How can Your Christian Faith Help You Guide Your Children into Adulthood?

How can Your Christian Faith Help You Guide Your Children into Adulthood?

​In addition to taking advantage of specific programmes at universities to promote mental health, students can also rely on one powerful tool that can help them feel that they are never alone: their faith.

About the Author

Jennifer Glenn left her corporate finance job to pursue her true passion of writing. She now prefers to spend more time with her three beautiful children. ​​​

When your child becomes an adult or begins university studies, it can seem like the world is their oyster. Did you know, however that stress, anxiety, and depression are among the most common adjustment problems youths face as they cross the bridge from childhood into adulthood?

A study of over 10,000 students showed that many students can struggle with adaptive social and emotional skills, though the good news is that these issue can be overcome.

​In addition to taking advantage of specific programmes at universities to promote mental health, students can also rely on one powerful tool that can help them feel that they are never alone: their faith.

What does the Bible Say about the Power of Faith?

​Matthew 6:26-27 contains powerful words that students who are feeling alone, fearful, or shy, can take courage from.
It reads: “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

If your child is about to leave for university or is simply undergoing heartache, read this passage with them and let them know that God will take care of them, even when they feel most vulnerable.

Through faith, they can lift themselves out of a low point and find the motivation they need to embrace the company of friends, family, and other people who are ready to show their support.

​Faith also enables children to honour God. Hebrews 11:6 reads: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

Preparing Children for What they May Encounter

Parents often try to protect their children from pain, yet it is important to be honest so that they know what stressors they may expect as they get older and move away from home. One of these can be the financial cost of university.

While it is true that some courses in Singapore are subsidised (which can cut around 50% off their fees), others (private universities) can cost thousands to attend – as much as $59,000 or more. If your child would have to take a loan or get a part-time job to pay for university, one way to lower their financial load upon graduation, is to start a savings nest (as is common for parents in countries like the U.S.).

If the amount you have saved is smaller than the amount needed by your child, you can help suggest ways to lower their loan amounts – for instance, via part-time work, or by looking at subsidised options for university.

​“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed,” states Proverbs 15:22, and you can be that counsel for your children, sharing the financial tips you have gleaned through your years of experience.

 Dealing with Emotional Upheavals

​University is not the only big life change that children have to face as they grow older. As children turn 16, 17, or 18, they can fall in love for the first time, make and lose a best friend, or face big changes (such as their best friend moving abroad for university).

Disappointment can also arise when dreams and goals are not met. As a Christian, your child may have prayed very hard for something that did not come to them in the end. They may not have been invited to attend the university of their choice, for instance. Rather than deny disappointment, parents should understand and enable their child to ‘grieve’ if necessary.

They can show them support by giving their child quality time, taking them to church (where the community will also show its support), turning to the Bible for wise words that inspire. Isaiah 55:8-9 states: “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

​After reading this passage with your child, you can share moments in your own life where you thought that missing out on a deal, a purchase, or a promotion, seemed like a huge disappointment, only to lead you to something better later. Through faith, your child can understand that God does have a plan, even though it does not seem immediately obvious at the time.

Mindfulness Meditation for Believers

America is currently facing a prescription medication epidemic, with many doctors over-prescribing pills for conditions like insomnia, anxiety, and pain. As mentioned above, the transition into adulthood can involve stress and anguish.

However, kids who are taught effective stress relieving techniques can feel empowered when times are tough.
Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation is one way to significantly lower levels of stress hormone, cortisol. The aim of this practise is to recognize and accept thoughts and feelings one has in the present moment - even if these are negative. The person meditating can then obtain a healthy distance from their anguish, observing it without becoming reactive.

Mindfulness meditation aims to teach people that everything is temporary - negativity therefore does not define who they are. This activity works with coordinating controlled breathing and postures. It requires intense concentration, and therefore keeps the mind and body in the present moment.

While doing this, your child can meditate on God's promises of peace, hope and a good future for him or her. For a believer, meditation is not about emptying the mind, but instead filling the mind with God's word so that all worldly thoughts and beliefs can be expelled and replaced.  
​

Pinterest Pinnable Image: Having a Christian Faith can help your child to deal with the challenging transition from childhood to adulthood in a better way. Tap into Biblical wisdom to see how God has equipped us to have victory in Christ in all stages of our lives!

