Parenting Basics: Roles, Responsibilities & the Mindset of a Godly Parent (Part 1)

Welcome to Part 1 of The Impossible Life Podcast Parenting Series! Whether you're a new parent, seasoned veteran, or preparing for parenthood, this three-part series will equip you with the clarity, confidence, and tools to parent God’s way.

In Episode 167, hosts Nick Surface and Garrett Unclebach lay out the foundation for successful parenting—the essential roles, responsibilities, and mindset every parent must embrace to lead their children toward their God-given potential.

Let’s dive into the basics that build strong families and lasting legacies.

Your Children Are a Gift, Not an Entitlement

The first shift every parent must make is understanding parenting as stewardship.

“Your children are not yours—they are God’s.”
—Garrett Unclebach

Psalm 127:3 says,

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.”

You’re not raising children for yourself, your ego, or your fulfillment. You’re raising them for God—to steward their lives according to His purpose. This foundational mindset changes everything about how you parent.

The Four Key Roles of Parenting

Great parenting isn’t accidental; it’s intentional. As a parent, you must wear four distinct hats, each requiring intentional action, humility, and wisdom.

1. Steward

You are entrusted with your children by God. A steward manages something they don’t own, ensuring its growth, health, and return to the rightful owner. Parenting stewardship means raising your kids with the understanding that you’re accountable to God for their upbringing.

Key Action:

• Ask God regularly, “How can I steward my children better?”

• Prioritize spiritual growth over worldly success.

2. Servant

Parenting isn’t about control or convenience—it’s about sacrificial service. As Jesus modeled servant leadership, godly parents put their children’s growth above personal comfort.

Key Action:

• Serve with joy. Wake up asking, “How can I serve my children well today?”

• Remove the entitlement mindset—no task is beneath you when raising godly kids.

3. Leader

Children need strong leadership, not passive friendship. Leaders create order, vision, and standards. They guide their families with clarity and conviction.

“Leadership in the home is not optional.”
—Garrett Unclebach

Key Action:

• Create order in your home through structure and consistency.

• Lead by example—what you do matters more than what you say.

4. Friend

As your children grow and mature, you’ll transition into a friend role. But friendship must come after stewardship, service, and leadership—not before.

Key Action:

• Build trust early, so friendship becomes a natural transition as they reach adulthood.

• Remember: you’re a parent first, friend later.

Mindset Shifts: What It Takes to Parent God’s Way

Parenting isn’t just about roles—it’s about how you think. Here are the key mindset shifts for godly parenting:

1. Ownership vs. Stewardship

You don’t own your children. God does. Your role is temporary, and one day you’ll answer for how you raised them.

Reflection:

• Are you parenting for your comfort… or their calling?

2. Long-Term Thinking

Great parents parent for legacy, not convenience. Think generationally—what you do today impacts your grandchildren and beyond.

Reflection:

• Are you parenting with eternity in mind?

3. Growth Through Discomfort

Avoiding challenges stunts your child’s growth. Let them struggle in healthy ways. It builds resilience and maturity.

“A parent who overprotects their child robs them of resilience.”
—Nick Surface

Practical Action Steps: How to Start Today

Ready to level up your parenting? Start with these steps:

✅ Clarify Your Mindset

• Write down a statement of stewardship: “My children are not mine—they are God’s. I am stewarding them for His purposes.”

✅ Identify Your Roles

• Evaluate which role you’re strongest in and which needs work. Focus on bringing balance.

✅ Create Family Standards

• Define your household’s non-negotiables: “In this house, we honor God by…”

• Communicate these standards clearly and consistently.

✅ Pray for Wisdom

• Parenting requires supernatural wisdom. Pray daily: “Lord, show me how to lead these children the way You desire.”

Why This Matters: Parenting Is Your Greatest Legacy

You can’t outsource parenting. God has entrusted you with the most important leadership role you’ll ever hold. Whether you lead a business, team, or church—your first ministry is your family.

As Garrett said powerfully:

“If you can’t lead your family, you have no business leading anything else.”

What’s Next: Part 2—Dr. Robi

In Part 2 of our Parenting Series, we’ll explore the discipline and development of your children with none other than Dr. Robi. How do you shape their hearts, minds, and actions for long-term growth? We’ll break it all down.

Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it!

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Final Thought: Parent with Purpose

Parenting isn’t accidental—it’s intentional. Embrace your roles, shift your mindset, and raise your children in a way that honors God and builds a lasting legacy.

We’ll see you in Part 2!