Like most parents, do you often feel you’re trying to fit 50 hours into a 24-hour day? It’s no secret that balancing daily tasks in our busy, chaotic world can be a real struggle. But amidst the hustle and bustle, a source of joy and inspiration is waiting to be discovered. We can find a renewed sense of purpose and peace by slowing down and making God the center of our family’s daily routines.
God calls us to be the best spiritual leaders for our families, and Hebrews 13:20-21 reassures us that He equips us with everything we need to accomplish His will.
Here are six practical tips for incorporating faith into your daily life. I hope these suggestions bring joy and inspiration to your parenting journey, making it easier to raise the next generation of strong Christian disciples. After all, it’s all about the salvation of our children and preserving our faith!
- This first tip may sound like common sense, but in our business, we may forget that we must remember to give thanks and pray in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 states, “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” Start and end the day with prayer and incorporate bedtime stories with uplifting messages. Establish a routine of praying together as a family each morning and night. These moments can express gratitude, foster a sense of appreciation and contentment, seek guidance, and strengthen family bonds. Involving children in these prayers fosters a habit of communicating their faith from a young age. Incorporate stories from the word of God or faith-based children’s books during bedtime. After reading, take time to discuss the morals and lessons of the story. Relate these teachings to everyday situations, helping children understand and apply their faith in daily life.
- Communication is crucial. I read that young children often ask over 400 questions a day! This is how they learn and when we ask children questions, it helps them become critical thinkers. Have daily faith-integrated conversations, looking for every opportunity to discuss aspects of your faith. Share childhood memories that helped you draw closer to Christ. Marvel at God’s creation and celebrate achievements. Bring faith into every action and conversation. Encourage your children to view the world through the lens of belief. Music and media are two tools to connect your child’s heart to Christ. Play faith-based music or watch religious-themed movies and shows together. This can be a fun and engaging way to instill faith values and create a positive atmosphere in your home. Metacognition is a tool to help your children understand what they are feeling versus what a character in a show is feeling. This is a way to assess whether they think what they view is beneficial or harmful. In my book Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God, I offer many suggestions on how to have faith-integrated conversations and help your children stay strong in this ever-increasing anti-Christian culture.
- Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s essential to ensure that sports and other activities do not overshadow church and spiritual commitments. By prioritizing regular attendance at religious services as part of your family’s routine, you can instill a sense of reassurance and confidence in your children about their faith. Engaging in community events and activities helps reinforce the values taught at home and provides children with a supportive faith-based network. Children benefit significantly from actively connecting with other strong Christian families as part of the body of Christ. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us not to give up meeting together.
- Most children love to do arts and crafts and play indoor and outdoor games. Engage children in creative activities that connect to their faith. This could involve making religious symbols, drawing scenes from sacred stories, or participating in faith-based games and puzzles. These activities make learning about faith enjoyable and help children develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of their beliefs. Role-play is also very beneficial for anyone of any age, and it can be fun while preparing them when they face challenges. Also, make sure their playroom or bedroom reflects Destiny Land and not Disney Land.
- It’s vitally important to ensure educational materials align with biblical teachings, especially if your child attends public school. Incorporate godly principles while teaching fundamental skills such as the ABCs and 123s. At Raising Christian Kids we provide free resources to promote academic and spiritual development. Our materials help children develop literacy and numeracy skills while deepening their faith, ensuring they grow in knowledge and their relationship with God. We also have a section, Tips from the Experts, where various parenting experts share their wisdom!
- This last tip may be one of the most important. You’ve probably heard the saying, “More is caught than taught.” Set an example in all your actions and words. Let your faith be visible through your behavior. Show kindness, patience, and integrity in your daily interactions. Children learn by observing their parents, so by living out your faith moment by moment, you’ll inspire them to follow your example. It’s lovely to hear my adult children repeat what they have listened to and live out the biblical principles I worked so hard to instill in them with the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
I pray that you will organize your time to instill in your children a love for God and a desire to follow Him. I encourage you to explore all available resources and seek wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit. I pray these six practical tips to incorporate faith into your daily parenting routine will bring you and your children closer to the Lord. It’s in seeking him that we can find rest and peace in the chaos. May your family’s love for God shine brightly and be a beacon of hope for all.
Adjunct professor at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary, author of Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God. Founder of Raising Christian Kids.
