The prayer of the righteous avail much so my prayers as a parent establish Gods word in my life and loved ones.
Thank you Lord for the gifts and talents you have deposited in my children. We Impress these upon their hearts and minds so that they may fulfil them.
Teach us as parents to be great stewards and custodians of what our children carry.
I arise today in my authority as a parent to declare the promises of God concerning my children. You said that the Words that I speak are life, so I open my mouth to speak into my child/ren’s life. I pronounce the blessing of the Lord that makes one rich and add no sorrow. I stand before heaven and earth to declare that Your Word is alive and active in my life and my family. I testify that ALL your promises are yes and amen in You. I paralyse every demonic force that rises to silence me. I denounce every evil word or intent that has been pronounced concerning me and my family. I sever every generational curse, confusion, and misalignment.
I declare that I am a generational blesser. I am called for such a time as this. I arise in the anointing and gifting of Esther that changes situations and circumstance. I declare that my children will recognise my voice as a voice of CLARITY, COUNSEL, LOVE & Authority. I am attentive to the workings and dealings of the spirit as I have the anointing of the Holy One, to know all things {1John 2:20} I operate under the mantle of Deborah for leadership. I am a mother in Zion. My heart and mind is ignited with greater passion to effect the next generation.
Thank you that in calling upon Your name, you are revealing mysteries and deeper things that I do not know {Jeremiah 33:3}. Thank you that I am a witness for Christ. Thank you for equipping me for this great purpose in Christ Jesus.
Thank you Lord for the community of praying parents. You said where two or three are gathered in Your name, You are in the midst of them. I declare that You hear and answer prayer. Thank you for destiny helpers. As we join our faith, Lord establish Your purpose in us. Remember our children and our households.
Tip: Dedicate undivided attention to your children by engaging in activities they enjoy and creating meaningful memories together.
Example: Have regular family devotionals, play games, go on nature walks, or simply listen to them share about their day.
2-Model Christlike Behavior:
Tip: Exhibit the qualities of Jesus in your daily interactions with your children, including patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness.
Example: Apologize when you make a mistake, show patience during stressful times, and speak kindly and respectfully.
3-Teach and Live Out Biblical Principles:
Tip: Incorporate biblical teachings into your family life and make Scripture a central part of your home.
Example: Read Bible stories together, pray as a family, and discuss how biblical principles can be applied in everyday situations. Show love, affection, compassion and forgiveness. As Christian parents we are called to demonstrate the fruit of the spirit, read Galatians 5:22
4-Encourage and Affirm:
Tip: Regularly encourage and affirm your children, highlighting their strengths and expressing confidence in their abilities.
Example: Praise their efforts in school, sports, or hobbies, and affirm their unique qualities and God-given talents. You can look at our affirmations challenge here
5- Show Unconditional Love and Grace:
Tip: Demonstrate unconditional love and grace, mirroring God’s love for us, by loving your children without conditions or expectations.
Example: Offer forgiveness freely, reassure them of your love even when they make mistakes, and support them through their challenges without judgment. Love for children is spelt as TIME. Spend quality time with your children away from distractions. Create family traditions and memories.
What else can you add to this? Would love to hear from you.
August represents the peak of summer, warmth, fun and long summer days.
Here in the UK it’s right at the peak of school summer break. A time to make memories, rest and bond with children. It can also be a very stressful time to sort childcare. I pray that you have an awesome summer.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for the gift of this summer season. As we enter the month of August, we ask for Your blessings and guidance in all our activities and endeavors.
Lord, Your Word says, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you” (Numbers 6:24-25). We pray that Your blessing and protection surround our family throughout this month. Keep us safe in our travels, adventures, and daily activities.
As we enjoy the beauty of summer, we remember Your creation and give thanks. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). Help us to appreciate the wonders of nature and spend quality time together, making lasting memories.
Lord, we seek Your wisdom in our decisions and plans. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Grant us discernment to make choices that honor You and bring joy to our family.
May our home be filled with love, peace, and harmony. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Help us to support and encourage one another, growing closer as a family.
We pray for opportunities to rest and rejuvenate. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Let this summer be a time of refreshment for our bodies, minds, and spirits.
Father, we also ask for Your provision and care. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Meet our needs and bless us with Your abundance, so we may share with others and be a light in our community.
