just some undivided attention, kids really want more time with their parents.
They need to feel heard – Sometimes, they just need someone to listen—without immediately jumping in with solutions or corrections.
They need encouragement and appreciation – A simple, heartfelt, “I’m proud of you,” can mean the world. They want to know that their parents see their efforts and value them.
They need shared faith time – Praying together, reading the Bible, or just having open conversations about faith helps them feel grounded and connected.
They need more understanding and empathy – Teens are navigating a lot, and a little extra patience and understanding from their parents goes a long way!
5 Easy Ways to Build Connection
Based on what we heard in our students’ responses, here are a few simple but intentional ways to start building that deeper connection:
- Set aside one-on-one time – Even 15-20 minutes with just one kid, distraction-free, can mean a lot.
- Practice “just listening” – Try to hear them out without rushing to fix or judge; sometimes, they just need to feel heard.
- Show your support – A quick “I’m proud of you” or some recognition for their efforts can make their day.
- Share faith moments – Spend a few minutes reading the Bible, praying, or talking about faith together. They want that!
- Invite their perspective – When setting rules or discussing important topics, try asking for their thoughts, too. It helps them feel valued and understood.
Be Encouraged
Remember, even the smallest efforts to connect can make a big impact. Parenting is a journey, and every step matters. Keep pressing in and know that you’re making a beautiful difference in their life!
