Raising Faithful Kids as a Busy Mom: Why Discipleship Still Starts with You
by Alicia M. Bennett, guest blogger
I know what it’s like to feel pulled in a million directions.
As a (working) mom, your days are packed—whether you’re running a business, managing a team, or keeping up with deadlines, all while juggling the never-ending needs of your home. Some days, it feels like you barely have time to breathe, let alone add one more thing to your plate.
So, when you hear the word “discipleship,” it might feel overwhelming.
You might think:
➡ I barely have time for my own quiet time. How can I also disciple my kids?
➡ Isn’t that what Sunday school and youth group are for?
➡ I know it’s important, but I don’t even know where to start.
Mama, I get it. But let me gently remind you: Discipleship isn’t optional—it’s a calling.
The responsibility of raising kids who know and love Jesus doesn’t belong to the church. It belongs to the parents.
The Church Supports—But You Build the Foundation
The church is an incredible gift. It can equip, encourage, and provide community for your family. But it was never meant to be the primary source of your child’s spiritual growth—you are.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says: "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
This means that discipleship isn’t about adding one more thing to your schedule—it’s about bringing Jesus into your everyday life.
Because here’s the truth: Your kids are already being discipled by someone.
If it’s not you, it will be their friends, social media, TV shows, or the culture around them. And the world isn’t neutral—it’s actively shaping their hearts and minds.
You are the greatest influence in your child’s life. The question is, what are you influencing them toward?
Discipleship Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
I know that even though your heart is in the right place, the idea of being the one responsible for discipling your kids can feel daunting.
But let me encourage you: It doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Discipleship isn’t about elaborate family devotions, knowing all the right answers, or having perfect theology. It’s about modeling a real, authentic faith in front of your kids.
Here’s what that can look like in your daily life:
Let them see you pursuing Jesus. Read your Bible where they can see it. Pray out loud when something hard happens. Talk about what God is teaching you.
Turn everyday moments into discipleship moments. Use car rides, dinner conversations, and bedtime tuck-ins to talk about faith. Ask, “Where did you see God today?” or “How can we pray about this together?”
Teach them how to apply God’s Word. When they’re struggling with a friend, talk about loving others like Jesus. When they’re anxious, remind them of God’s promises.
Be real about your own struggles. If you lose your temper, model repentance by apologizing. Show them that following Jesus isn’t about perfection—it’s about grace.
Your kids don’t need a perfect mom. They need a mom who is actively walking with Jesus and inviting them to do the same.
Finding Your Identity in Christ First
One of the biggest reasons moms struggle to disciple their kids is because they feel spiritually empty themselves.
You can’t pour into your children if you’re running on fumes.
That’s why discipleship starts with your own relationship with Jesus.
When you root your identity in Christ—rather than your job performance, your productivity, or even your role as a spouse and mom—you lead from a place of security instead of stress.
Here are three things to remind yourself daily:
I am chosen and equipped for this role. (Ephesians 1:4, 2 Peter 1:3)
God is working in my kids’ hearts even when I can’t see it. (Philippians 1:6)
I am not parenting alone—God goes before me. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
The more you walk in these truths, the more natural it becomes to disciple your kids—because your faith will flow out of who you are, not just what you do.
Small Steps Lead to Big Growth
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let me encourage you to start small.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t need to restructure your entire schedule. You just need to take one step toward intentional discipleship.
Here are a few simple places to start:
📖 Read one Bible verse at breakfast and talk about it for two minutes.
🙏 Pray over your kids before they leave for school.
🎶 Play worship music while making dinner.
❤️ Share one way you saw God’s goodness today at bedtime.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency. Little by little, these small moments will add up, and you’ll look back one day and see the fruit of what God has been building in your home.
Your Kids Need You More Than They Need a Perfect Church Program
At the end of the day, your kids will remember you.
They’ll remember the way you spoke to them about Jesus.
They’ll remember the nights you prayed over them.
They’ll remember watching you trust God in hard seasons.
More than church programs, more than youth group, more than the best Christian books or podcasts—you are their first and most important spiritual leader.
And mama, God chose YOU for this assignment.
He will equip you. He will guide you. He will give you everything you need to raise your kids in faith.
And if you need a simple way to get started, I’ve created something just for you.
Free Resource: 5-Day Devotional for Busy Moms
I know how hard it can be to stay grounded in your own faith when life is full. That’s why I created a 5-Day free sample Devotional for Moms—a short, powerful way to reset your heart and step into your calling with confidence.
Each day, you’ll get a quick but impactful devotional that will help you:
Connect your identity with God’s truth in the middle of your busy day
Parent from a place of overflow instead of pressure
Lead your kids spiritually without feeling overwhelmed
This is my gift to you — because I believe that when moms are rooted in Christ, families are transformed.
Mama, you’ve got this. Not because you’re perfect, but because God is faithful. And He will equip you, every step of the way.
Alicia is a mom of four growing boys and together with her husband live in Colorado, where she writes, speaks, and serves at her local church. Alicia is passionate about equipping Christian moms to raise the next generation of ‘Daniels’ and ‘Esthers’ by coaching them through the challenges of biblical parenting and intentional discipleship. Find her resources and encouragement at www.MobilizerMom.com or connect with her online at @MobilizerMom.