Thank You, Lord, for Your unending love and faithfulness. We place this month of August into Your hands, trusting in Your perfect plan for our family.
As we spend together as families, grant us the grace to make memories that last a lifetime.
I am praying for you. Yes I know it will be a while before we meet you. However I am excited and expectant at the prospect of you joining our family. I also want you to know that I am doing the ground work in your future spouse. I am praying and having lots of introspective conversations.
It is my prayer that you both thrive in this. Below is my prayer for you. I will be praying this over you now and always.
Lord I thank you for my future son/ daughter in law.
I come before You today with a heart full of hope and trust in Your perfect plans. I lift up in prayer the future spouse of my child. I ask for Your guidance and blessing upon their life even now, as they journey towards the time when they will meet and join our family.
Lord, I pray for their character:
“Create in them a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within them” (Psalm 51:10). May they grow in integrity, kindness, and love, reflecting Your nature in all they do.
Guide their steps, Lord
“I ask that they trust in You with all your heart and lean not on their own understanding; in all thier ways submit to You, and You will make their paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Direct their choices and lead them on a path of righteousness.
Bless their relationships:
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Surround them with friendships that encourage and uplift, and help them to grow in love and understanding.
Strengthen their faith:
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). Draw them close to You, that their faith may be firm and their trust in You unshakeable.
Prepare their hearts for marriage:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). Teach them the true meaning of love and equip them with the qualities that will make them a wonderful spouse.
Grant them wisdom and discernment:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Help them to make wise decisions that honor You and bless their future marriage.
Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayer. I trust in Your timing and Your plans, and I look forward to the day when we will welcome this special person into our family.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you have prayed or are praying, do share in comment section below. I want to join my faith with your regarding the future of our children.
Men often face various barriers to opening up about their struggles, influenced by cultural, psychological, and social factors.
What tips can we do as parents to support our sons and all the men in our lives to enjoy positive mental wellbeing?
Cultural and Social Norms: Men are often socialized to conform to traditional masculine norms, which emphasize strength, stoicism, and self-reliance. Research indicates that these norms discourage emotional expression and vulnerability. For example, Mahalik et al. (2003) found that men who strongly adhere to traditional masculine norms are less likely to seek help and express emotions, as doing so is seen as a sign of weakness . Practical TIP- In our homes we can encourage fathers to role model seeking help and support from family members. We can learn more about mental health presentations and other things that we do not know. -As parents we need to stay current and updated.
Fear of Stigmatization: There is a significant stigma attached to mental health issues and emotional vulnerability among men. Vogel et al. (2011) demonstrated that men fear being judged or labeled as weak if they disclose their struggles. This fear of stigmatization leads to a reluctance to discuss their problems or seek professional help. Practical Tip- from a young age, normalise boys struggling with their emotions or being frustrated. For example when they have a melt down, try and refrain from ‘mukomana haadaro’ translated ‘boys don’t do that’
Perceived Inadequacy of Emotional Expression: Many men believe they lack the skills to effectively communicate their emotions. Research by Levant et al. (2009) shows that men often feel inadequate in expressing their feelings, partly due to limited emotional vocabulary and the societal expectation to suppress emotions. Practical Tip.. teach all your children on the importance and place of emotion. generally in many African Christian homes, emotions such as anger, sadness, anxiety are not clearly defined but shrouded in religious terms yet we see David in the book of psalms battling these emotions time and time again. Next time you feel anxious about something.. a new job, friendship, interview etc.. vocalise that and demonstrate practical strategies that you are applying to overcome the anxiety eg breathing exercise.. going for a walk, praying, meditation etc.
Concerns About Burdening Others: Men often worry about burdening others with their problems, fearing that opening up might negatively impact their relationships or be seen as a drain on others’ emotional resources. Research by Addis and Mahalik (2003) found that men are less likely to discuss personal issues because they do not want to be perceived as a burden to their friends or family.
Lack of Supportive Environments: Many men do not have access to supportive environments where they feel safe to express their struggles. A study by Courtenay (2000) highlights that men are less likely to find supportive spaces that encourage open emotional expression, as many social settings for men emphasize competition and emotional restraint over mutual support. Practical Tip- Normalise your children see you BUILDING life giving relationships. Talk about nurturing relationships, identify them together and discuss what makes them special. Who are the two people that you count on in our own life?
