Building Habits That Build Our Kids and Families
Ever feel like parenting is just a loop of chaos—snacks, screens, bedtime battles… repeat?
What if your daily routines weren’t just survival tools, but discipleship tools?
This blog unpacks the Family Rhythm Mindset series, five short episodes designed to help you live out the Gospel in the daily mess of family life. Each episode explores one key theme, Scripture, a simple habit, and a discussion question to deepen your family’s faith journey.
🔁 Series Overview: The 5 Movements of Family Rhythm
Inspired by the redemptive arc of Scripture and theologian N.T. Wright’s 5-act drama, the Family Rhythm framework includes:
- Right Relationship (Creation)
- Relationship Broken (Fall)
- Repercussions (Israel’s story)
- Repentance (Jesus)
- Restoration (Church)
This easy-to-remember rhythm helps you reflect God’s story in your home—at breakfast, bedtime, in car rides, and in conflicts.
📺 Episode 1: One Story – Teaching Your Kids the Big Picture of the Bible
Summary:
The Bible is one unfolding story—and your family is part of it. This episode introduces the idea that your kids don’t need a new story. They need to see themselves in God’s great rescue plan.
Scripture:
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors… but in these last days he has spoken to us by His Son.”
— Hebrews 1:1–2
Habit:
Use five fingers to tell the Gospel story:
God made us → Sin broke us → Jesus rescues us → We turn to Him → He sends us
Discussion Question:
How can you help your kids see their lives as part of God’s story this week?
🌿 Episode 2: Rule of Life – Build a Rhythm That Points Your Kids to Jesus
Summary:
You don’t need more balance. You need a family rhythm. This episode shows how a simple “Rule of Life” helps your family stay centered on Jesus amidst the mess.
Scripture:
“Let us run with perseverance… fixing our eyes on Jesus.”
— Hebrews 12:1–2
Habit:
Create your first Family Rule of Life. Try a rhythm around:
- Mealtimes
- Bedtime prayers
- Sunday mornings
- A weekly family check-in
Discussion Question:
What’s one daily moment your family could turn into a spiritual rhythm?
📥 Download the Rule of Life guide »
🔗 Watch the episode »
💍 Episode 3: Marriage Is the Cornerstone – Rediscovering the Mystery
Summary:
Marriage isn’t just romance or routine. It’s a living picture of the Gospel. Whether you’re married, single, or parenting in a blended family, this episode unpacks how covenant love shapes your home.
Scripture:
“This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the Church.”
— Ephesians 5:31–32
Habit:
Let your marriage (or view of it) reflect Christ:
- Talk about your vows with your kids
- Share a story of God’s faithfulness in your relationship
- Display wedding photos or meaningful symbols
Discussion Question:
What’s one way your family relationships reflect the love of Jesus?
☮️ Episode 4: What is Sin and Shalom – And Why it Matters for Your Family
Summary:
Life feels off because something is off. Sin breaks shalom—the peace God created us for. This episode shows how Jesus restores peace and how you can reflect that right relationship in your home.
Scripture:
“We have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ has done for us.”
— Romans 5:1
“Our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”
— Romans 5:11
Habit:
Practice a daily “Shining Face Moment”:
When your child enters the room, pause. Smile. Let your face show delight—just like God’s face shines on us (Numbers 6:24–26).
Discussion Question:
What’s one way you can reflect God’s joy to your child today?
👶 Episode 5: You’re Not Just a Parent – You’re a Child Too
Summary:
Before you’re a parent, you’re God’s child. This episode walks through the full Gospel story—from creation to restoration—and reminds us that we parent best when we live loved.
Scripture:
“To all who received Him… He gave the right to become children of God.”
— John 1:12
“Jesus has made us friends of God.”
— Romans 5:11
Habit:
Try a daily “Pause and Reflect”:
How can I live like God’s child today? What do I love about my Father, God?
Discussion Question:
How does remembering you’re God’s child change how you parent this week?
🙏 Learn how to know God personally »
🔗 Watch the episode »
💬 Final Reflection: Habits > Hype
You don’t need more inspiration—you need intentional repetition.
The Family Rhythm Mindset is about:
- Returning to the Gospel story
- Building rhythms that reflect your values
- Inviting Jesus into your real life, not your ideal one
When you build small, steady thought-habits rooted in truth, your home becomes a living witness of God’s grace.
📥 Want to Go Deeper?
- 🎥 Subscribe to the Family Rhythm Channel »
- 📘 Read the Family Rhythm Overview »
- 🫵🏼 Get Family Rhythm Coaching »
- 💬 What’s one habit your family uses to stay centered on Jesus? Comment below!
About the Author
Hi, I’m Steve, creator of Family Rhythm and a missionary with FamilyLife Canada. I help families build habits that reflect the Gospel. Let’s stay in rhythm.
StevenBourque.com 
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