P A R E n T
R E S O U R C E S


WHAT'S THIS FOR?

At Real Life Church, our heart is to continue building strong, thriving family ministries by providing opportunities for parents to grow in their knowledge, confidence, and approach to raising their children. Parenting isn’t always easy, but you don’t have to do it alone! We are here to support families with resources, encouragement, and prayer as they navigate the unique and ever-changing journey of raising kids—from childhood to pre-teen, teen, and young adult years. 


We truly believe that every parent has the ability to learn, grow, and build a spiritually healthy, loving, and thriving foundation for their children’s growth. That’s why we’re excited to release a book in each parenting stage—though there are no rules on who can read what, we encourage you to begin in the stage that you are currently in. This is just the beginning of our commitment to the next generation, offering inspiring and practical Christian literature designed to equip and empower parents with the tools they need to navigate their parenting journey with confidence and faith.


Please feel free to reach out to Pastor Josh Ambrose for more information or questions.

Check out parent resources for your child(ren)'s age group below


  • Ages 0 - 35

    Months

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  • Ages 3 - 4

    Years

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  • Ages 5 - 6 Years

    (Pre-K & Kindergarten)

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  • Ages 7 - 11 Years

    (1st - 5th grades)

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  • AGES 12 - 14 YEARS

    (Middle School)

    Type content here...

  • Ages 15 - 18 Years

    (High School) 

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  • Parents-to-be, current parents of students, & empty-nesters

    Type content here...

For marriages of parents-to-be, 

current parents of students, and empty-nesters

Are you newly married and hoping to start a family, already have kids at home, or navigating life as empty-nesters?

Whatever your season, now is the perfect time to invest in your role as a spouse - laying a strong foundation for your marriage so you can be the best parent possible in any season. Explore these resources below to help build, maintain, and navigate a healthy, thriving marriage.

Guppies

The recommended resources below are for parents of children ages 0 - 36 months.

  • Discover enjoyable, budget-friendly family activities that are perfect for both the outdoors and indoors. Many can be enjoyed year-round, but here are a few quick seasonal ideas to help your family connect throughout the year.


    Spring

    Nature Walks & Parks

    Farmers Markets

    • Local markets open in spring across all cities
    • Mary Olson Farm (Auburn): Historic farm with animals and seasonal events

    At-Home Fun

    • Prayer Walk in Nature: Take a walk outdoors, pausing to thank God for signs of new life and pray for neighbors or friends you pass.
    • Resurrection Eggs: Use plastic eggs filled with symbols of the Easter story to retell Jesus’ death and resurrection as a family.
    • Decorate Gratitude Umbrellas: On a rainy day, decorate umbrellas with words and pictures of God’s blessings, reminding everyone of His love and provision
    • Create Garden Stones: Make personalized garden stones inscribed with “New life in Jesus!” to celebrate the resurrection and place them in your yard
    • Acts of Kindness Night: Brainstorm and plan ways to serve others as a family - for example, write cards, plan a donation, or pray for specific people.



    Summer

    Outdoor Water Play & Parks

    Festivals & Outdoor Events

    Science & Nature

    Fishing Events

    At-Home Fun

    • Outdoor Worship Night: Gather in the backyard for singing worship songs, reading psalms, and sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulness.
    • Bible Verse Scavenger Hunt: Hide Bible verses around the yard or park and have kids find and read them aloud, discussing what each means.
    • Service Project Day: Volunteer as a family at a local food bank or clean up a park, reflecting on serving others as Jesus did.
    • Picnic & Parables: Enjoy a picnic and take turns reading and acting out favorite parables of Jesus.
    • Creation Art in the Park: Use leaves, flowers, and stones to make temporary art, celebrating God’s creativity and discussing Genesis


    Fall

    Harvest Festivals & Pumpkin Patches

    Art & Craft Activities

    Scenic Walks

    At-Home Fun

    • Thankfulness Tree: Make a tree from paper or branches; throughout the season, add leaves labeled with things you’re thankful God has provided.
    • Harvest Blessing Baskets: Assemble baskets with food or treats and deliver them to neighbors or those in need, practicing generosity.
    • Bible Story Pumpkin Carving: Carve or paint pumpkins with Christian symbols (cross, fish, hearts) and talk about their meaning.
    • Family Devotion Bonfire: Gather around a fire pit to share s’mores, read Scripture, and pray for each other and your community.
    • Bible Story Snack Night: Prepare snacks that connect to Bible stories (e.g., animal crackers for Noah’s Ark, fish-shaped cookies for the feeding of the 5,000) and read the related passage.


    Winter

    Indoor Play & Museums

    Library & Community Center Events

    • Nature Story Time (Renton): Free themed story times at Family First Community Center
    • Free Drop-in Activities (Seattle): Seattle community centers offer sports, crafts, and more
    • Lowe’s Free Kids’ Workshops: Monthly DIY projects to build at home (or in-store!)