These factors collectively contribute to why men might struggle to open up about their problems, impacting their mental health and well-being. We can change that narrative and it begins in our homes.
What else can you add?
Found this useful? Let me know in comment section below. If you need to discuss some of this in depth, do get in touch via this link .
What can we do as mothers to support our son’s mental well being?
Maintaining good mental health is essential for overall well-being. Here are seven tips for that mothers can role model to their sons to support and improve their mental health:
Open Up About Your Feelings:
Talking about your feelings isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a way to take charge of your well-being. Whether it’s with friends, family, or a therapist, sharing your thoughts and emotions can relieve stress and provide new perspectives.
2.Stay Active:
Regular physical activity boosts mood, reduces stress, and improves overall mental health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Activities like walking, running, or team sports can be particularly beneficial.
3.Maintain a Healthy Diet:
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can positively impact your mood and energy levels. Avoid excessive sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.
4.Build Strong Relationships:
Investing time in building and maintaining relationships can provide a valuable support network. Social connections are crucial for emotional support and can help combat feelings of isolation. You can join our facebook community here
5.Set Realistic Goals:
Setting achievable goals provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps and celebrate your progress along the way.
6.Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation:
Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help reduce stress and increase your ability to stay present in the moment. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference.
7.Seek Professional Help When Needed:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, seeking help from a mental health professional is crucial. Therapists, counselors, and support groups can provide strategies and support to navigate difficult times.
Prioritizing mental health can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life. Remember, it’s important to address mental health proactively, just as you would physical health.
Praying for your son/ son in law is a meaningful practice rooted in biblical principles and examples. Here are seven reasons why it is important:
For Wisdom and Guidance:
Example: King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead his people, and God granted his request (1 Kings 3:9-12). Praying for your sons to receive wisdom and guidance helps them make godly decisions throughout their lives.
2-Protection:
Example: Psalm 91 is a powerful prayer for protection, where the psalmist speaks of God’s protection over those who trust in Him (Psalm 91:1-2, 9-11). Praying for your sons’ protection is essential for their physical, emotional, and spiritual safety.
3-For Strength and Courage:
Example: Joshua was encouraged by God to be strong and courageous as he led the Israelites into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:9). Praying for your sons to have strength and courage enables them to face challenges and overcome obstacles with faith.
4-For Faith and Spiritual Growth:
Example: Timothy’s faith was nurtured by his mother and grandmother, and Paul commended their influence on him (2 Timothy 1:5). Praying for your sons’ faith and spiritual growth ensures they develop a strong, personal relationship with God.
5-For Character and Integrity:
Example: Daniel maintained his integrity and faithfulness to God even in a foreign land and under pressure (Daniel 6:4-5, 10). Praying for your sons’ character and integrity helps them to be honest, trustworthy, and morally upright.
6-For God’s Favor and Success:
Example: Joseph found favor with God and man, leading to success even in difficult circumstances (Genesis 39:2-4, 21-23). Praying for God’s favor on your sons can open doors of opportunity and bless their endeavors.
7-For Their Future and Purpose:
Example: Jeremiah 29:11 speaks of God’s plans for a hopeful future. Praying for your sons’ future and purpose aligns them with God’s will and helps them fulfill their God-given destinies.
Each of these reasons highlights the importance of seeking God’s intervention and blessings in various aspects of your sons’ lives, grounding them in biblical truth and spiritual strength.
Self-acceptance is a crucial aspect of mental and emotional well-being. Here are some strategies for fostering self-acceptance, along with relevant Bible verses for spiritual encouragement:
1. Practice Self-Compassion
Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend.
Bible Verse: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
2. Focus on Your Strengths
Identify and celebrate your strengths and achievements, rather than dwelling on weaknesses or failures.
Bible Verse: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
3. Embrace Your Uniqueness
Recognize that you are unique and that your individuality is a gift.
Bible Verse: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:13-14
4. Forgive Yourself
Let go of past mistakes and forgive yourself, understanding that everyone makes errors.
Bible Verse: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
5. Practice Gratitude
Regularly reflect on and express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life.
