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But it can be a trying time for newly-minted moms and dads as they try to figure out a new rhythm. How can you support these new parents in their endeavors to raise a healthy, godly child? Here are five tips:
1. Be there to help.
This can mean many different things, but sometimes just showing up is the most meaningful thing you can do. Drop by with some food. Offer to handle naptime while the parents get some rest. Do they need more diapers? Run to the store for them. Small acts can mean a lot to tired parents.
2. Be there to listen.
Even more than physical acts of kindness, some new parents just need to talk through their experiences. Sometimes it’s simply a listening ear that makes the biggest impact. And if you have good, specific advice from your own life, don’t hesitate to offer it!
3. Spiritual mentoring.
During the first few weeks with a new baby, it can be tough for a parent to devote time to normal spiritual activities. If you feel led, ask one or both of the parents if you can mentor them. Beyond practical advice, mentorship means teaching, listening, reading the Bible, and being an example for the new parents. Just as you pass on Godly wisdom to them, so they will pass Godly wisdom to their little one.
4. Record faith milestones.
Tired moms and dads sometimes fail to record the many small, yet significant milestones in a child’s first year of life. The NIV Baby Gift Holy Bible (Zonderkidz, 2019) provides inspiration for new parents to mark measurements, add photos, and even map family ancestry. Among the pages of Scripture are lined pages like “Sweet Words Said About Me” and “My, How I’ve Grown!,” with prompts to write down significant milestones and special moments. Gifting a couple with the NIV Baby Gift Bible is a perfect way to help them capture special moments they will cherish for years to come.
5. Pray.
As you support a couple with the birth of a new child, one of the most important things you can do is simply pray for them. Lifting the family up in prayer is a wonderful way to encourage them and show your faithfulness to God. Especially if you live far away, saying intentional prayers for a new family can give you a sense of purpose.
Whether you’re celebrating the birth of your own grandchild, a niece or nephew, or someone else you hold dear, remember that new parents need as much support as they can get. As you help and encourage parents, you are also setting the stage for them to raise a godly young man or woman. With each new milestone the child achieves, reflect on the wonderful things God has done, and praise him for the things to come!
About the NIV Baby Gift Bible
Preserve special memories of your child’s first year and pass on your legacy of faith with the NIV Baby Gift Holy Bible (@Zonderkidz). This keepsake Holy Bible is perfect for those looking for a gift for a baby shower, the birth of a baby, a christening, or baptism. Pages for recording family ancestry, favorite verses, and testimonies of answered prayer will make this a treasured family memento.
Features Include:
- Presentation page for gift giving
- 24 full-color pages highlight appropriate Scripture verses and special themes like My First…, Christmas Memories, and Visitors & Gifts
- Gilded page edges
- Ribbon marker
- Easy-to-read 9.4-point print size
- Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface
- Words of Jesus in red
- The full text of the bestselling New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible
- Durable blue or pink Leathersoft™ cover with attractive design
The NIV Baby Gift Holy Bible is published by HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the parent company of Bible Gateway.
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