IT'S JUST A PHASE, SO DON'T MISS IT
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE ABOUT RAISING CHILDREN?
We believe that it takes a village to raise a child and we want to do everything we can as your church village to help and support you on your parenting journey.
IN A NUTSHELL!
Your family MATTERS to GOD and SO your family MATTERS to US.
THAT’S WHY...
We want to share some insights with you on the phases in your child's life from the book – “It’s just a phase – so don’t miss it” – by Reggie Joiner and Kirsten Ivy.
THE BIG IDEA!
A phase is a time-frame in a child’s life when you can leverage distinctive opportunities to influence their future, if you know and understand what phase they are in.
As parents you have 936 weeks between your child’s birth and graduation and we don’t want you to miss what’s happening during the critical phases of your child growing up so here are 5 helpful facts for each age group phase, to give you a glimpse into your child’s mind, heart and world.
Check out the 5 helpful facts about the phase applicable to your child by clicking the links below:
In the book 'Don't Miss It', authors Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy help parents discover that what they understand about their kids now has the potential to change their kids’ future. If parents don’t miss what’s happening during this phase of their kids’ lives, then maybe kids won’t miss some important things they need to know about life. That’s why what parents do this week matters.
If you would like to discover more about the phases your child will go through, CLICK HERE to link to their book.
We believe that it takes a village to raise a child and we want to do everything we can as your church village to help and support you on your parenting journey.
IN A NUTSHELL!
Your family MATTERS to GOD and SO your family MATTERS to US.
THAT’S WHY...
We want to share some insights with you on the phases in your child's life from the book – “It’s just a phase – so don’t miss it” – by Reggie Joiner and Kirsten Ivy.
THE BIG IDEA!
A phase is a time-frame in a child’s life when you can leverage distinctive opportunities to influence their future, if you know and understand what phase they are in.
As parents you have 936 weeks between your child’s birth and graduation and we don’t want you to miss what’s happening during the critical phases of your child growing up so here are 5 helpful facts for each age group phase, to give you a glimpse into your child’s mind, heart and world.
Check out the 5 helpful facts about the phase applicable to your child by clicking the links below:
- DID YOU KNOW AGE 1 & 2 IS THE PHASE WHEN...
- DID YOU KNOW AGE 3 & 4 IS THE PHASE WHEN ...
- DID YOU KNOW AGE 5 & 6 - 7 IS THE PHASE WHEN ...
- DID YOU KNOW AGE 8 & 9 IS THE PHASE WHEN ...
- DID YOU KNOW AGE 10 & 11 IS THE PHASE WHEN ...
- DID YOU KNOW AGE 12 IS THE PHASE WHEN ...
In the book 'Don't Miss It', authors Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy help parents discover that what they understand about their kids now has the potential to change their kids’ future. If parents don’t miss what’s happening during this phase of their kids’ lives, then maybe kids won’t miss some important things they need to know about life. That’s why what parents do this week matters.
If you would like to discover more about the phases your child will go through, CLICK HERE to link to their book.
Raising Kids in a Digital Age
We recommend that you engage with Common Sense Media which will help you, help your kids thrive in a world of media and technology!
Common Sense Media helps families make smart media choices. They offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based and educational ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites, books, and music.
Their 'Parent Concerns' and 'Parent Blog' help families understand and navigate the problems and possibilities of raising children in the digital age.
Click on the following link to check them out.
Common Sense Media helps families make smart media choices. They offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based and educational ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites, books, and music.
Their 'Parent Concerns' and 'Parent Blog' help families understand and navigate the problems and possibilities of raising children in the digital age.
Click on the following link to check them out.
What are others saying about parenting?
We know that parents want to be great parents and that it's best done in community, so we have come across some great podcasts, books and blogs that give great insight and helpful tips and tools in raising children. Click the button below for our recommendations.
What Bible should I buy for my kids?
It can be hard to decide which bible to buy for your kids at the different ages and stages of their adventure of following Jesus. So Grace Kids wants to make it easier for you. Click the button below to view our recommendations for children's bibles.
A PHASE IS A TIME FRAME IN A KID'S LIFE WHEN YOU CAN LEVERAGE DISTINCTIVE
OPPORTUNITIES TO INFLUENCE THEIR FUTURE.
OPPORTUNITIES TO INFLUENCE THEIR FUTURE.
Phase 1 - Ages 1 & 2
DID YOU KNOW?
Age 1 & 2 is the phase when...
1. Nobody’s on time.
Everything’s a mess.
And one eager toddler will insist “I CAN DO IT!”
2. The struggle for independence begins and so in the quest for independence these 3 things are true:
1. They will make mistakes,
2. They will move too slowly,
3. There will be a mess;
...but remember they are not only learning new skills but they are developing the confidence they need in order to move to the next phase.