Bible Verse: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
6. Set Realistic Goals
Set achievable goals and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
Bible Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
7. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Build a community of friends and family who uplift and encourage you. Our intentional parenting whatsapp group is a community of hardworking, committed mothers who are willing to build a village.
Bible Verse: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
8. Take Care of Your Body
Engage in activities that promote physical health, as this can enhance your mental and emotional well-being. This may we have embarked on #10kintentionalwalk challenge in aid of our mental health.
Bible Verse: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19
9. Engage in Mindfulness and Prayer
Practice mindfulness and prayer to center yourself and connect with your spirituality. Our 6am club is a cornerstone and safe space to start the day. We do prayers Monday- Friday 6am-6:30am.
Bible Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
10. Accept God’s Unconditional Love
Remember that God’s love for you is unconditional and everlasting.
Bible Verse: “Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:39
By integrating these strategies and reflecting on these Bible verses, you can nurture a sense of self-acceptance that is rooted in both personal growth and spiritual understanding.
Welcome to the incredible and amazing month of May. Join us here at intentionalparenting as we celebrate maternal mental health month.
We have a few programs and events lined up for you as below:
1-Walk and Meditation
In a bid to encourage better mental health, we are encouraging MIGRANT parents to participate in the 10k steps a day challenge. You can add this up through jogging, skipping etc. As parents the struggles of raising children in diaspora can impact greatly on your overall well being. For those of us who are migrants, the challenges with our mental health is even greater. The stresses of travel and living in a different culture and society cannot be under estimated. World Health Organisation advocates for good mental well being for migrants and refugees, WHO.
Walking as a form of exercise is well researched to aid good mental wellness. We have chosen walking as its low impact and we want to incorporate meditation into that walking space. More details on the benefits of walking are here
There is an opportunity to connect virtually via whatsapp group call every Monday- Friday 7-7:30pm. GMT. This is a space for encouragement, meditation and connecting with each other. During that time we will be meditating on the things we are doing well, celebrating and amplifying these. We also want to take time exploration the parenting issues we can do better. Furthermore we want to come together in a safe space to share some of our struggles and the stuff that keep us awake at night. In the last couple of years, May has been an incredible month here at Intentional Parenting UK.
If you have any questions, requests , you can send these to the whatsapp group admin and will make sure that we stand in faith with you for your request. To join the group, click here
You can join the walking challenge from anywhere. We encourage you to find times that suit you and share your step count with us for motivation and encouragement. You can also join our Facebook page if you prefer something not too intimate as a whatsapp group.
On the last Saturday of the month which is 25th, we are going to a local mountain here in Buckinghamshire to celebrate and give thanks for all that we would have accomplished in us this month and beyond! Remember faith celebrates before seeing because faith in itself is a confident assurance that God is a man of His word! Paul said this in the book of Hebrews chapter 11 :
“This is what it means to trust God: We will be sure about the things that we hope for. We will be sure in our minds about things that we cannot even see.” Hebrews 11:1 EASY
2- Meditation Journal
Yes we have taken to journaling this month as well as part of mental health first aid. We are really excited to be embarking on this remarkable journey in May as we look at maternal mental health. Click here to download the 31day journal that we will be using throughout this month.
The journal is there to prompt you to take 5mins and jot down how the day went for you. Please use this as part of self care. It’s key to CREATE that 5mins to write down how your day has been.
We want to demonstrate to our children how we take care of ourselves and that we take mental wellness seriously. Identifying and naming your feelings and emotions is paramount in taking care of your mental health.
3- MEET UPS
The community and village is key to our overall well being. We have cluster meet ups to share and encourage one another. These meet ups are an opportunity to meet like minded parents and if you join the Whatsapp group this will be a great way to put a face to a name. Virtual meetings are great however in person meet ups are the best.
We are kicking off with the Buckinghamshire cluster, being the home of Intentional Parenting 😍
We are meeting up at this incredible gathering of wise women in Milton Keynes. It’s going to be a refreshing time of learning, empowerment and growing. You don’t want to miss this. Be sure to join our whatsapp group so we can connect and coordinate. Do invite your mom friends too.
We have clusters all around the world primarily;
Africa:
-Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania ,
Middle East:
-Kuwait
USA
-Texas, Atlanta
Europe
-UK, Scotland, Ireland, Poland
4- Prayer Mountain
Join us on the 25th of May at the Coombe hill here in Buckinghamshire as we take our prayers and petitions to the Mountain.
