As parents we know we need to teach our children skills to make them capable humans. More importantly we know we need to teach them how to follow Christ, to build their life on His foundation. Well, there are many books and curriculums for the first half of that, but what about the second? Is it possible to do both at the same time? God is literally in everything we do. How can we show that to a two-year-old?
I am a parent of multiple YOUNG littles. As I write this I have a 4yo, 3yo, and 2yo. Life is beautiful, but my goodness it is messy. Between the potty accidents, spilled plates, raised voices, and toy snatching it is difficult fathom the immensity of my job as their mom. When my older two kids were 3yo and 2yo I started wondering a major question. I longed for the answer and felt like I had zero equipping to figure it out.
How am I supposed to teach them that Jesus is in everything they do when I do not even have time to to clean the toilets in the house?! I could not imagine adding one more "task" to my to-do list. But, that was the problem. Jesus is already IN every step of our day. I just did not know how to show it.
As my kids have aged, I have learned. I am so far from perfect, but I have grown some. I want to share that with you.
For stay-at-home parents and homeschool families like mine, who do not seem to fit the mold of sit-down Bible devotional time, I have discovered rhythms that do work in these early years.
Try this combination.
- Read a short story. A one page Bible story is long enough. Take it slow, and really emphasize the emotion each character may have felt. Relate the struggles or interests of the characters to your child's struggles or interests as well.
- Ask questions. As you are reading, pause. Ask your child to predict what might happen next. At the end invite your child to retell the story to you, or have them share their favorite part and why. Who was their favorite character?
- Connect it to the day. When moments come up during the day to reiterate the moral of the story, allow yourself to be interruptible to give time to address the topic. For example, if your daughter snatches a toy from your son while you are folding laundry, be willing to stop and go level with your kids. Bring up the morning's Biblical value to help explain why the heart behind snatching is what needs to change, not just the behavior.
- Repetition and Grace. Our family does not read Bible stories at the same time each day, and, honestly, we often forget to read one at all. But, we do this consistently enough that our children know, as a family, we read the Bible. Bible readings from their Children's Bible is a familiar element in our daily lives. That does not mean it has to look the same each day. Give yourself some grace!
If you are like me, and you need some help bringing Jesus front-and-center to daily learning, explore Workbook 1. Genesis-Joshua. Level 2.
It is designed for families who want to make Bible learning part of their home routine, whether you homeschool full time or simply want a focused activity for the week.
Until next time, be blessed!
Lizzy