    Holiday Events

    • Snowflake Lane (Bellevue): free Christmas parade of holiday floats, dancing and music every night starting at 7p November 28 - December 24


    At-Home Fun
    • Gratitude Garland: Make a paper chain or garland, writing something you’re thankful for (from God or about each other) on each link.
    • Hot Cocoa & Testimony Night: Enjoy hot chocolate while each family member shares a story of how they’ve seen God’s love or faithfulness.
    • Cookie Decorating for a Cause: Decorate cookies, package them, and deliver to a fire station, police station, or our unhoused neighbors practicing service and kindness.
    • Christian Movie Night: Watch a faith-based film such as “The Prince of Egypt” or “VeggieTales,” then discuss the biblical lessons together. 
    • Noah’s Ark Challenge: Construct an “ark” using blankets, pillows, or cardboard, then read the story of Noah and talk about obedience and faith.
    • Worship & Praise Dance Party: Turn on worship music and have a dance party, celebrating joy and gratitude together.

  • Lifegroups are a great way to connect on a deeper level with the people of the church more than just attending on Sunday mornings. 


    Click here to check out our different Lifegroups for parents!

  • We understand that today's culture is everywhere, especially in the TV shows and movies our kids are watching. We encourage you to research for yourself, for your own family, what TV shows and movies are appropriate. You can use these sites below for reviews on today's TV shows and movies so you can make well-informed decisions for your family. 






    For a balanced perspective, check out Common Sense Media reviews that Christian parents use alongside faith-based review sites: 



    Below is a list of TV shows and movies that offer age-appropriate entertainment that reflect our Christian values. 
    We understand that every family is unique, so we encourage you to explore these options and choose what feels right for your own household.

    The Garden Cartoon

    VeggieTales

    Boz the Bear

    Wandering Wyatt

    Hermie & Friends

    Friends and Heroes

    Bugtime Adventure

    Owelgories


    Not finding these TV shows or movies on your typical streaming platforms? Try purchasing one of these recommended faith-based streaming platforms where you can find many of these TV shows, movies, and more! 


    Patch the Pirate

    Minno

    Yippee TV

    PureFlix

    RightNow Media

  • We offer childcare through our Kids Ministry, Real Kids, during every Sunday morning service: 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30. 


    If you will be a new parent visiting for the first time, we encourage you to fill out our New Family Form before you come to speed up the check-in process for your child(ren). 

Bubblebees

The recommended resources below are for parents of children ages 3 - 4 years.

  • Discover enjoyable, budget-friendly family activities that are perfect for both the outdoors and indoors. Many can be enjoyed year-round, but here are a few quick seasonal ideas to help your family connect throughout the year.


    Spring

    Nature Walks & Parks

    Farmers Markets

    • Local markets open in spring across all cities
    • Mary Olson Farm (Auburn): Historic farm with animals and seasonal events

    At-Home Fun

    • Prayer Walk in Nature: Take a walk outdoors, pausing to thank God for signs of new life and pray for neighbors or friends you pass.
    • Resurrection Eggs: Use plastic eggs filled with symbols of the Easter story to retell Jesus’ death and resurrection as a family.
    • Decorate Gratitude Umbrellas: On a rainy day, decorate umbrellas with words and pictures of God’s blessings, reminding everyone of His love and provision
    • Create Garden Stones: Make personalized garden stones inscribed with “New life in Jesus!” to celebrate the resurrection and place them in your yard
    • Acts of Kindness Night: Brainstorm and plan ways to serve others as a family - for example, write cards, plan a donation, or pray for specific people.



    Summer

    Outdoor Water Play & Parks

    Festivals & Outdoor Events

    Science & Nature

    Fishing Events

    At-Home Fun

    • Outdoor Worship Night: Gather in the backyard for singing worship songs, reading psalms, and sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulness.
    • Bible Verse Scavenger Hunt: Hide Bible verses around the yard or park and have kids find and read them aloud, discussing what each means.
    • Service Project Day: Volunteer as a family at a local food bank or clean up a park, reflecting on serving others as Jesus did.
    • Picnic & Parables: Enjoy a picnic and take turns reading and acting out favorite parables of Jesus.
    • Creation Art in the Park: Use leaves, flowers, and stones to make temporary art, celebrating God’s creativity and discussing Genesis


    Fall

    Harvest Festivals & Pumpkin Patches

    Art & Craft Activities

    Scenic Walks

    At-Home Fun

    • Thankfulness Tree: Make a tree from paper or branches; throughout the season, add leaves labeled with things you’re thankful God has provided.
    • Harvest Blessing Baskets: Assemble baskets with food or treats and deliver them to neighbors or those in need, practicing generosity.
    • Bible Story Pumpkin Carving: Carve or paint pumpkins with Christian symbols (cross, fish, hearts) and talk about their meaning.
    • Family Devotion Bonfire: Gather around a fire pit to share s’mores, read Scripture, and pray for each other and your community.
    • Bible Story Snack Night: Prepare snacks that connect to Bible stories (e.g., animal crackers for Noah’s Ark, fish-shaped cookies for the feeding of the 5,000) and read the related passage.



