Kids

Teaching children about their Savior and how they can have eternal life may be the most important responsibility of a Christian parent and the believers who come into the lives of children. One of the key ways to help children grow spiritually is to help them get to know the Bible.Reading the stories, extracting lessons, helping them memorize important verses, and helping them see the connections to Jesus and God’s love are part of “train[ing] up a child in the way he should go; [so] even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). The Bible is a big book, and it can be difficult to know where to start. Fortunately, there are many stories that are important and accessible for children.Here are 10 of the most popular Bible stories for kids.Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Tutye

The best time to start reading the Bible with your child is when they are in the womb. The second best time is today! We have been known by God even before we were born and were created to know Him.

We see Jesus often being interrupted by people who need His help. He doesn't ignore them. Jesus doesn't rebuke them for coming to Him. He leaves what He is doing to help others. Jesus shows us His heart for children. He exhibits love and compassion towards them

When the disciples asked Jesus who would be greatest in heaven, he told them that only someone with childlike faith could enter heaven. Just how do we get a childlike faith?

I've found crafts to be immensely helpful in not only keeping children's and even the entire family's attention, but also in helping to focus them on pivotal elements of Scripture that can bring their faith into real life. Finding those Scripture passages that you want to be certain are written on their hearts can begin by writing them on a piece of art, carving them into wood, painting them onto a rock, and so much more.

When it came to Jesus, all ears were turned to Him, especially those of children. Children were usually the ones to ask the hard questions that would have Jesus chuckling and taking a moment to determine how to answer a profound question in childlike terminology.However, during the time that Jesus’s ministry was taking place, children were to be seen and not heard, especially when it came to matters of faith and religion.Jesus had to educate all on the importance of children, including His own disciples who blocked them from coming to be prayed over by Jesus. He told them, in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”As we learn through this exploration of Scripture, Jesus was revealing to all present, and us in later generations, that everyone is welcome in the kingdom of heaven, no matter the age. When we accept Jesus into our hearts, He provides the bridge to reunite us again with our heavenly Father.Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Tomwang112

When asked by God what he wanted, Solomon could have asked for anything! He could have been selfish by asking for more money, a bigger house, or expensive food to eat, but he didn’t. He chose to ask God for wisdom.

As Christian parents, most of us have spent years raising and rearing our children, intentionally working on meeting not only their physical needs but also their mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Before our babies were even born, we started safeguarding our homes and preparing a space that they could thrive in. As our little ones began to crawl, we removed choking hazards and items that they could pull down on themselves. We put safety locks on cabinets and outlets and hid away anything that could be potentially dangerous.As our children develop and grow, so does our plan to keep them safe. In each conversation about proper knife skills, making toast without burning down the house, or why we don't dart into the street after a ball, we teach our children how to connect with and approach this world. In many of these circumstances, the conversations that we're having with our children are quite literally keeping them alive. The conversation around pornography needs to be no different.Recently, I was encouraged by a friend to begin having conversations with my 10-year-old son around this very topic. Every cell in my body was squeamish as I approached what felt like the most uncomfortable and awkward discussion I never wanted to have. I protested against my friend's encouragement, "but we have passcodes and parental controls on every device; there's no way that he's being exposed to that."It was only then that I learned just how easy it is to access pornography these days. My friend helped me understand that while we may be providing safety in our home, the moment our children step outside of our homes, the possibility of exposure multiplies, and so, whether we like it or not, as parents, we need to get brave, do our homework, and start having these conversations with our children.Photo credit: Getty Images/Kirill Greshnov

Memories of my childhood are filled with the scent of seawater, the feeling of sand between my toes, and the tingling sensation of sun on my skin. I remember the taste of sweet watermelon and the sound of my siblings and me giggling. For me, summer is filled with the possibility of creating memories that will last a lifetime.As a mother of two, I sincerely want to create joy and fun-filled summer experiences for my children. I hope that they'll look back at their summers with fondness and nostalgia—just as I do. However, I'm learning that in order to create these memories, I must first be intentional.As my firstborn gets older, he seems to be content to laze around watching movies or tv, and while there are days during the summer that this is the best course of action, I don't want that to be our norm. Instead, I would love for my children to be drawn to adventure and the unknown, to engage with their environment, and to move their growing bodies. What better time to do this than summer break? If you're hoping to create intentional summer memories for your children this year, you're invited to try a few of these favorites from our home that are tried, tested, and approved by my kids.Photo credit: ©Getty Images/evgenyatamanenko

Pray your child will see God as He truly is. Pray for your child’s salvation. Pray for your child’s friends, youth leaders, Sunday school teachers, and all others who influence their faith.

“Mine.” I didn’t have to teach my children this word. It entered their vocabulary and their hearts on its own. And I didn’t have to teach my children to be selfish. Their tight-fisted nature was already there. As a parent, you’ve likely had an identical experience.We serve an incredibly generous God. In the well-referenced verse, John 3:16, we read “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life (CSB).” This act showcases the unfathomable generosity of our God.As believers, we want to see this generosity reflected in the lives of our children because we know Proverbs 22:6—"Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it (CSB).” But how do we do this? The goal often seems daunting and complex, one more item on our parenting “to-do” list.Encouraging generosity in your kids doesn’t need to be daunting and complex. Sometimes, it is a simple as pointing out the demonstrations of generosity occurring right in front of you, talking about them, and then connecting them to the generosity of our God. These demonstrations of generosity can come from you, those around you, or even your children. So here are three easy ways to encourage generosity in your kids:

"I think heaven is at least one million times better than the best cruise in the world!" says Zachary, 9. Maybe this is why cruise ships are so popular. Deep in our hearts, we know there’s a perfect place.