3. They form impressions about themselves and the world. In this phase the question they are asking is: Am I able? How they resolve this question establishes a critical foundation for their future. It will shape how confident they feel about their own abilities and the best way to resolve this relational question is to consistently embrace their physical needs. How you do this practically is by allowing them to try new things and this will develop their confidence.
4. They are motivated by safety so in this phase when you guide them with love and give them consistent boundaries in a loving relationship you influence them to trust you and respond to you with obedience.
5. They begin to understand roughly 70 words, they are learning to walk, they have grown to half their adult height and can follow 2 part instructions.
Age 1 & 2 is the phase when...
1. Nobody’s on time.
Everything’s a mess.
And one eager toddler will insist “I CAN DO IT!”
2. The struggle for independence begins and so in the quest for independence these 3 things are true:
1. They will make mistakes,
2. They will move too slowly,
3. There will be a mess;
...but remember they are not only learning new skills but they are developing the confidence they need in order to move to the next phase.
3. They form impressions about themselves and the world. In this phase the question they are asking is: Am I able? How they resolve this question establishes a critical foundation for their future. It will shape how confident they feel about their own abilities and the best way to resolve this relational question is to consistently embrace their physical needs. How you do this practically is by allowing them to try new things and this will develop their confidence.
4. They are motivated by safety so in this phase when you guide them with love and give them consistent boundaries in a loving relationship you influence them to trust you and respond to you with obedience.
5. They begin to understand roughly 70 words, they are learning to walk, they have grown to half their adult height and can follow 2 part instructions.
Phase 2 - Ages 3 & 4
DID YOU KNOW?
Age 3 & 4 is the phase when...
1. Anything can be imagined; everything can be a game; and one curious pre-schooler wants to know – “WHY?”
2. There is no distinction between imagination and reality, everything can be a game so when you’re having fun they will have fun with you and their new found curiosity may become a little exhausting, but remember they are not looking for deep philosophical answers, they just want to know how things are happening and looking for the wonderful knowledge they know you must have as an adult person.
3. They form impressions about themselves and the world and in this phase the question they are asking is: "Am I ok?" How they resolve this question establishes a critical foundation for their future. It will shape how they internalise motives for behaviours and self control. At this age they learn a few rules and expectations, and the best way to resolve this relational question is to consistently embrace their physical needs. How you do this practically is by setting boundaries and discipline with love so they will cultivate self control.
4. They are motivated by safety so in this phase when you guide them with love and give them consistent boundaries in a loving relationship you influence them to trust you and respond to you with obedience.
5. They have a thousand trillion connections between brain cells, they can stand on one foot, jump, walk backwards and pedal a tricycle.
Age 3 & 4 is the phase when...
1. Anything can be imagined; everything can be a game; and one curious pre-schooler wants to know – “WHY?”
2. There is no distinction between imagination and reality, everything can be a game so when you’re having fun they will have fun with you and their new found curiosity may become a little exhausting, but remember they are not looking for deep philosophical answers, they just want to know how things are happening and looking for the wonderful knowledge they know you must have as an adult person.
3. They form impressions about themselves and the world and in this phase the question they are asking is: "Am I ok?" How they resolve this question establishes a critical foundation for their future. It will shape how they internalise motives for behaviours and self control. At this age they learn a few rules and expectations, and the best way to resolve this relational question is to consistently embrace their physical needs. How you do this practically is by setting boundaries and discipline with love so they will cultivate self control.
4. They are motivated by safety so in this phase when you guide them with love and give them consistent boundaries in a loving relationship you influence them to trust you and respond to you with obedience.
5. They have a thousand trillion connections between brain cells, they can stand on one foot, jump, walk backwards and pedal a tricycle.
Phase 3 - Ages 5 - 7
DID YOU KNOW?
Age 5 - 7 is the phase when...
1. Unfiltered words make you laugh, homework makes you cry, and life becomes a stage where your kid shouts – “LOOK AT ME!”
2. Your child can talk in sentences, and long run on sentences, paragraphs and wondering monologues. This phase is full of personality and memorable statements but there is one major cultural shift – SCHOOL! Because of the routine, predictability and high demand for focused attention at this phase your child will crave some opportunities for unstructured play and to use their imagination.
3. They develop skills and competencies that equip their future and in this phase the question they are asking is: "Do I have Your Attention?" How they resolve this question provides them with critical knowledge and resources. It shapes their perception of personal ability, comparative value and resilience. In this phase they crave adult attention and approval and so the best way to resolve this relational question is to engage their interest. How you do this practically is by demonstrating interest in their progress and this will improve their abilities.
4. They are motivated by fun. This is a season of discovering how the world works and how to have fun in it. Kids in this phase want to laugh and play and learn and connect, that’s why you have to engage their interests.
5. They can draw a person, with a body, write their name and brush their own teeth. They also understand ironic humour and are learning to read and tie their shoes.
