Parenting Points
Kids thrive on knowing what comes next. They look forward to birthday parties, family vacations, soccer games, and time with friends. When plans suddenly change, disappointment can feel enormous. A canceled event, unexpected move, friendship change, or family challenge can leave children wondering why things didn’t happen the way they hoped. These moments, while difficult, offer parents valuable opportunities to teach children one of life’s most important lessons: we can trust God even when life doesn’t go according to plan.
Proverbs 3:5 encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding” (ESV). That’s a powerful verse, but learning to live it takes practice. Children often learn trust by watching how the adults around them respond to uncertainty. When plans change, allow your kids to express their disappointment. Trusting God doesn’t mean pretending we’re never sad, frustrated, or confused. Instead of immediately trying to fix their feelings, listen. A simple response such as, “I know you were really looking forward to that,” communicates that their feelings matter. Then gently remind them that even though the situation surprised us, it didn’t surprise God. Parents can also share age-appropriate examples of times their own plans changed, and God ultimately brought something good from the situation. Not every disappointment will have an obvious happy ending, but these stories help children recognize God’s faithfulness through life’s unexpected turns.
Scripture is filled with people whose plans changed dramatically. Joseph certainly didn’t expect to be sold into slavery. Ruth didn’t plan to become a young widow in a foreign land. Jesus’ disciples often discovered that following Him took them in directions they never anticipated. Yet God remained present and continued working through circumstances they couldn’t understand. Families can practice trusting God together by turning unexpected moments into opportunities for prayer. When something doesn’t go as planned, pause and pray: “God, this isn’t what we expected. Help us trust You and show us what You want us to do next.”
We can also teach children to look for new opportunities hidden within changed plans. A canceled outing might create unexpected family time. A new school could lead to a meaningful friendship. Disappointment might build patience, compassion, or perseverance. We cannot promise our kids that life will unfold as they plan. We can give them something better: the assurance that wherever life takes them, God goes with them. Plans change. Circumstances change. But God’s presence, love, and faithfulness remain.
-Dr. Ben Birdsong
Writer and Speaker
Director of European Expansion for First Priority Global Ministries
