Family Life

The Family Life Ministry is the ministry to the couples and families of Northrbidge and the surrounding community. Through this ministry, our goal is to reflect the glory of Christ through the love demonstrated in our husband/wife relationships, as well as through the discipline demonstrated by our children. Families can come together in Christ-centered activities to strengthen one another through support and encouragement, and fellowshipping with each other to build stronger relationships within the church.

Growing Charleston Families

Growing Charleston Families is a ministry to parents with children from ages birth to teen. Using the time tested materials from Growing Families International, the Family Development Leadership at Northbridge Baptist Church teams seeks to walk with parents down the sometimes intimidating and other times treacherous road of parenting. Parents wanting to know the heart of God for raising children will not want to pass this up. Northbridge currently offers three separate courses: Preparation for Parenting, Preparation for the Toddler Years and Growing Kids God's Way.

Preparation for Parenting

If you are expecting a baby or you have an infant, then this series is where you’ll want to begin. Presented is an infant management plan that is unique for our times. It’s one that does not leave a mother ragged at the end of the day, nor does it exclude the father from his duties of parenthood. It’s a guide to creating a structure that encourages the natural rhythms of a child to synchronize with the needs of the child and those of the rest of the family. Topics Include:

Establishing a biblical mindset for parenting
What causes an infant to become insecure?
The importance of an infant's sleep pattern
Understanding your infant's biological clock
Why is routine part of God's universal order?
Understanding your baby's cry
The role of Dad in infant parenting
Why babies can sleep through the night in 8 weeks

Preparation for the Toddler Years

This series builds on the success so many parents have achieved with Preparation For Parenting and adds a new dimension to your baby's day-the establishment of right learning patterns. Training a pre-toddler will assist in the development of three life-serving skills: sitting, focusing, and concentrating. Topics Include:

Dealing with common mealtime problems and how not to create a picky eater
What is the best learning environment for your child?
Avoiding developmental deprivation
The importance of structure and free playtime
The basics of biblical discipline
Setting boundaries
Five principles of instruction
Teaching your baby basic sign language
Handling sleep problems associated with this phase of growth

Growing Kids God's Way

This core curriculum lays the groundwork for your parenting no matter where you are in the process. In this course you will learn a biblical approach to child and family development. Topics Include:

Raising a morally responsible child
Avoiding legalism in parenting
Solving sibling conflict
The dangers of permissive and authoritarian parenting
Negative influences on a child's security
What to do when children lie, steal, or cheat
Building moral character
Parenting without manipulation
Principles of obedience
What is true biblical discipline?
When to use logical and natural consequences
How to achieve true repentance
What is discipline by encouragement?
Building trust within the family
How to make the teen years great
How to say "I love you”

Weekend To Remember

Weekend to Remember is a weekend marriage conference that teaches God's design for marriage and family. The environment is fun, non-threatening, and sometimes hilarious. And it's a wonderful time for couples to refresh good marriages or heal troubled ones. Use the Northbridge group code 10993 to obtain $80.00 savings per couple when registering. Register online or by phone at (800) 358-6329. Please contact John and Ann McDermott with any questions or concerns.

Conference Schedule:

Date	Location	Hotel
December 2nd -4th, 2011	Charleston, SC	Marriott Hotel