Leverage babies and toddlers' love of books
Story time is short with your sweet little ones, but that doesn't mean it's not memorable! When regularly read, baby bible books will help your little one view the Bible as a significant part of their life. Check out our bible resources for some great ideas.
Leverage preschoolers' ability to thrive on routine
Here's a fresh idea - if you have expectations set in place for how often a day your child can interact with an iPad or tablet, choose a time when "screen time" choices are bible - based. Check out the digital resources in the next section of this email for some great ideas.
Leverage elementary schoolers' value of what you do
Kids in the younger elementary grades pay an incredible amount of attention to what you do, whether they communicate it or not. They look to you more than anyone else to influence their decisions about who they are and how to interact with the world. Chew on this - if the only times you read or study the Bible are when they can't see it (early morning, bedtime, away from home), do they know you care about it?
Leverage preteens' ability to form their own opinions
Preteens have personal values, but they aren't intentional in forming or communicating them. So ask them what they think God has to say about a struggle or joy going on in their lives! Ask them what they think about creation, Jesus, the Church, etc. Chances are they will not have a ready answer, but your prompt will get those wheels turning, and your guidance can direct them towards reading scripture for wisdom and life application.
Leverage middle schoolers' questions
Early adolescence presents a change in brain development that enables abstract thinking. Concepts teens used to believe with childlike faith can become confusing as they begin to understand them from a new point of view. They need to know that questions, and even doubt, can help grow faith if they seek to discover what the Bible has to say about them.
Leverage high schoolers' desire to know why things matter
Older teens need to take personal responsibility for their spiritual growth if their faith is going to stick in adulthood. Teens are bombarded with cultural messages about what's important. If you want faith to stand out, show them how it's different from other things that they do. Encourage involvement in bible study, worship, mission work and intergenerational community, to help them see that the Word is alive, active and applicable to everyday life, with a purpose far greater than their peer culture.