In the January blog post-Slaying Dragons, I talked about how our children are called to this time, in this world, to fight the dragons that come their way. Today, I want to focus on the practical side of raising dragon slayers. There’s no magic formula or surefire method to protect our kids from all the dangers out there. Our kids have free will, and we can’t control everything. But we can equip them to fight the battles ahead.
Raising dragon slayers begins with parents who are rooted in the Word. It’s not enough to read the Bible once a day; Scripture should shape every part of our lives. Meditating on verses, having meaningful conversations, memorizing passages—these practices equip our kids to wield the sword of truth. As Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.” When dragons show up, we need to draw our children back to the Word as their first defence. Resources like Parenting with Scripture by Kara Durbin and Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer can help guide us.
Dragon slayers also need to know who they are and what they stand for. They need to be surrounded by people who affirm their worth, especially in Christ. Parents, teachers, mentors—these people should constantly be reminded that they are created in the image of God, loved and cherished by Him. This grounding in their identity will help them stand strong when the dragons come knocking.
One thing I’ve learned along the way is that dragon slayers are raised by parents who aren’t afraid of the dragons themselves. The media is good at stoking fear, and it’s so easy to fall into that trap. But when we let fear control us, it limits our kids’ potential. They’re less able to face the dragons that will come and won’t be as prepared to fight. If you’re struggling with fear as a parent, I’d recommend The Worry-Free Parent by Sissy Goff. It’s full of wisdom on how to overcome the fear that can paralyze us.
While most of a dragon slayer’s training happens at home, it’s equally important that they aren’t isolated. They need to see that they are part of a bigger community of dragon slayers. They need to hear the stories of others who have fought the good fight before them. The church plays a huge role in this. Research on developmental assets shows kids thrive when at least five other supportive adults surround them. And in the church, these adults need to be people who are not directly tied to the family—they should know the kids’ names, are genuinely excited to see them, and are willing to walk alongside them. While parents are the first teachers, you are the second, third, and fourth. Your wisdom, life experience, and willingness to listen and help are invaluable to the next generation of dragon slayers. We need you!
So, here’s the challenge: let’s raise our kids to be strong and confident in who they are in Christ. Let’s give them space to try new things, step out of their comfort zones, and trust that God has them in His hands. And when fear creeps in, let’s leave it at the foot of the cross. After all, the God who created them, who knows every part of them, loves them more than we ever could. While we walk beside them, He is walking before, behind, and all around them, guiding their every step.
Kristen Cowman is the Children & Families Director at Parliament Community Church in Regina, SK, located near Harbour Landing. As a church, we offer programs for all ages, from children to youth, young adults to Seniors who are part of our Heritage groups. We are also diverse in cultural backgrounds but share a desire to grow as disciples of Christ together.
