Raising Confident Kids: Finding Your Child’s Identity in Christ, Not Culture
It is a question we ask children all the time. But in today’s world of "likes," "follows," and constant pressure to perform, children are being asked an even harder question: "Who are you?"
From a very young age, culture tells our children that they are defined by their grades at school, how many friends they have, or how they feel on any given day. At Eden, we want to help you give your child a much better answer. We want to help you lead them to the "Good Shepherd" who already knows their name and has already told them who they are.
The Challenge: A Foundation That Shifts
It is exhausting for a child to try to build an identity on things that change. If a child feels "good" because they won a football match or got a gold star, what happens when they lose or make a mistake?
When identity is based on performance, confidence becomes very fragile. As a parent, you want to give them a foundation that doesn't shift when the world gets loud or confusing.
The Solution: Rooted in the Word
The Bible gives us a "Hero" identity that isn't earned, it is given. Helping your child see themselves through God’s eyes changes everything. Here are three ways to help your child succeed in finding their true identity:
1. Focus on the "Image-Bearer" Truth: Teach your children that before they did anything right or wrong, God created them in His image. This means their value isn't a "silver bullet" for happiness, but a rock-solid fact. Whether they are having a great day or a "bad" day, they are still precious to the King of the universe.
2. Talk About Your Own "Walk": Research shows that children are more likely to have a lasting faith when they hear their parents talking about their own identity in Christ. Let them hear you say, "I had a hard day at work, but I'm thankful that God loves me even when I'm tired." This makes faith "obvious" rather than just a Sunday activity.
3. Use the Right Tools for the Journey: You don't have to have all the answers. There are wonderful resources designed to help you open up these conversations at home:
- Raising Confident Kids in a Confusing World: Written by Ed Drew from Faith in Kids, this book is a fantastic guide for UK parents. It is warm, realistic, and full of grace.
- Children’s Bibles: Look for children's bibles that emphasise God’s character, such as the Jesus Storybook Bible, which helps kids see that they are part of a "Great Rescue Story" rather than just a list of rules.
A Plan for Confidence
To help your child move from "culture-defined" to "Christ-defined," try this simple habit:
- The Bedtime Blessing: Each night, remind them: "You are God’s child, He loves you, and He is with you."
- The "Mistake" Moment: When they mess up, use it as a chance to talk about Grace. Remind them that they are forgiven and their identity is still safe in Jesus.
By grounding your child in the truth of the Bible today, you are giving them a confidence that the world can't take away. As they grow and move toward youth bibles, they will already know the most important thing about themselves: they are "fearfully and wonderfully made."
Ready to help your child grow in confidence? Shop our Christian Parenting Resources.

