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So your kid is in third grade now!

Third grade can be a very rewarding year for many parents! Kids this age are generally enthusiastic and excited about what their parents are excited about. They also see the world in black and white. Things (and people) are either right or wrong, good or bad. Enjoy this parenting phase! (Things may not be quite as fun in a few years…)

Every kid is different, but here are some general principles we think will help you as you parent your third grader this year.

One question we believe almost every third grader is asking is, "What's my potential?" Your third grader’s brain is continuing to change, and they are beginning to develop their ability to see potential in others (and in themselves.) They are still quick to put people (including themselves) into categories such as: “I’m athletic,” “I’m musical.” They are also in a prime place to begin forming opinions of who they are and what they can become!

When third graders come into CCKids, we want to help them embrace the truth that they are who God says they are!

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Your role in your child's life is to engage their interests and affirm their potential.

Your third grader loves to compare everything—video games, movie characters, gummy bear flavors, and people. This comparison game leads kids to question how they measure up in the mix. This is an ideal time to affirm their spiritual journey of beginning to lean on Jesus and to view themselves through His eyes.

  • They think like an analyst: You can help them understand the Spirit-filled life when you embrace their strengths and weaknesses and affirm how God can work through them.
  • They want to know, “What is my potential, and do I have what it takes?” You can capture their heart when you validate their achievements and shortcomings and encourage them to watch God work through them.
  • They are motivated by joy: You can influence their moral choices when you take delight in what you see in them!

Ways Your Child is Changing.

PHYSICALLY

  • Play hard and tire quickly.
  • Growing at a faster rate—be prepared to buy shoes every month!

SOCIALLY

  • Enjoys working in a group.
  • Begins to experience peer pressure.
  • Able to have multiple friends.

MENTALLY

  • More aware of others’ needs and feelings.
  • May enjoy reading for fun & learning.
  • Things are either right or wrong.

EMOTIONALLY

  • Begins to feel more independent and confident.
  • Identifies themselves based upon perceived attributes (athletic, musical, etc.)
  • Needs to experience failure and success.

The Three Most Important Things to Remember.

1.

You are by far the biggest influence in your child’s life. Your words and actions always matter.

2.

Talk about your every-day faith every day. Studies show this is THE MOST effective way to pass your faith on to your kids. Be vulnerable and authentic about your daily experience of God.

3.

Don’t be their bridge to God, light their path. No matter their age, they are ready to connect with God! You don’t need to connect to God for them, they need you to show them how they can themselves.

If you would like help or ideas on how to do any of these things, we are always here to help!

Resources We Recommend.

Books.

If you’re unable to afford any of these resources, please let us know—we’d love to help!

Teach Your Children Well
This book gives a brilliant, effective and yet simple perspective on how we can help our kids form a deep relationship with Jesus. This is for all of us imperfect parents with limited time and capacity.
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Parenting Your Third Grader
This has a lot of blank pages for processing questions which isn’t for everyone, but the other pages are full of very insightful information and practical advice or ideas that can help clarify how to engage with your kid.
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Roar Like a Lion
90 Devotions to encourage a growing faith in your child. Parents can read this at bedtime, or older kids will enjoy branching out and reading it regularly on their own. Really colorful and fun!
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Marvel at the Moon
Ninety more devotions that focus on God’s majestic universe, and the fact that He created each of us on purpose and for a purpose! Full of cool space facts, Bible verses, and age-appropriate action steps. Great for inquisitive kids who are science-minded and parents as well!
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The Four Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids
A parenting book that introduces a simple model and applies key principles for raising the ‘joy-level’ in our kids. These parenting principles are derived from the way our brains are hardwired. It’s a short book, and worth the read!
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Action Bible
A former Marvel & DC Comics artist, Cariello has brought God’s redemptive story in the form of a comic book – a very large comic book! With stunning pictures and graphics, over 200 Biblical narratives are presented in chronological order. This shouldn’t replace your kid’s Adventure Bible, but it is a great supplement to motivate them to get into the Word!
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The NIrV Adventure Bible
This is the Bible translation we encourage our CCKids to use. It's easier to understand, but is also a direct translation of an ‘adult version’ Bible. Kids can look up verses and begin to navigate through the pages of God’s Word.
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Podcasts/Websites.

Parent Cue Blog
This website is crammed with tons of articles on many subjects with practical helpful advice.
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Hi, I'm Janna Clark!

I’m the CCKids Director at Christ Community Church. I have been working in Children’s ministry for 25 years, and each year has brought me such joy as God has given me a passion for kids and helping them to experience who Jesus is and how much He desires them. If you ever have any questions—let's connect. I am happy to help in any way I can (preferably over an iced chai)!

CCKids is for kindergarten through fourth grade and meets during every weekend adult service time.  In addition, CCKids Club meets most Wednesday nights during the school year from 6-8 pm.

Email Janna