As the mother of six children ranging in age from 6 months to 20 years, I can honestly say that God has taught me a few things about parenting. For example, I’ve learned that nothing is permanent. My husband and I are constantly moving from one season to the next. Cute coos and dirty diapers give way to busy littles who make big messes. 

When our oldest child was a teenager, I thought the long days of homework, sports practices, and emotional angst would never end. But one day, seemingly in an instant, that season was over. One moment we were breaking down my daughter’s crib and the next we were packing up her belongings and dropping her off at college.

Just like that, we were in a new stage of our parenting journey.  We no longer had the opportunity to carefully watch her day unfold to ensure her success and safety. Instead, we had to trust God to keep her centered as a young adult.  If you’re the parent of an adult child or soon-to-be adult child, it may feel like your parenting journey is done, but it’s not over — it’s just a new season.

Although adult children don’t need constant oversight, they still need mentorship and encouragement, especially as they grow into spiritual maturity. Life is challenging and more than a wonderful career or great spouse, they need a relationship with Jesus. Here are a few practical ways you can continue to share your faith with your adult children.

1. Share Your Testimony: The Bible says, “And they overcame by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…” (Rev 12:11)  When my daughter was young, I sheltered her from the hardships of life because I wanted her to enjoy a happy childhood. As she got older and more mature, I could be more transparent about some of the struggles I had overcome. I don’t want her to see me as a perfect person, but as someone who has successfully overcome trials through the grace of God. When she faces her own challenges, she can recall my testimony and know that through God, she can be victorious.
2. Pray With Them: Through the scriptures, we are encouraged to cast all of our cares on Jesus (1 Peter 5:7). When our children were small, we would rush to console every hurt. Unfortunately, as their challenges become more complex, we learn we can’t fix every problem they will encounter. Instead, we can listen to the struggles they have and pray with them, helping them to see God as their source.
3. Encourage Holy Pursuits: At some point, nearly everyone hopes that their parents would be proud of them. I believe this continues on through adulthood. Even adult children look for their parents to affirm their choices. That’s why I believe it’s so important to encourage our children and celebrate them when they make positive choices like attending bible study or worship service.
4. Tie Life to the Word of God:  Some people think the Bible is only a collection of antiquated stories. But we do well to remember that the scriptures were written by real people with real problems who conquered life through the power of God. Whenever my daughter seeks my counsel, I don’t simply tell her what I think, I use principles out of God’s word. I’m always looking to reinforce that God has every answer she will ever need.
5. Pray For Them:  It should be no surprise that I wholeheartedly believe in the power of prayer.  I believe that one of the most important duties of a parent is that of an intercessor.  I pray frequently for all of my children — not just for their success and welfare, but that they would know God.
6. Enjoy Your Faith:  Living for God doesn’t have to be a somber experience.  Even though my daughter is an adult, I still look for fun opportunities to make faith connections.  We seek out concerts and faith-based events that appeal to her in her season of life. We make joyful memories out of Christ-centered experiences.

Just because your children are adults, doesn’t mean you should leave them to fumble through their own spiritual experiences.  They are still people who need strong believers to provide discipleship and accountability until they reach their own season of maturity.