Biblical Training: Of all the topics of parenting this is the one that I am the most passionate about. I don’t think there is one set formula to spiritually train a child. I think the important thing is to be diligent in trying. My philosophy of Biblical education for my family is from Deuteronomy 11:18-20:
“Fix these words of Mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.”
In other words, let Biblical instruction be integrated into everything else you do. Talk about God with your kids all day long, whenever it is applicable. Ask them questions about what they believe to get them thinking about it. Answer their questions. If you don’t know, find out. This part of parenting affects them for eternity so to me it is the most important. Plus for us, it is the foundation to everything else we teach them. I don’t think you can overdo it with a pre-schooler. As they become older, you will need to be more sensitive to their openness to spiritual issues. But pre-schoolers are open to everything if it is fun. It’s my job to make learning about God fun. Here are some suggestions of ways to get started.
1. Don’t do it alone. Bring them to church, Bible study, VBS, etc. Find other moms who are like minded to help you in this pursuit.
2. Be in God’s Word. Read the children’s Bible together. Act out the stories with your little ones. Memorize scripture ( I often add sign language or music to our verses to help them remember). Apply scripture to their problems (When they are afraid at night recite: “In peace I will lay down and sleep for You alone, O Lord will keep me safe.” Psalms 4:8) Read your Bible so that you are spiritually fed and able to in turn feed them.
3. Music: Sing Bible songs with your kids. Listen to Christian music in the car or at home. (My children go to sleep listening to music). There are so many great resources. I love music that is Bible verses set to music. It’s a great way for kids to memorize Scripture.
4. Use media that reflects your values. There are so many agendas being thrown at our children. I am trying to surround my kids with as many Christian values as I can,by using music, movies, apps and websites that encourage spiritual priorities.
5. Use the time that you have. When we are in the car we use that time to practice our memory verse and review our children’s catechism questions (questions and answers to what we believe about God). While they are in the tub we will sing songs or practice verses. It’s not a formal thing, it’s just part of what we do together.
6. Teach your children what you believe. There are many ways to do this. I have included some resources below that we use. You need to purpose to do this though, or as adults they will not know what they believe.
7. Pray as a family. As you become more comfortable praying together, you will be able to do it more. Force yourself to start; Maybe a prayer before a meal or bedtime. We teach our “babies” a memorized prayer and we all memorize The Lord’s Prayer, but most of our prayers are just “talking to God”.
8. Celebrate the spiritual. When our church dedicates a child they give the parents a candle for the child to light when he/she ask Jesus to be his/her Savior. This is a special time in our family to celebrate that decision. We also use Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving as a time of reflection with different traditions for each holiday, all pointing us to God.
Here are some excellent resources that we use:
· Small Children’s Catechism: http://www.apuritansmind.com/creeds-and-confessions /small-childrens-catechism/
· Read with me Bible NIrV Bible Storybook, Zonderkidz
· The Jesus Storybook Bible (ages 4 and up) by Sally Lloyd-Jones, Zonderkidz
· God’s Mighty Warrior Devotional Bible (ages 4-7) by Sheila Walsh,Tommy Nelson
· I Want to Know About God, Jesus, The Bible and Prayer (ages 8-12), by Rick Osbourne and Christie Bowler, Zonderkidz
· A Faith to Grow On (ages 7-11) by John MacArthur, Tommy Nelson
· The Lamb (ages 5 and up) by John Cross, Goodseed
. http://www.answersingenesis.org/
I have a lots more ideas on this, so message me if you want to talk about it! God bless each one of your children! They’re so precious to Him!