Exercise Helps Too

Physical activity is another way to effectively keep stress at bay and lift the mood. Exercise should ideally be part of your child’s life from the early years. By staying active, kids can give their mood a boost but also keep obesity at bay.
​The Apostle Paul also said that physical exercise has some value (1 Timothy 4:8). 

Obesity is currently also reaching epidemic status in America, and this applies to children as much as it does to adults. Exercise, alongside a healthy diet, is an act of self-respect and self-care that children should make an important part of their daily lives.

The Bible tells us that the body is a temple. Christians should honour it by consuming a nutritious diet and working out regularly. ‘Healthy body, healthy mind’ goes the saying, which makes sense considering that when our body is ill, our mental wellbeing is affected, and vice-versa.

Teaching Kids Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is extremely important when it comes to fostering good mental health, but it often isn’t given the importance it deserves. Unlike self-confidence (which depends on achievement), self-compassion focuses on kindness to oneself and on the growth that can occur when we make mistakes.

A 2019 study by researchers at the University of Exeter found that taking time to think kind thoughts about yourself and the people you love has powerful psychological and physical benefits.
Specifically, self-compassion allows human beings to switch off their ‘threat response’. When they do so, they boost their immune systems as body and mind enters a state of relaxation.

Another study showed that self-compassion can protect people from the harmful effects of perfectionism.
This is useful for kids who may not achieve the results they wish to at school, or who may feel they have to look a certain way or be as cool as peers they admire.

Self-compassion is very important in your child’s teenage years, since it allows them to embrace all their achievements and disappointments, seeing these as an important part of self-growth.

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death." (Romans 8:1-2 WEB)

The Bible says that there is no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, so if your child believes in Jesus, he or she has received the gift of no condemnation. You can remind him or her to focus on the Grace and favor from God because believers have been set free from the law of sin and of death.  

Seek Professional Help if Required

Nobody knows your child better than God, and yourself. If your child is showing signs of anxiety or depression, keep a close eye on them and know when it is the right time to seek professional help.
The ‘gold standard’ treatment for these and other mental conditions, is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy sounds complicated but works practically and simply.

In essence, the therapist will show your child that there is an important link between how they think, feel, and behave. To change the way they feel about something, they can start by changing one small behaviour.

While your child is receiving CBT, they may be told to keep a journal and to list down the results of the changes they have set out to effect. CBT can be very motivating and will sometimes require just a few weeks to have the desired effect.

It is also completely compatible with prayer, church attendance, and spirituality. Indeed, faith can play a vital role in keeping your child motivated and inspired.

In addition to turning to the Bible and (if necessary) therapy to help your child deal with life events as they mature, regular worship within the Christian community is key.

Studies have shown that community worship is the only group activity that promotes sustained happiness.
​This is because feeling like we are a part of something greater than ourselves – in this case a group of Christians who support and take an interest in your child – can help boost mental health, wellness, and happiness.
​

Beautiful, Healthy and Strong Like Jesus

$7.99

Physical beauty, youth, health and fitness. So many of us desire these blessings that Jesus has and try all sorts of ways to attain them: plastic surgery, nutritional supplements, skincare products, exercise, dieting and more. I know one thing though - God’s word is much more powerful and effective - when the revelations in this book drop into your heart, you can’t help but become a more beautiful, younger, healthier and stronger version of you - it’s a transformation that everyone can see!

Instead of spending thousands of dollars to buy beauty, health and strength, why not receive them supernaturally as a gift since Jesus' death on the cross has paid the price for you to have them!

Take a peek at the Chapter Titles:

Chapter 1: God Finds this Attractive

Chapter 2: Will God bless me with Physical Beauty?

Chapter 3: Jesus’ Body: A Masterpiece Knitted with Love

Chapter 4: Is Suffering Death, Poverty and Sickness a Godly Way of Living?

