Most nights, I spent all day berating myself for not passing on Christian spirituality to my two-year-old son. The hectic monotony of life has taken over and I spend more time cleaning peanut butter off the couch than instilling the values of faith in my child’s heart.
You can relate. But the good news is that God knew what He was doing when He chose us to be mothers. Jesus knew which children to give us. And when He honored us with the name “Mama,” He was fully aware of our humanity, all of our sins and limitations.
God is not shocked or deterred by our humanity as mothers, but even in the chaotic rhythms of our lives, God can find simple ways to incorporate faith-based truths into the hearts and minds of our children.
If you feel like you need to rethink your spiritual role as a mother and make your faith the head of your household every day, why not try these simple faith-based activities with your children that will motivate them to pursue God in every moment of their lives?
1. Morning devotion and prayer
As a mother of two young children, I recently realized how valuable and necessary a set schedule is. This allows kids to know what will happen throughout the day, allowing for a more natural rhythm and flow, so the day doesn’t feel scattered and unproductive.
That being said, I incorporate a morning devotional into my breakfast routine. I sit my toddler at the table and feed him, but he would much rather walk around with pancakes or a breakfast bar in hand. We said a prayer of thanksgiving over breakfast, and while he ate, I read a psalm.
This is not an expensive, fancy faith book. I also don’t need crafts or activities that I know my toddler won’t sit still long enough to participate. This is simply the Bible and what children need more than anything. What I love most about this simple devotional is that my two-year-old is genuinely curious when I open the Bible and start reading. He stops what he’s doing and listens…even if it’s just a verse or two.
On the other hand, I start my day the right way based on the Word. It’s a win-win!
2. Christian music
You don’t have to create complicated VBS-style dance routines for your child to enjoy Christian music as part of their daily routine.
Let it play in the background while you make breakfast or run errands. But if your kids need a way to work off their pre-nap jitters, host a fun dance party in your living room. (If you love the good old story of Father Abraham, you’ll never get tired of it, right?)
PS – Listener Kids is a great Christian children’s brand. They perform fun and cheerful renditions of Christian classics. My eldest son requested a song!
3. Bible-based coloring pages and activities
With Bible-based coloring and art activities, it’s easy for even young children to get creative. Even if you don’t have the time or, let’s be honest, insane to do elaborate craft projects, Hobby Lobby and Amazon make it easy to buy Bible coloring books, sticker books, and other creative kits to help your kids incorporate art and faith.
Meanwhile, you can discuss Biblical truths within the activities page. Remember, it’s not just about telling Bible stories, it’s about having conversations about how Bible stories are lived out in the everyday world. Let us use this creative opportunity to help people understand faith more than a disconnected story, and more for what it really is: an antidote that gives life to little souls.
Bonus points: Coloring is therapy for adults, so join in on this simple fun.
4. Biblical cooking
One of the most memorable and wonderful events in my faith was a trip to the ancient museum in my hometown. This ancient museum is a Biblical history museum that hosts events inspired by the Bible. I participated in a traditional Passover meal and was deeply moved by the beauty and meaning of each part.
You may not want to take your little ones to these places, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use the Bible to inspire some fun in the kitchen.
Have you recently taught your little ones about the children of Israel wandering in the desert? (like manna) using them to make unleavened bread. Have you read about Passover? Try hosting a Passover meal in your home. Did you read the story of Jesus turning water into wine? Grab some water and food coloring and let the kids have fun!
Bake a birthday cake for Jesus on Christmas Day. After learning about Jesus feeding the 5,000, bake cupcakes with goldfish and Eucharist crackers (as bread) on top.
There are many ways to incorporate the Bible into your baking. You need to get a little creative.
5. At Home Theater
Pack buckets of popcorn, cozy blankets, white lights, and other fun accessories to host a movie night and enjoy your favorite Christian movies.
At Easter, I love watching the VeggieTales episode about chocolate bunnies. Every year on Christmas Day, we watch the Nativity. We’re also big, big fans of The Chosen. Plus, there are plenty of Christian-based movies for the whole family to enjoy, from fantasy to romance, including The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The War Room, and I Still Believe.
What your child sees is absorbed into their mind. So, why not take advantage of your entertainment and spend some quality time cuddling up on the couch and watch some inspiring faith-filled movies?
6. Service activities
I remember when families from Hurricane Katrina lived in a hotel just minutes from my childhood home. The family has two young children who have lost everything. My mom took my sister and me to the store, bought stickers and coloring books, and made little baskets. Then we took them to the hotel and gave them presents to the children.
Sure, it was just a few stickers and an activity book (and a few Dollar General toys), but my mom’s kindness and desire to care for those who didn’t have never left my mind. That’s never the case. I want to teach my children, and my children, to do the same and serve others, watching my heart soften as I share these experiences with them.
Teach your kids what consistent service looks like, whether it’s volunteering a few times a month at a wardrobe, soup kitchen, or homeless shelter, or decorating cards and crafts and delivering them to a hospice or nursing home. Participate in at least one or two service projects each month with your children.
Find their niche, the place where they feel called to serve, and help them use their talents and passions to love others as Christ has loved them. (It’s a great time to share the words of Matthew 20:28: “…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”)
7. Conversation Starters
Don’t underestimate how powerful a simple conversation starter can be. Grab some popsicle sticks and write some basic questions. “I feel anxious today because of _______,” “When I was _______, _______ showed me grace,” “I think I can testify to _______,” and “I’m scared of _______ because of _______.” Once a week or a few times a month, have your kids pick a popsicle stick and answer it without thinking.
By doing so, you can keep a check on your children’s emotional and spiritual well-being and, in the process, instill Biblical truths into your own life through the Bible, your kind words, and stories of God’s faithfulness.
Feel free to ask these questions while you’re in the car, grocery shopping, or while everyone is cleaning up dinner. The more casual and normal you make these kinds of conversations feel, the more your children will understand the beauty of incorporating Christ and the “deep stuff” into their daily lives.
In fact, my journey to faith began when I was in the back seat of my mother’s green minivan and asked her questions about heaven and how to get there. So don’t underestimate how God can guide your conversations and have an eternal impact on the hearts and souls of your children.
Everyday blessings, boring faithfulness
In our church, we constantly discuss the importance of so-called “boring faithfulness.” David’s faith was not defined by killing Goliath, but it was certainly positive evidence of his radical love and faith in God’s faithfulness. Rather, David’s faith was defined by the small, insignificant, quiet moments in which he showed up every day to protect his father’s sheep. There he learned what it meant to sing to God and protect innocent people from lions and bears.
This is what it means to raise little disciples to their mothers with godly intentions. It manifests itself in the painfully boring and monotonous rhythm of life, but we choose to use that time to incorporate plenty of Biblical truth and a little fun. Here, children understand that faith is more than a highlight reel. It becomes something they can access and participate in every day. This is the faith that sustains them and guides them home.
This is the beautiful weight of our mission as mothers to give meaning to our faith, no matter how boring, difficult, confusing, scary, monotonous, happy, or sad life can be. What a great achievement and honor!
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Rudi Suardi
Peyton Garland is a writer, editor, and mom of a boy who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee. For more encouragement, subscribe to her blog Uncured+OK.
