When it comes to navigating the college choice, Christian parents face unique challenges. You want a school to challenge your kids academically, help them thrive relationally, and inspire them to grow spiritually. Not to mention, if your kids play sports, instruments, or have any other extracurricular interests, you want to help them find a place that hones their talents and encourages them to use their gifts to build the Kingdom. This is no small ask. But Kirk and Krystee LeBlanc, leaders of the Grace College Parent Council, have navigated the Christian college choice several times. They have a wealth of advice for parenting through the transition and the college years that follow. Their story is proof that your own plans for your children are always second-rate next to God’s plans for them.
The LeBlanc family’s connection to Grace College began with a surprising phone call. Their son, Keenan, had decided to decommit from Cedarville (the alma mater of Kirk, Krystee, and sister Keilee) and join the Lancer baseball program instead. He visited Grace at the suggestion of his now-wife, Ana, and that was all it took to change his mind. Not to mention, his best friend Sean would be coming, too! While Kirk and Krystee didn’t know anything about Grace at the time, the couple became heavily involved as parents during Keenan’s freshman year.
Kirk now serves as chair of the Parent Council, which includes helping with Welcome Weekend, Lancer Days, Family Weekend, and Homecoming. He and his daughter-in-law Ana have often teamed up at these events to answer questions from parents. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, and how he responds.
What are your top parenting tips for the college transition?
1.Trust the unseen plan.
“In our home, we talk frequently about how God’s ‘game plan’ is perfect, even when we do not fully understand or like the immediate circumstances. This is a great mindset to have as your children visit different schools, apply for scholarships, and try out for teams. Keenan’s story is a perfect example of God’s plan for Keenan prevailing over the plans we had set in our minds.”
2. Establish a safe harbor at home.
“Make your home an environment where your children can make mistakes and learn from them. We learn more from our mess-ups than we do from winning. Create a culture where your kids can talk about their failures and know that there is redemption through Christ. Even when things get challenging at school – whether it be a tough class, a losing season, or relational challenges – your kids will know that home is a place where they can be real about those things.”
3. Model to your children what it looks like to integrate faith into every aspect of your lives.
“As an attorney, I try to view every client interaction as an opportunity to point people toward Jesus, even in the often-harsh world of litigation. My wife, Krystee, owns a flower shop where she ministers to grieving families, often handing out books written by John S. Dickerson, lead pastor of Connection Pointe Christian Church, as a source of comfort. Our hope is that our example will help shape our kids’ understanding of vocation and calling throughout their crucial years of college.”