    Winter

    Indoor Play & Museums


    Library & Community Center Events


    • Nature Story Time (Renton): Free themed story times at Family First Community Center
    • Free Drop-in Activities (Seattle): Seattle community centers offer sports, crafts, and more
    • Lowe’s Free Kids’ Workshops: Monthly DIY projects to build at home (or in-store!)

    Holiday Events

    • Snowflake Lane (Bellevue): free Christmas parade of holiday floats, dancing and music every night starting at 7p November 28 - December 24


    At-Home Fun

    • Gratitude Garland: Make a paper chain or garland, writing something you’re thankful for (from God or about each other) on each link.
    • Hot Cocoa & Testimony Night: Enjoy hot chocolate while each family member shares a story of how they’ve seen God’s love or faithfulness.
    • Cookie Decorating for a Cause: Decorate cookies, package them, and deliver to a fire station, police station, or our unhoused neighbors practicing service and kindness.
    • Christian Movie Night: Watch a faith-based film such as “The Prince of Egypt” or “VeggieTales,” then discuss the biblical lessons together. 
    • Noah’s Ark Challenge: Construct an “ark” using blankets, pillows, or cardboard, then read the story of Noah and talk about obedience and faith.
    • Worship & Praise Dance Party: Turn on worship music and have a dance party, celebrating joy and gratitude together.


  • Lifegroups are a great way to connect on a deeper level with the people of the church more than just attending on Sunday mornings. 


    Click here to check out our different Lifegroups for parents!

  • We understand that today's culture is everywhere, especially in the TV shows and movies our kids are watching. We encourage you to research for yourself, for your own family, what TV shows and movies are appropriate. You can use these sites below for reviews on today's TV shows and movies so you can make well-informed decisions for your family. 


    PluggedIn (Focus on the Family) 


    MovieGuide


    The Dove Foundation


    Christian Spotlight on Entertainment


    Crosswalk


    For a balanced perspective, check out Common Sense Media reviews that Christian parents use alongside faith-based review sites: 


    Common Sense Media



    Below is a list of TV shows and movies that offer age-appropriate entertainment that reflect our Christian values. 

    We understand that every family is unique, so we encourage you to explore these options and choose what feels right for your own household.


    The Garden Cartoon

    VeggieTales

    Boz the Bear

    Wandering Wyatt

    Hermie & Friends

    Friends and Heroes

    Bugtime Adventure

    Owelgories


    Not finding these TV shows or movies on your typical streaming platforms? Try purchasing one of these recommended faith-based streaming platforms where you can find many of these TV shows, movies, and more! 


    Patch the Pirate

    Minno

    Yippee TV

    PureFlix

    RightNow Media

  • We offer childcare through our Kids Ministry, Real Kids, during every Sunday morning service: 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30. 


    If you will be a new parent visiting for the first time, we encourage you to fill out our New Family Form before you come to speed up the check-in process for your child(ren). 

butterflies

The recommended resources below are for parents of children ages 5 - 6 years or preschoolers and kindergarteners.

Elementary

The recommended resources below are for parents of children ages 7 - 11 years or 1st - 5th graders.

UD Mid

The recommended resources below are for parents of children ages 12 - 14 years or 6th - 8th graders.

UD

The recommended resources below are for parents of children ages 15 - 18 years or 9th - 12th graders.

Or Search by category

For resources sorted by category, check out the lists below. 

  • Articles

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  • Books

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  • Music

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  • Podcasts

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  • Spiritual Formations

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  • Streaming Platforms, TV Shows, & Movies

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books

Recommended list of books for marriages and parenting.

Music

Recommended list of music for families sorted by genre.

    • Newsboys

    • Leeland

    • Citizens

    • Mercy Me

    • We the Kingdom

    • CAIN

    • Needtobreathe

    • For King and Country

    • Kutless

    • Switchfoot

    • Tenth Avenue North

    • Audio Adrenaline

    • Building 429

    • Casting Crowns

    • Rend Collective

    • Anna Willson

    • Luke Bower

    • Zack Williams

    • Mac Powell

    • Ben Fuller

    • Jervis Campbell

    • Rhett Walker

    • Third Day

    • Carrie Underwood

    • Kirk Franklin

    • Chandler Moore

    • Israel Houghton

    • Maverick City Music

    • Tasha Cobbs Leonard

    • CC Winans

    • Ryan Ofei

    • Anthny

    • Limoblaze

    • Lee Vasi

    • Hulvey

    • Jon Kieth

    • Nobigdyl.

