Raising children in the Christian faith can be difficult, especially if you don’t know how to answer their questions or aren’t sure how to get them involved in worship services and Bible study groups. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways kids can connect with God that you can easily do together as a family, including praying, going to church, and reading the Bible together at home.
There’s a lot of things that parents will fight to protect their children from, but nothing is as important as making sure your child knows and loves God. What’s even more influential than knowing they exist? You don’t have to look far or hard to find what kids need to know about their creator — it starts with loving Him yourself.
You can’t force your kids to believe in God, but you can offer them opportunities to connect with Him on their terms. There are ways to help your children learn more about the Bible and how it connects with their everyday lives. They’ll be more likely to stick with the faith if they’re involved in activities they enjoy, which will also make the connection more meaningful to them down the road when they’re old enough to understand the concepts better.
Read the Bible
One of our favorite ways to connect with God is by reading His Word in a good Bible. There is a variety of Bibles — from full-color family Bibles to pocket-sized editions— for every type of reader. Read through passages every day, or turn to a specific chapter when you need answers about life, love, and everything in between.
Talk to Other Children About Faith
It’s never too early to start teaching kids about their faith. Start by talking with your children about how to incorporate religious values into their everyday lives. And then don’t be afraid to talk with others—children and adults alike—about what you believe. This kind of conversation builds strong, lasting relationships in your community and allows you to teach others about your beliefs.
Move to a Religious Neighborhood
One way to help kids connect with God is to expose them to religious values by moving to a more religious neighborhood. If your family is religious, ask your church if they have any programs or support systems in place for families moving into a new area. There are good properties for sale and neighborhoods that cater specifically to those who share similar beliefs. These areas often come with established churches, schools, and activities where children can grow their faith alongside others who feel similarly.
Pray Every Day
Our young teens should begin praying every day. Pray to not sin, pray for your family and friends, and pray for our country. Praying does not have to be hard. It can be as simple as talking with God about your day or thanking Him for His blessings in your life. No matter how busy you are with work or school, you will always find time to talk with a good friend! Why shouldn’t we make Christ one of those special people? If you feel like it is hard to talk with God because there isn’t much quiet at home or school, then try using Christian meditation.
Get Involved in Your Local Church
Local churches are filled with people your kids can connect with and grow alongside. In addition to strengthening their faith, it’s a great opportunity to learn from other believers who have different perspectives on Christianity than they do. Churches also hold events, activities, and programs specifically geared toward children and teens—from Bible studies to youth groups to camps—all of which are good ways for kids to make new friends who share their values.
Send Care Packages to Missionaries Around the World
Of course, giving missionaries your time and money is a wonderful thing to do. But have you ever considered sending them a care package? Missionaries in remote areas may not get mail very often, so they treasure letters and gifts from supporters—even if it’s just a bag of skittles or a postcard from home. Missionaries and their support networks appreciate people taking time out of their day to remind them that someone loves them, cares about them, and wants to see them succeed.
Create a Prayer Journal
Prayer and reflection go hand in hand. In addition to making time for both, it’s a good idea to keep a prayer journal that you can refer back to later on. Over time, your entries will paint a picture of what’s important to you and help inspire future prayers. You might also want to ask family members or friends who are religious leaders to send along some advice or positive affirmations as part of your journal.
What works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. You know what your child needs and when they need it, so make sure you are setting goals for them based on those needs. Encourage them to attend church services whenever possible and encourage their faith in God. And finally, don’t forget to include plenty of fun activities! Your kids will thank you later.
