Family Resources – Good Shepherd United Methodist Church

Rev. Renee’s Best Tip:

The one thing I learned during my parenting years was the importance of creating a safe space for children to ask hard questions and express their feelings. I learned early on the importance of listening and asking the right questions and not “brushing them off.” I pray the Holy Spirit will guide you during these difficult conversations and experiences.

Is your child struggling with grief or loss?

Here are some books Rev. Renee recommends to engage your child in conversation and help them through difficult times. She has these books available for you to see.

The Memory Box: A book about Grief by Joanna Rowland

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst

The Invisible Leash by Patrice Karst

When Someone Dies Find Comfort in Jesus by Julie Stiegemeyer

Full Circle Grief offers many different opportunities for grieving families to heal.

Is your child experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues?

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a resource to help you understand what signs and symptoms to look for, what to do if you see these, and what to do if your child is in crisis. Their website is

Mindfulness is a buzzword in today’s world meaning self-awareness of thoughts, feelings, physical body, and surroundings. Mindfulness, when used consistently and appropriately, has been shown to increase focus and cognitive skills, decrease anxiety and stress, and improve social skills and behavior. Click here for a website that breaks down mindfulness activities by age.

She has these books available for you to see.

I Can Do Hard Things by Gabi Garcia
What Does It Mean to Be Present? by Rana DiOrio
What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Tamada
Mindfulness for Kids in 10 Minutes a Day: Simple Exercises to Feel Calm, Focused, and Happy by Maura Bradley (ages 8-12)
The Self-Regulation Workbook for Kids: CBT Exercises and Coping Strategies to Help Children Handle Anxiety, Stress, and Other Strong Emotions by Jenna Berman (ages 8-12)
Peaceful Like a Panda: 30 Mindful Moments for Playtime, Mealtime, Bedtime or Anytime by Kira Willey (ages 3-8)
Mindfulness Moments for Kids: Listen Like a Panda by Kira Willey (ages 3-8)
Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere by Kira Willey (ages 3-8)

Is your child asking questions about their bodies and sex?

Don’t be surprised if your kids as young as 5 begin asking where do babies come from or how do they get out of mommy’s tummy! Sometimes this is a difficult conversation to have with your children but we know it is important! Below are some book recommendations to help start the conversation.

**Just a note: These books are science-based books not religious-based books. It is always important for you to share your spiritual and religious beliefs around relationships and sex with your children. Rev. Renee is happy to have a conversation with you if you need guidance with this aspect of the conversation.

The Swimsuit Lesson by Jon Holsten
What’s the Big Secret? Talking About Sex with Girls and Boys by Laurie Krasny Brown, Ed.D. and Marc Brown
Where Willy Went: A Big Story of a Little Sperm by Nicholas Allan
It’s Not the Stork: A Book About Girls, Boys, Babies, Bodies, Families, and Friends by Robie H Harris (ages 4-8)
It’s So Amazing: A Book About Eggs Sperm, Birth, Babies and Families by Robie H Harris (ages 7-10)
It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, Gender, and Sexual Health by Robie H Harris (ages 10-14)
The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls Revised Edition by Valorie Schaefer
The Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls by Cara Natterson
The Feelings Book (Revised): The Care and Keeping of Your Emotions by Dr. Lynda Madison
Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys by Cara Natterson
Guy Stuff Feelings: Everything You Need to Know About Your Feelings by Cara Natterson
The Boys Body Book (Fifth Edition): Everything You Need to Know for Growing Up by Kelli Dunham, RN, BSN

Just a funny from Rev. Renee’s personal experience with her own children: When my oldest daughter was about 6, she wanted to know how babies get in their mommy’s tummy. I decided to take a scientific approach and started to explain that women have eggs. She immediately stopped me and said “That’s enough! I don’t want to hear any more!” I’m sure she was picturing a chicken egg. I gave her some space and regrouped myself. I bought a few books and used those to help ease into the conversation when it came up again. Things might be rocky but you and your child will get better as time goes on. When parents provide that safe space to ask hard questions at a young age, they will more likely continue to engage in conversation as they get older.

Who is God?

Kids will often ask about God – What is God like? Where does God live? Who is God? What does God look like? These are tough questions! Rev. Renee has a few books that will help spark conversation and hopefully help answer some questions.

Where Does God Live? by Holly Bea
God’s Paintbrush by Sandy Eidenberg Sasso
What is God Like? By Rachel Held Evans and Matthew Paul Turner
In God’s Name by Sandy Eidenberg Sasso
I Am: Why Two Little Words Mean So Much by Dr. Wayne W Dyer with Kristina Tracy
Maybe God is Like That Too by Jennifer Grant
God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams

Bibles for Kids

For children in 3^rd grade and older, we recommend the Deep Blue Kids Bible in the Common English Bible translation (CEB). If your child attends GSUMC, they will be gifted this bible as they enter 3^rd grade. For preschools – 2^nd graders, we recommend the Celebrate Wonder Bible Storybook. If your child attends GSUMC, they will be gifted Bible Storybook as a preschooler.

Faith at Home

Adults in the home are the first and foremost teachers of faith and you have the most influence on your child’s faith journey. Here are some fun activities and games to foster and grow your child’s faith at home.