    • Lecrae

    • Anike

    • KB

    • Derek Minor

    • 1K Phew

    • Aaron Cole

    • Zauntee

    • Swoope

    • Tedashii

    • Trip Lee

    • WHATUPRMG

    • Andy Mino

    • NF

    • Ty Brasel

    • Social Club Misfits

    • Flame

    • Propaganda

    • Canon

    • Wordsplayed

    • Steven Malcom

    • Tommy Zuko

    • Thi'sl

    • Forrest Frank

    • Claire Leslie

    • Elevation Rhythm

    • Caleb Gorden

    • Hillsong Young and Free

    • GAWVI

    • Surfaces

    • Josiah Queen

    • Gracie Binion

    • Sondae

    • Madison Watkins

    • Skillet

    • Red

    • Thousand Foot Krutch

    • Three Days Grace

    • FIght the Fury

    • Disciple

    • Spoken

    • Wolves at the Gate

    • For Today

    • August Burns Red

    • Brandon Lake

    • Cory Asbury

    • Phil Wickham

    • Lauren Daigle

    • Taya

    • Pat Barrett

    • TobyMac

    • Amanda Cook

    • Tauren Wells

    • Aodhan King

    • Benjamin William Hastingings

    • Alexander Pappas

    • Chris Tomlin

    • Matthew West

    • Mack Brock

    • Jeremy Camp

    • Kim Walker-Smith

    • Crowder

    • Kari Jobe

    • Colton Dixon

    • Amy Grant

    • Brooke Ligherwood

    • Matt Redman

    • Danny Gokey

    • Natalie Grant

    • Steven Curtis Chapman

    • Cody Carnes

    • Michael W. Smith

    • Bryan and Katie Torwalt

    • Steffany Gretsigner

    • Elevation Worship

    • Hillsong Worship

    • SEU Worship

    • VOUS Worship

    • Zoe Worship

    • Upperroom

    • Red Rock Worship

    • The Belonging Co.

    • Passion

    • Bethel Music

    • River Valley Worship

    • Jesus Culture

    • Vertical Worship

    • Mosaic MSC

    • Hillsong United

Media

Recommended list of faith-based streaming platforms, TV shows, and movies.

  • 12 - 14 Years Old - Family Movies

    • The Prince of Egypt
    • God Bless the Broken Road
    • Strong Father, Strong Daughter
    • Do You Believe?
    • When the Game Stands Tall
    • The Sound of Music
    • October Baby


    14-18 Years Old - Family Movies

    • Facing the Giants
    • End of the Spear
    • The Ultimate Gift
    • The Hiding Place
    • Fireproof
    • Courageous
    • One Night with the King
    • In the Blink of an Eye
    • The Forged
    • Beyond the Mask
    • Greater
    • Jesus Revolution
    • Woodlawn
    • I Still Believe
    • Come Sunday
    • Disciples in the Moonlight
    • A Weekend Away
    • Silence
    • Heaven is for Real
    • Break Through
    • Break Every Chain
    • The Jesus Music
    • The Case for Christ
    • Free Burma Rangers
    • Unbroken
    • The Blind Side
    • Sound of Freedom
    • Redeeming Love
    • The Shack
    • Remember the Titans
    • Amazing Grace
    • Blast
    • Soul Surfer
    • Chariots of Fire
    • The Chronicles of Narnia
    • American Underdog
    • The Chosen
    • The Pursuit of Happyness
    • Lean on Me
    • War Room
    • Catching Fire


    18+ (Includes Rated R)

    • Silence
    • The Passion of the Christ
    • Hacksaw Ridge
    • The Book of Eli
    • Schindler’s List
    • Saving Private Ryan

  • 0-3 Months

    • VeggieTales

    4-6 Years Old

    • VeggieTales

    • Boz the Bear

    • Hermie & Friends

    • Auto-B-Good

    • Sea Kids

    • Wandering Wyatt

    • Owlegories

    7-11 Years Old

    • The Torchlighters
    • Bibleman
    • Adventures in Odyssey
    • McGee and Me
    • Ryan Defrates: Secret Agent
    • Micah’s Super Vlog
    • Connect
    • The Garden – Finding Joy
    • Friends and Heroes
    • Bugtime Adventures
    • Owlegories
    • Superbook
    • 321 Penguins
    • Gigi: God’s Little Princess

QUESTIONS?

Feel free to contact us with any questions about the books, content, or more resources by emailing josh@reallifechurch.com