Age 5 - 7 is the phase when...
1. Unfiltered words make you laugh, homework makes you cry, and life becomes a stage where your kid shouts – “LOOK AT ME!”
2. Your child can talk in sentences, and long run on sentences, paragraphs and wondering monologues. This phase is full of personality and memorable statements but there is one major cultural shift – SCHOOL! Because of the routine, predictability and high demand for focused attention at this phase your child will crave some opportunities for unstructured play and to use their imagination.
3. They develop skills and competencies that equip their future and in this phase the question they are asking is: "Do I have Your Attention?" How they resolve this question provides them with critical knowledge and resources. It shapes their perception of personal ability, comparative value and resilience. In this phase they crave adult attention and approval and so the best way to resolve this relational question is to engage their interest. How you do this practically is by demonstrating interest in their progress and this will improve their abilities.
4. They are motivated by fun. This is a season of discovering how the world works and how to have fun in it. Kids in this phase want to laugh and play and learn and connect, that’s why you have to engage their interests.
5. They can draw a person, with a body, write their name and brush their own teeth. They also understand ironic humour and are learning to read and tie their shoes.
Phase 4 - Ages 8 & 9
DID YOU KNOW?
Age 8 & 9 is the phase when...
1. Fairness matters most, differences get noticed, and your enthusiastic kid thinks, “ANYTHING SOUNDS LIKE FUN!”
2. These concrete thinkers are prime for enforcing the law in every situation – rules are rules, gifts should be distributed equally and consequences should be consistent. Even though life should be fair in this phase it’s okay that people are different – expect a new world of adjectives in this phase as kids begin to tell you about their growing social world. Kids in this phase are a beautiful blend of capable and dependent. They aren’t especially needy, but they are still kids – impressionable, eager, excited and excited about what you are excited about.
Age 8 & 9 is the phase when...
1. Fairness matters most, differences get noticed, and your enthusiastic kid thinks, “ANYTHING SOUNDS LIKE FUN!”
2. These concrete thinkers are prime for enforcing the law in every situation – rules are rules, gifts should be distributed equally and consequences should be consistent. Even though life should be fair in this phase it’s okay that people are different – expect a new world of adjectives in this phase as kids begin to tell you about their growing social world. Kids in this phase are a beautiful blend of capable and dependent. They aren’t especially needy, but they are still kids – impressionable, eager, excited and excited about what you are excited about.
Phase 5 - Ages 10 & 11
DID YOU KNOW?
Age 10 & 11 is the phase when...
1. Friends are best friends, games are for competition and your confident kids will insist –“I’VE GOT THIS!”
2. Friends matter a lot more – call it a club, a clique or a team but peer approval (and disapproval) is significantly motivating in this phase. In this phase they have a 'no fear' attitude and they are ready to prove themselves, ready for the world to take notice and they can’t wait to show you how smart, fast and strong they really are. In this phase they usually demonstrate clarity of mind, they know the ropes and feel knowledgeable about what makes the world tick. So lean into that confidence and build it, see their potential and believe in it.
Age 10 & 11 is the phase when...
1. Friends are best friends, games are for competition and your confident kids will insist –“I’VE GOT THIS!”
2. Friends matter a lot more – call it a club, a clique or a team but peer approval (and disapproval) is significantly motivating in this phase. In this phase they have a 'no fear' attitude and they are ready to prove themselves, ready for the world to take notice and they can’t wait to show you how smart, fast and strong they really are. In this phase they usually demonstrate clarity of mind, they know the ropes and feel knowledgeable about what makes the world tick. So lean into that confidence and build it, see their potential and believe in it.
Phase 6 - Age 12
DID YOU KNOW?
Age 12 is the phase when...
1. There are never enough groceries, too many hormones, and a dramatic kid that needs someone to prove, “WHO CARES.”
2. There is no CONSISTENCY in their mood, their interests, their dress code on any given day anything can change. Every day is a new day to discover who this growing person really is. In this phase there will be tears, both yours and theirs, so in the changing tides of emotions lean in even more closely. When they push - prove you can’t be pushed away, when they change -prove you will love them consistently, when they break your trust - prove you are someone who can be trusted. Just keep at it so in this phase there’s never any reason to wonder – “Who Cares?”
Age 12 is the phase when...
1. There are never enough groceries, too many hormones, and a dramatic kid that needs someone to prove, “WHO CARES.”
2. There is no CONSISTENCY in their mood, their interests, their dress code on any given day anything can change. Every day is a new day to discover who this growing person really is. In this phase there will be tears, both yours and theirs, so in the changing tides of emotions lean in even more closely. When they push - prove you can’t be pushed away, when they change -prove you will love them consistently, when they break your trust - prove you are someone who can be trusted. Just keep at it so in this phase there’s never any reason to wonder – “Who Cares?”