Chapter 5: Be Blessed as you Rest

Chapter 6: Your Physical Body can be Renewed

Chapter 7: The Best Surgeon Of All

Chapter 8: Eat from the Tree of Life to be Healthy

Chapter 9: Tame your Tongue to Remain in Health

Chapter 10: Transformed through Mountaintop Fellowship with Abba Father

Chapter 11: Moses’ Secret to Youth, Health and Strength at 120 Years Old

Chapter 12: God’s Purpose in Keeping you Young

Bonus gift included: An MP3 file of my "Eternal Youth Audio Declarations" sermon (approx. 10 mins long) which is full of youth renewal teachings and declarations to help you in your youth renewal journey. Listen to it as much as you wantand I believe it will help you have faith for youth renewal!

Shop

A Tour of Heaven and Eternity

$7.99

The Bible gives us enough knowledge about heaven to have a good idea of its layout and structure! Knowing your eternal destination will give you a peace and confidence in your soul, enabling you to live life without the hovering cloud of uncertainty about what lies ahead.

Here are the chapter titles in this brief but ground-breaking original Bible study:

• Introduction
• The Expanses of the Heavens
• The Frozen Sea in Heaven
• The Only Day of Creation that Wasn’t Declared Good
• The Tabernacle is an Earthly Copy of the Heavenly One
• 4 Prophetic Signs about the Day of the Lord
• How the Second Coming of Christ will Happen
• The Highest Part of Heaven: The Mountain of God
• The Heavenly Things represented by the Furnishings of the Tabernacle
• Back in Paradise: The Garden of God
• Jesus did not Descend into Hell
• Believers in the Garden of God have access to the Tree of Life
• How the Rapture will Happen
• New Jerusalem: Our Eternal Dwelling
• Parting Words

Testimonial for this book:

"Hi Milton, just finished reading your book. Truly awe-inspiring! The Holy Spirit is all over this. I say this because I only ever listen to teachings from a few ministers, but I kept being drawn to this teaching. After many distractions, I eventually got around to actually watching your video. I’m so glad I did. It created a new hunger in me to dig deeper in the Word, but this time reading it through a different lens. Your book has definitely helped me understand this topic a lot better. Thank you for sharing this revelation with us Milton Goh. May many more be blessed by your work as I have been. God Bless you abundantly!"

- Lenore from Singapore

Shop

Sandcastles Don't Last Forever

$7.99

This is the eBook version.

If you prefer to get the Paperback version (physical copy), you can get it on Amazon here for US$15.

About the Book:

​

One day when I was singing praises to God, an image floated up in my spirit: a big and beautiful sandcastle being washed away by the waves from the sea. God was teaching me the futility of holding tightly onto worldly possessions because like the sandcastle, they won't last, and one day will cease to exist.

He taught me from His word to focus on Him and by doing so, I would reap great eternal rewards before Jesus' throne at the start of the Millennium. These rewards will last forever and can't be destroyed or stolen. 

It is my prayer that the revelations in this book will help you to live with a focus on the things above where God is, fulfill your God-given calling in life, be happier and to accumulate more eternal rewards to your account.

In this Book, you will learn about:​

- Heavenly investment advice and the futility of worldly pursuits from a trillionaire in the Bible

- Why God has to reward us in order to be righteous

- When and how God will destroy the current earth and sky to make way for new ones

- The types of fireproof works that earn eternal rewards at the end of time

- The abundant rewards of doing good works while abiding by the non-disclosure agreement between God and you

- The difference between the temporary places of torment: Sheol and Abaddon

- Who is the Antichrist and his name revealed in the Bible

- What is the Mark of the Beast and why it disqualifies its recipients from receiving salvation

- The different judgments at the throne of Jesus Christ and what it means for you as a believer

- How to fulfill your calling and maximize your gifts to receive the best eternal rewards 

Testimonials about the contents of this book:

"Sandcastles Don't Last Forever is very well written, its message loud and clear. Milton Goh gives common-sense insight on often confusing Scripture, which is much appreciated in these troubled times. My understanding of the Bible has definitely improved."