Why on the mountain, you may ask:
Matthew 14:23, “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.”
Exodus 24: 12 The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain. Stay there, and I will give you the stone tablets with the teachings and the commandments I have written for the people’s instruction.”
We are excited to be embarking on this and our cluster groups will be undertaking their activities in those respective areas.
Intentional Parenting is home to BOLD and courageous parents. Women who are awakened to the call of God in raising Kingdom children. Women who love to walk in the TRUTH. Our 6am club is a place of growing and drawing strength from the giver of all that is good is perfect. We believe in creating SAFE spaces for mothers to flourish and that takes intentionality and a willingness to WORK! We welcome women and mothers with a heart of service, open minded and who DARE to live unapologetic in their convictions and beliefs. General blessers. We are not a platform for people who want to watch/ observe or just sit, be prepared to put in the work and this means engaging with other sisters, contributing to this growing community. For majority of mothers, our facebook page or blog is the best place for you where you can engage with the content at your own pace and time.
Check out the rest of our blog on all thing intentional Parenting.
📌For 2025 it promises to be amazing. The challenge is loading and more details will be available this Friday 25th. Do express interest here
We are continuing with our Affirmations challenge. Cannot believe it’s end of November already! today we’re saying to out children ‘ You are fun to be with’.
Can your children say the same about you?
What does fun and playfulness look like in your home? We all have different expressions of being funny, playful and enjoying life.
For most of us African parents, we may not have seen our parents roll on the floor with laughter, tickle or cuddle us. They had their own ways of being fun. May be they enjoyed telling folktales. May be they enjoyed singing and dancing to hyms. That was their idea of fun and there is nothing wrong with that.
The idea of being playful especially here in diaspora can seem very alien to us parents of African heritage, as everywhere you look, there are pictures or literature on Western ways of playful parenting. I would encourage you to do what feels FUN for you. Share that side of you with your children.
Once in a while, don’t worry about the mounting bills, all the responsibilities that come with being a parent.
Do something that makes you have belly laughs.
Dance to your favourite music like no-one is watching.
Hang out with the girls or boys where needed.
Below I share some
Tips for being playful.
Embrace Playfulness: Don’t be afraid to let loose and engage in playful activities. Whether it’s a spontaneous dance party in the living room or pretending to be pirates in the backyard, embracing your inner child creates a joyful atmosphere.
Create Family Traditions: Establishing fun and memorable family traditions fosters a sense of togetherness. It could be a weekly game night, Friday movie night, Pizza party, a special breakfast on Saturdays, or an annual family outing. Consistency builds anticipation and strengthens family bonds.
Be Open to Spontaneity: Sometimes, the most enjoyable moments happen unexpectedly. Be open to spontaneous adventures, like a last-minute picnic in the park or a surprise movie night, bowling evening, a drive through your neighbour or some random place. Flexibility adds an element of excitement to family life.
Use Humor: A good sense of humor can diffuse tension and create a lighthearted atmosphere. Share jokes, play silly games, or simply find humor in everyday situations. Laughter is a powerful tool for bonding. Be open to silliness.
Incorporate Learning into Fun: Turn educational activities into enjoyable experiences. Whether it’s a science experiment at home, a nature scavenger hunt, or a creative art project, blending learning with fun makes it engaging for both you and your children.
Be Present: Quality time is key to being a fun parent. Put away distractions, focus on the moment, and actively participate in your child’s world. Whether it’s reading a book together or building a fort, being fully present enhances the enjoyment.
Encourage Creativity: Provide opportunities for creative expression. This could involve arts and crafts, music sessions, or imaginative play. Allowing your children to express themselves fosters a sense of autonomy and joy. Let your children see you join clubs and activists as well. Join a salsa class, go to the gym etc
Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s accomplishments, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and makes the learning process more enjoyable.
Outdoor Adventures: Plan outdoor activities that cater to different interests. Whether it’s a nature hike, a day at the beach, or a bike ride, fresh air and physical activity contribute to a fun and healthy family dynamic.
Express Affection: Show love and affection regularly. Hugs, high-fives, and words of encouragement create a positive and secure environment. Knowing they are loved unconditionally contributes to a happy and enjoyable family atmosphere.
Intentional parenting 