How to balance faith, sports and family
In this episode, we discuss practical ways parents can prioritize their family's faith journey while managing the demanding athletics schedules. Take a listen!
Episode Highlights:
Below are the key tips mentioned in the episode, along with some valuable resources to help you along the way.
1. Overloaded Schedules
Life as a sports parent can feel like an endless race. Here’s how to slow things down and stay centered:
Prioritize Time with God
Starting your day with prayer and scripture is essential. Even just 5 minutes of devotion can provide spiritual stamina. Invite your child to join in to help keep Christ at the center of your day.
Use a Family Calendar
Keep your household organized with a shared family calendar. Whether you use a digital app or a physical planner, make sure church, family time, and sports practices are balanced. Don’t hesitate to say no when the schedule gets too packed!
2. Missing Family Connections
When life gets busy, it’s easy for family connections to slip away. Here’s how to stay close:
Protect Family Dinners
Make family dinners a non-negotiable a few times a week. Use this time to pray together, share stories, and reconnect as a family.
Establish a No-Phone Zone
Technology can be distracting, so create tech-free moments during family time. Whether it’s at the dinner table or during a family movie night, putting phones away encourages meaningful connection.
3. Keeping Faith Central in Sports
It can be challenging to keep your child’s faith alive in the competitive sports environment. Here are two powerful ways to ensure their walk with Christ stays strong:
Pray Before and After Games
Encourage your athlete to pray before and after games, asking for guidance, humility, and strength. This practice not only grounds them spiritually but also creates a moment of reflection in the fast-paced world of sports.
Christian Sports Camps
Enroll your child in Christian sports camps or leagues where faith and athletics are combined. These camps reinforce that it’s possible to excel in sports while keeping Christ at the center.
Balancing faith, family, and sports requires intentionality, but it’s worth the effort. Prioritize God, protect family time, and keep your child’s faith alive in their sports journey, and you’ll be laying a strong foundation for their success both on and off the field.
Additional Resources:
NFHS 2023-2024 Participation Survey
How family dinners can strengthen the family
Managing your child’s screen time
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Competitor’s Creed
Upward Sports - A Christian sports program that promotes spiritual development
How to create a family Google Calendar
If you’re looking for a way to stay updated on current events without the anxiety that often comes with the news, check out The Pour Over. It’s a free daily newsletter that delivers the biggest headlines paired with brief Christian perspectives to help you stay informed while keeping your focus on Christ. You can sign up here: The Pour Over.
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Regina is a writer, homeschooling mom, and owner of a soul food catering business. She is the host of the Pray to Play podcast, where she shares practical tips and heartfelt advice for parents navigating the busy world of athletics. A contributor to several publications, including Tracie Miles' Living Unbroken book study, she is also an advocate for young adults with developmental disabilities and serves on the Compel Pro volunteer leadership team. Living in Ohio with her family, she designs Squarespace websites for fellow creatives and spends her free time cheering her sons from the sidelines or sipping tea while chatting about God’s goodness with women.
