7 Practical Ways To Teach Your Toddler About Jesus
Hey mama! One of our biggest callings as Christian mamas is to raise our children up in Christ. With that being said, how the heck are we supposed to teach our toddlers something so important at such a young age?
My toddler is crazy in the best of ways. He’s full of energy, loves to sing and dance, and probably isn’t going to be able to sit still long enough for me to tell him the entire creation story. Plus, he’s 2, so he probably won’t even understand.
If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry I’m here to help. Here are 7 practical ways to teach your toddlers about jesus:
7 Practical Ways To Teach Your Toddler About Jesus:
1. Read the Bible
Will they understand everything you’re saying? Absolutely not. Will they sit still and pay attention? My toddler probably won’t.
Blut that isn’t the point. The point of this is to teach them the importance of His Word.
And how do we do that? By showing them how important the Bible is to us.
So, when you read, read out loud for everyone to hear. It truly does not matter if they pay attention. The point is to let them see it and become comfortable and expectant to hear His Word read throughout your daily routine.
Plus, it’s a great way to stay grounded you when you’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s a win-win for everyone!
2. Read them books about Jesus
Most little kids (not all) seem to love having books read to them. Use this as an opportunity to buy some books that will be interesting and make sense to them. There are TONS of options.
One of my favorite books is The Jesus Storybook Bible!
3. Pray with your babies
As you know, prayer is HUGELY important. Though your littles may not understand exactly what or why you are praying, do it anyway. Eventually, they will understand and expect it to be in your daily routine.
Mama, use this as an opportunity to teach your children how truly loving Jesus is. No need for intelligent words. Talk to Jesus like you’re talking to a friend. By doing this, you’ll be able to teach your babies that Jesus truly is a friend, comforter, and helper.
4. Play that funky music!
Sorry, couldn’t resist. But seriously, playing chrisitan music throughout your home is such an easy way to surround your babies with Jesus. Find some fun songs written specifically for littles and have a dance party!
Even better, find some songs that quote directly from Scripture. This is a great way for your babies to memorize verses. Probably not immediately, but definitely eventually.
5. Take your babies to church!
Our salvation is not based on our works, but the Bible makes it very clear that Christians are to be in community with other Christians. Church doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.
Look at it as this: It’s a building full of sinners looking for Jesus. No need to be nervous or worried about what people think of you.
Just show up. Plug in.
Make some friends and help your littles to make some friends. Your babies need to know that this community is vital for thriving in their relationships with Jesus.
Make sure whatever church you go to is teaching THE BIBLE and not opinions. No church will be perfect, but do some research. Try a few out. PRAY about it!
6. Coloring pages
There are loads of coloring page options for littles that will be fun AND educational for them. Do a quick Google search and you’re sure to find plenty.
Even better, find some that give you an opportunity to tell a Bible story with them!
7. Teach your children forgiveness
Did you lose it and blow up on your toddler because you expected her to be more mature than a 3-year-old should be? Apologize. It’s humbling for you, and teaches your children the importance of saying sorry and REPENTING.
Did your toddler do something that they should apologize for? Do your best to get them to apologize (with a kiss, by cleaning up their mess, etc.) and then tell them that you love them and that you forgive them.
Were you short with your husband today? Tell him you’re sorry and then tell Jesus you’re sorry too -in front of your littles.
God is the Great Forgiver of our sins. If anyone knows anything about forgiveness, it’s Him.
Show that to your babies.
Bonus tip: Show them Jesus is your strength
Show your babies that Jesus truly is your strength. When you’re angry at your toddler for making “art” with his dirty diaper, use this as an opportunity to stop and pray -right there in front of your toddler.
When you’re stressed to the max, talk out loud to Jesus. It’ll be good for you and good for your babies to see.
Remember mama, this is a learning journey that is bound to be messy. But, as Abbie Halberstadt says, “Hard is not the same thing as bad.”
Good luck, mama. I believe in you!