- Mike Garrett, first Editor/ Publisher for Stephen King and Author of Christian Novel "Innocence Denied", from USA

"This book is absolutely breathtaking. We don't work to be saved but were created to do good works. I am so energized and excited to know God values our works and we will be rewarded. This is all Glory to Jesus... I cant wait to throw my crowns at his feet and thank him for saving my life!" - Evangelist Michael Clark from USA

"Dear Milton Goh, I truly thank our Abba, Father for the revelations in this book. It is so amazing how I begin to discover important verses in the Bible that I have never read. That instead of following riches, with sleepless nights, and actually shortening our lives, we are just to 'Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ', and 'Love one another'. How beautiful to find out that actually in the Bible there is both 'Earthly or Worldly Investment Wisdom' and 'Eternal Investment Wisdom' according to the revelations here from Ecclesiastes 5:14-17 WEB)!; “It seems like Solomon was not only wise at earning material riches but also at earning eternal riches.” All the glory to our Lord Jesus Christ! God bless you Milton Goh for such a wonderful book!" - Nitta Nierra from Belgium

“Thank you Milton. I have just finished reading “Sandcastles Don’t Last Forever”. It’s such a good book that's filled with God's word. I love it very much. Might read again if I have the time. Thanks so much!” - Mally Chai from Singapore

"I'm reading this book and loving it! The revelations of the Gospel truth shared and it's life applications are absolutely amazing! I give glory to the Lord Jesus for my dear brother Milton for this exceptional resource. I'm gonna keep feeding on its contents and believe God for supernatural breakthroughs as my mind is renewed in Christ!" - Terence from Tombel, Cameroon 

​

“Excellent book!! I enjoyed reading it so much and definitely recommend it! Milton is so gifted and all his teachings have blessed me tremendously! I thank God for people like him. Get this book, it will be worth it!” - Madeleine from SA, “Unmerited Favor” tier patron

* The PDF file of this eBook will be sent to you via email manually after your purchase is confirmed. Look out for a separate email from the order confirmation email, within the next 24 hours.

Shop

I hope that you have been blessed by reading this post on "​​​How can Your Christian Faith Help You Guide Your Children into Adulthood?".

Do any of the suggested articles below interest you?​

• Visiting the Holy Land: Sites in Israel to Help Your Child Connect With God
• God's Work: How Your Church Activities Can Land You a Job
• 5 Biblical Ways to Manage Money In Marriage and Have a Happier Life
• 7 Biblical Ways to Know your Calling in Life
• How to Step into your God-Given Calling

• Is it Wrong to be Rewards-Driven When Serving the Lord?
• ​Learning from Delilah: What the Traitorous Temptress Teaches us about Prayer
• Deceptive Wolves in Apostle’s Clothing: The Test to Unmask False Apostles
• Why Satan’s Plan to Destroy the Sky will Fail and a Huge Revelation from the Song of Moses
• Breaking Addictions: How to Make Pharaoh Finally Let you Go from Bondage in Egypt
• The Book of Life, Books of Remembrance and How God Predestined us for Salvation
• Social Media Tips for Believers: How to Become a Voice of Wisdom and Grace 
• Overcome your Fear of the Dark with this Truth
• Will I Go Broke from Being Generous? ​
• Did Jesus descend to hell after His death on the cross? 
• Why Human Gene Editing is Evil and What is the Mark of the Beast​
• ​How Often should I Fast as a Believer under Grace?
• ​Facing Persecution: How Jesus Protects and Rewards you for your Faith​
• If God Loves me then Why do I Suffer? (Based on Paul’s Journey to Rome in Acts 27-28)
• What is the Purpose of Water Baptism? 
• A Year of Bible Study on the Book of Proverbs - The Hesed Wisdom Challenge
• Can Christians Eat Pork? - What the Bible Says About Unclean Foods Under Grace​

Check out our free archive of more than 100 Pastor Joseph Prince Sermon Notes here.

Want to receive Jesus into your life, be saved from your sins and inherit unmerited favor and eternal life as a child of God?
Go this link and simply pray the prayer aloud!

Welcome to God's big, happy family - You are now a child of God!

Would you like to help to keep this blog alive and get exclusive rewards (including ALL my sermon notes in a downloadable e-Book format)?
Visit my Patreon page for more details now!

Be blessed and walk in divine favor,

Milton Goh
----------------------------------------------
Follow me on Instagram @miltongohblog
Connect with me on FaceBook here.
Watch my videos on YouTube here.
​
Many blessings and thanks to Terence Koh, Shanice Ng, Jeremie Tay and Justina Ng for supporting this blog as our Superabundant Grace tier patrons! ​