Good afternoon 5th grade parents!
The 5th graders have been heavy on my heart all year. I have spent time praying and asking God what I need to do to truly pour into them everything they need before they step into the next chapter of their lives. Early this morning, I woke up with them strongly on my heart, which led me to write this letter to you.
First, I want you to know—we are here to partner with you.
Lately, I’ve felt like the mom whose child is in their senior year of high school before a big transition, wondering, “Have I poured into them everything they need?” I know many of you may feel the same way. The world around them can be harsh, and the pressure to conform is very real. The enemy is strategic, which means we must be intentional, bold, and not passive in how we lead and guide them.
Life gets busy, and that busyness can easily pull us away from what matters most. This is just a loving encouragement to stay focused and prayerful—as I know so many of you already are.
I am making a commitment to you: I will continue to pray for your children and seek the Lord for guidance in how to lead them well. Each one of your children is a special gift from God, created with unique gifts, talents, and personalities. My heart is to do everything I can to help set them up for success—grounded in the truth of God’s Word—so they won’t fall for the lies of the world. I want the Word to be so deep inside of them that when they hear something contrary to God, they recognize it quickly and BOLDLY stand up for truth.
Thank you for trusting me and our amazing Dream Team with your precious children. I’ll be honest—I’m not quite ready to let them go… (although that can change moment by moment 😊).
MY CONFESSION OVER THEM IS THIS: Our children will passionately serve the Lord all the days of their lives, and they will walk in the assignments God has for them—full of purpose and destiny.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER AS WE NAVIGATE THIS STAGE TOGETHER TO BE AHEAD OF THE BALL, NOT BEHIND IT:
All devices should have strong safeguards in place—but even then, stay involved and aware of what’s happening behind those filters. This is not a one-time setup—it requires constant monitoring and updating. From my experience working with children and teens, it is much easier to limit screen time and delay giving devices.
Consider limiting screen time: Exposure to inappropriate content is happening at younger ages than ever before, making these conversations and boundaries essential. Consider keeping screen time on the TV in a family area and think of creative ways to limit usage.
No devices or electronics in bedrooms or behind closed doors—keep them in family areas. Monitor Internet access through gaming systems, phones, and tablets. This can increase anxiety and expose children to things they are not ready to see. Make sure to research gaming systems and games thoroughly. Go into their world—and bring them into yours. I believe the older they get, the more they need you to stay involved.
Don’t feel pressured to give your child a phone—take time to research and make the best decision for your family. Consider researching watches that do not have cameras for communication purposes.
Establish family boundaries for sleepovers and hangouts: My personal opinion is in MOST cases that sleepovers and hangouts with friends should be at your house, where you have control over who is around your child and what they watch or listen to. Remember, you may know a parent—but what about the spouse or siblings in the home? Their convictions (or lack thereof) may not line up with yours. When other kids come to your house with devices, have a designated holding area for them when they’re not being used under your supervision. There are apps that can track activity on your internet, allowing you to see what sites are being searched.
Have family time and family fun (no corrections—just enjoy each other). Make space for family prayer, discussion, and devotion.
Don’t major on the minors.
I love you and your children and truly want the best for you and your families.
SPEND TIME PRAYING—AND PRAYING IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.
HE WILL LEAD AND GUIDE YOU THROUGH THIS JOURNEY.
I truly believe that as you stay intentional, prayerful, and sensitive to the Holy Spirit, you will be setting your middle schooler up with a solid foundation.
DEUTERONOMY 6:5–9
“And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.
6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.
7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.
8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.
9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR 5TH GRADER
Camp Timberlake: May 31-June 3 Register Here
Camp Fearless: Jul 13-17th Register Here
Promotion Sunday: July 26 — We will celebrate our 5th grade graduates, pray over them, probably shed a few tears, and give them a Bible before welcoming them into The Mix. 5th grade parents, be on the lookout for a parent meeting for all rising 6th graders.
Fighting for families,