As Christian parents, we long for our children to develop a deep, personal faith that shapes their lives. We read the Bible together, pray as a family, and create a home filled with reminders of God’s love. But what happens when we’re not around? How do we help our kids continue growing in their faith on their own?
Here are four simple but powerful ways to encourage your child’s faith journey, even when you’re not there to guide them.
1. Equip Them to Engage with the Bible on Their Own
The Bible is central to our faith, but it’s important that kids learn to engage with Scripture beyond family devotion time. Giving them their own Bible is a great first step, but let’s go further by helping them find ways to explore God’s Word in a way that resonates with them.
Some kids love listening to Bible stories through audiobooks or podcasts, while others connect more with interactive apps, devotionals, or even graphic novel versions of Scripture. Encouraging them to take ownership of their time with God, whether that’s reading, listening, or journaling, helps build a faith that’s personal and lasting.
2. Get Them Involved in Meaningful Activities
Faith isn’t just about what we believe…it’s about how we live. Look for activities that allow your child to practice their faith through kindness, service, and community.
This could be a spring break camp, a volunteer project, or even a local sports team where they can practice humility, teamwork, and encouragement. The goal isn’t to only place them in Christian spaces, but to help them see how their faith connects to every part of their life.
3. Foster Friendships with Other Christian Kids
We can’t choose our children’s friends, but we can create opportunities for them to build relationships with kids who share their faith. This could look like inviting church friends over for a playdate, encouraging them to join a youth group, or simply spending time with other families who prioritize faith in their homes.
For older kids, being part of a Bible study, small group, or even joining a sports team where there are a couple other Christian teens can make a huge difference. Having friends who also value their relationship with God can encourage them to stand firm in their beliefs.
4. Surround Them with Daily Faith Reminders
Kids (and adults!) are influenced by what surrounds them. Simple visual and tangible reminders of their faith can help keep their hearts anchored in God’s truth throughout the day.
This could be crucifix jewelry, a Scripture verse on their phone lock screen, a Christian music playlist, or a favorite Bible verse on their backpack. For younger kids, faith-based storybooks and toys can help reinforce biblical truths in a fun and engaging way. The more they see and hear reminders of God’s presence, the more naturally their faith will become part of their daily lives.
Final Thoughts:
Ultimately, our goal isn’t just to teach our kids about faith—it’s to help them develop their own, deeply rooted relationship with Jesus. By giving them tools, opportunities, and encouragement to live out their faith independently, we set them up for a lifetime of walking with God, whether we’re by their side or not.
0 Comments