9 Tips For Praying With YOur Toddler
I believe one of the greatest gifts we can give our babies is the comfort of going to their Father in prayer. We want prayer to be their second nature. So, how do we teach that?
Well, mama, I have some tips! I only have one kid right now, so I’m most familiar with what works best with him. However, I’ve done some research and found some great additional tips that might be helpful to you as well.
1. Keep Prayers Short and Sweet
When you’re praying with your toddler, remember that their attention span is pretty limited. Start with prayers that are short and to the point. You can gradually extend the length as your child grows and their ability to focus improves. For now, a simple “Thank you, God, for our food and toys” is more than enough to nurture a spirit of gratitude and introduce them to the concept of prayer. This approach not only keeps them engaged but also makes prayer a joyful and manageable experience for both of you.
Here’s a look at what a typical prayer of ours looks like:
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for Lightning McQueen.
Thank you for Daddy, Mommy, and Jackson.
Please help us to be kind.
Please save Jackson.
We love you!
Amen.
2. Pray About Things That Matter to Them
Children connect with what is immediate and relatable to their world. When it’s time to pray, bring up things that have happened in their day.
Did they enjoy a special treat like a cookie? Say a quick thank you for it.
Is there a favorite show they love, like Bluey? Include a word of thanks for the fun it brings.
If your child has scraped their knee, a simple prayer asking for God to heal their ouchie shows them how prayer touches every part of life.
3. Get Their Favorite Toys Involved
Involving your toddler’s favorite toys into prayer time can make the experience more engaging and fun for them. Just as they might have a tea party with their toys, they can also share a prayer time. Encourage your child to have their teddy bear give thanks for the sunny day or their doll to ask for good dreams at night.
This is also helpful for when your toddler doesn’t want to pray. Just like us, our toddlers aren’t always in the mood to stop what they’re doing and pray.
When Jackson tells me he doesn’t want to pray, I tell him it’s fine and that I’ll just get Lightning McQueen to pray with me. Most times this will encourage Jackson to stop and pray with us, but sometimes it doesn’t.
Which leads me to the next tip…
4. Don’t Force It
We want them to LIKE talking to Jesus. It’s hard to like something when someone is screaming at you to like it. It’s important that prayer is a positive experience for your toddler. If they resist praying, let it be without frustration or anger. We want our little ones to associate prayer with joy and love, not with stress or shouting. We aren’t trying to raise little legalists.
Encourage them gently, and if they’re not in the mood, that’s okay. Prayer should be something they look forward to, not something they fear. By keeping the atmosphere light and pressure-free, you’re helping to cultivate a lifelong positive relationship with prayer.
5. Be Consistent
Okay, here’s the thing: toddlers thrive on routine, and what better routine to establish than prayer? Make it a point to pray together in the morning when they roll out of bed, maybe a quick thank-you before each meal, and definitely those precious moments before bedtime. This not only gets them comfortable with praying regularly but also anchors their day with little moments of gratitude and peace. You’ll see—it becomes something they look forward to each day!
6. What Do They Want to Pray For?
Toddlers have minds full of magic and wonder, so after you cover the thank-yous for mommy and daddy, ask them, “What else?” Maybe they want to pray for their goldfish or a friend from the park. This is your cue to let them take the lead. It’s amazing what they come up with. Plus, it gives them a taste of how prayer can be their own, personal conversation with Jesus.
7. Tell Them Jesus Is Always Listening
Remember to tell your little one that no matter where they are or what they’re doing, Jesus is always there to listen. Whether they’re in the sandbox, snuggled up in bed, or even in the middle of a temper tantrum, Jesus is just a prayer away. This reassures them that they can talk to Jesus anytime, not just when they’re sitting at the dinner table with folded hands.
8. Get Daddy Involved
If Daddy feels a bit shy about praying out loud, this is a perfect chance to step up for the little ones! Kids often get excited to see their dad leading something, especially something as special as prayer. Encourage him to join in and maybe even lead the bedtime prayer. It’s not only about building confidence in Daddy but also showing your kids that prayer is for everyone in the family. Plus, having both parents involved sets a powerful example of a united faith.
9. Introduce Them to the Idea of Salvation
Okay, mama, here’s a little nugget to sprinkle into your prayer time: “Please save (insert your child’s name).” It’s a gentle way to introduce the concept of salvation from a young age. Your toddler might not get it right away, and that’s to be expected. But eventually, they will ask what it means, and you will have the COOLEST conversation(s) of your life!!! So, start planting those seeds early!