Knowing how to shepherd your children as a parent is nothing short of challenging. Andy Stanley has provided a helpful framework for parents to think about how they shepherd their children. You can listen to Andy and his wife, Sandra, explain their intentional parenting strategy by listening here and here.
| AGE | STAGE |
| 0-1 | Caring |
| 1-5 | Discipline |
| 5-12 | Training |
| 12-18 | Coaching |
| 18+ | Friendship |
Caring Stage
As infants, parents primarily care for their child by feeding, protecting, and comforting them. This stage is both tiring and intimate as the newborn matures and develops.
Discipline Stage
During this stage, parents begin to teach their child that there are consequences for their behavior.
Training Stage
For this age group, parents concentrate on putting the why behind the what of the family rules and expectations.
Coaching Stage
Parenting happens a bit more through the parent’s advice from the sidelines, while the relationship moves toward connecting, rather than correcting.
Friendship Stage
As adults, parents enjoy their child’s company and processing life together.