Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. –Proverbs 22:6

Every morning at breakfast, my youngest child looks up with curious eyes and asks a question about our faith, like “Did Jesus have brothers and sisters?”

It’s in these simple, tender moments—between scrambled eggs and juice—that I realize teaching my children about Jesus doesn’t have to feel like a formal lesson or a complicated conversation.

As a parent, my greatest desire is for those moments to be genuine, heartfelt, and easy to share. I want all of my children to feel safe and encouraged to ask "silly" questions, explore faith, and grow in understanding. There is no need for pressure or perfection; just love, patience, and openness.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to bring faith into your everyday life with your child, you’re not alone. It can sometimes feel daunting to balance teaching spiritual truths with the busyness of daily routines.

That’s why I want to share five simple, loving ways I’ve found to teach my children about Jesus throughout the day. These easy practices help create a warm space where Christian knowledge and encouragement can blossom.

Pray Together Regularly

In our family, prayer is an easy and honest way to stay connected with God. We don’t use long or complicated prayers either; instead, we focus on simple, meaningful conversations with God.

For example, at mealtime, our prayers might revolve around saying three things we are thankful for. This might include the food on our plates, our loving family, or the kind friends we enjoy spending time with. Practicing gratitude like this helps us all notice the good in our lives and give thanks to God.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. –Philippians 4:6

At bedtime, prayer is a quiet and comforting way to end the day. Each child gets to say one hope or request to God in their own words. For instance, my oldest in middle school might request support for her upcoming test, whereas my youngest might simply hope to have more play time the next day.

These short, personal prayers encourage my kids to speak openly to Jesus, building a habit of communication that feels safe. Prayer becomes less about rules or set phrases and more about sharing feelings and thoughts directly with God.

Encourage Each Other with Scripture Affirmations

Life isn't always peaches and roses. There will be mornings when you or your children wake up feeling groggy or evenings when the frustrations of the world seem to pile up on your shoulders.

Socially, we have been conditioned to turn to screens or self-isolate whenever we need to destress. However, numbing ourselves to the daily busyness of life can cause emotional disconnect in our families, and further distance us from God's ever-present grace.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. –1 Thessalonians 5:11

Scripture affirmations are more than just feel-good statements. They are based on Biblical truths that remind us of who we are and what we are capable of. In our family, they have helped us learn how to emotionally regulate ourselves and maintain a positive mindset amidst challenges.

For example, one morning my youngest child smiled brightly and randomly said, “I am loved by God!” This statement came as a shock to me, but truth be told, he learned it from repeatedly being exposed to a well-known Bible verse, John 3:16.

Invite Jesus into Everyday Conversations

Talking about faith doesn’t have to happen only during special moments like church or bedtime prayers. It can fit into everyday activities.

For instance, during a recent walk to the park, my daughter looked up at the sky and noticed how bright the sun was. She said, “The sun is so bright today!” Seeing a golden opportunity to talk about God, I replied casually, “Yes, and how awesome that the Bible describes God as our sun and shield? He is always bringing warmth and protection into our lives.”

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. –Psalm 84:11

This simple exchange showed her how to connect ordinary things with faith, without making it feel like a lesson or a test. Plus, it referenced God in a natural way, making spiritual conversations a normal part of daily life, not something separate or intimidating.

Use Bible-Based Visual Tools at Home

Visual aids help make spiritual ideas easier to understand, especially for children. At home, I use several tools that bring Bible teachings to life in meaningful ways.

For example, I put up Bible Affirmation Cards on the kitchen wall. These cards have simple words and colorful pictures that appeal to kids. Seeing them often helps my children remember the messages and incorporate scripture into everyday language and discussions.

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. –Joshua 1:8

My older child also uses an Emotion-Check Chart to help her acknowledge big and small feelings. She walks over to the chart several times a day and sticks on an emotion that represents her present moment experience. Then later, I see her walking back to the chart and sticking on a different emotion. It's like a self-regulating system she has created for herself.

Of course, there are more Bible-based visual tools available on this site and online, however, what I have learned so far is that they create opportunities for my children to embrace what it means to be human while continually being reminded of spiritual truths.

Celebrate Spiritual Wins

Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it". The daily moments spent engaging with the Word of God or Biblical tools creates lasting value in your child's life.

Encouragement is necessary to keep them motivated to learn more about their identity in Christ. When my children show interest in learning about God or remembering Bible verses, I make sure to acknowledge and celebrate their efforts. This positive reinforcement causes them to associate Biblical education with personal achievement.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. –Hebrews 3:13

For example, a year ago, I decided to make a simple Acts of Kindness Chart and told my children that they could earn treats for practicing kindness. Gamifying the process of displaying the fruits of the Spirit made them eager to compete.

My typically independent son began to share toys with his friends, something we normally had to remind him to do. My daughter practiced more self-control and patience when dealing with her little brother, and even volunteered to help with some house chores.

The best part about the Acts of Kindness Chart wasn't the tangible rewards my children earned weekly, but the incremental development of their character to reflect the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Recognizing your child's small spiritual achievements helps them see that growing in faith is important and valued, just like any other goal. It also motivates them to keep asking questions, learning new things, and modifying their behaviors willingly.

Remember that celebrations don’t have to be big or fancy. They can be as simple as a hug, a smile, a sincere "thank you," or a few encouraging words. The aim is to make your child feel proud and excited about their journey with faith, knowing their spiritual growth is noticed and appreciated.

Faith tools and conversations can fit within your existing routines of meals, bedtimes, and car rides, making Jesus a part of everyday moments. Each meaningful practice you introduce, no matter how small, becomes a building block in your family’s faith journey.

Each week, make a commitment to practice at least one of the strategies mentioned in this article. Track your progress on a log or journal, and reflect on how they impact your home environment. Feel free to customize the practices to suit your family's needs and lifestyle.

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