Relating in uncertainty can impact our sense of our self-worth. How do we help children know their self-worth when they’re developing in distance learning and digital play dates?

Is there any real way to help your kid’s attention span while doing school online? Or is it a hopeless endeavor for parents and teachers everywhere?I think we’ve all seen the funny gifs of kids hanging upside down at the dining room table, or making faces at the computer screen when they are supposed to be listening to their teacher. And while it’s laughable at first, it can quickly become exasperating for parents, teachers, and kids.If you’re at your wits’ end trying to navigate a new season of virtual schooling, be encouraged today. We’ve compiled a list of 5 ways you can help you kid’s attention span and get the most out of online learning.Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/tylim

As kids, my brother and I were as opposite as could be.Clever and introverted, he could craft a poem one moment and expertly repair an engine the next. He was loyal, fearless, and tenacious in his points of view. As his sister, I was instead the cautious people-pleaser who aimed for perfect grades and a busy social calendar.I was content to spend hours at the piano or theater practice while he raced down the highway on his motorcycle. Our parents were challenged trying to understand their uniquely individual son and daughter.The dynamic isn’t so different in our house today. Our five kids run from shy to never-met-a-stranger, academic to artistic, and serious to silly. That one is guarded and private while this one wears her heart on her sleeve. One child’s room looks like the aftermath of a tornado while the other would make Marie Kondo sing.Each of our sons and daughters is one of a kind in their abilities, personalities, and dreams for the future.As parents, we’re tempted to compare our kids to one another. We’ve battled critical thoughts that say, Why won’t you buckle down and study like your sister? I wish you would listen and cooperate like your brother. If you were as frugal as so-and-so, you’d have more money too.Yet if we give in to those destructive comparisons, we’ll do long-lasting damage to our children’s hearts and minds. Here are 5 reasons why comparing your kids is harmful.Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Liderina

Teaching Scripture to you children is like planting a seed. When you water it with a consistent example of what it means to live out Scripture in your everyday life, that seed in your child’s life will sprout and grow into the joy of living for Jesus.Bedtime is a good time to help your children memorize Scripture. The house has become quiet, chores and homework are done, and they relax in their beds as they wait for sleep to come. Often they want to hear a story--a great way to incorporate Scripture and give an example of God’s presence in out lives.Choose one verse to be your theme verse for the week and repeat that same verse each night every night. Use it during the day and talk about it in the car. Use it frequently enough that when the week is over your children can quickly recall the verse of the week. You may want to have a plan to review previous verses as you move from week to week.Some adjustments may need to be made because of the age of your children. Even toddlers can memorize verses if they are shortened a bit or explained over and over again.What are some good verses to help your children to fill their minds and hearts with God’s word?Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/evgenyatamanenko

After my son was born my world changed in new and unexpected ways. I assumed that after bringing a child into the world that my life would somehow go back to normal—normal with the addition of a baby in the house, of course.I entered parenting with a sort of nonchalance. I didn’t bring a birth plan to the hospital or have any great expectations of what birthing my son would look like. I expected that there would be pain, followed by tremendous joy. And, to be fair, all of that is true.What I didn’t expect, however, was that the process of bringing my son into the world would leave me broken physically. I didn’t expect emotional suffering or to experience postpartum depression. I didn’t expect parenting to take such a toll on my body, mind and spirit.Without self-care, I would have stayed burnt out and would not be able to fully show up for my family or my community. Let's look at 5 reasons why parents should prioritize Biblical self-care.Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/fizkes

Even in a pandemic, we can bring the hustle and bustle with us. Or, we can choose to count our blessings

It’s hard to find television these days that still holds to family values. So, we made a list for you of shows that still do!

To even begin to approach this topic, I feel that I must first begin with confession and then ask for forgiveness from those in my community, state, nation, and world that are hurting due to the racism that lingers in our homes and hearts.We all have a responsibility to pursue healing, reconciliation, and restoration of those who have been traumatized by systemic racism. Racism is an awful evil that goes against God’s heart for humanity. We are all created in His image and all should be treated with value, love, and mercy.Until recent years, I must confess that I felt that not being actively racist was enough. As long as I personally showed love to all and recognized the value in every human, I was doing my part.I was comfortable enjoying my white privilege while ignoring the hurts of racial injustice that go back generations. The effects of racism are not visible in my everyday experience. I have been content to live my life blind to the deep hurts that people of color are carrying.I am so sorry for not seeing, not hearing, not loving past my very white-washed circles, and not doing enough to help my kids understand the effects of racism in our world today. Many of us have failed to connect the very obvious dots of the past to the anger, hurt, distrust, and brokenness of now.It’s time for Christ-followers to do more than just “not be racist” we need to take the lead in building new bridges, become better teachers to our children on this issue, and we need to ask for God’s mercy to lead us as we dream about a world where broken hearts are healed.How then do we start this hard, intentional, and meaningful work? We start at home.Racism lives as a cancer of the heart and heats are informed by experience, by the messages both subtle and obvious we pass along to our kids. Let’s start teaching our kids to be the bridge the future needs to heal from the deep, dark, and heavy wounds of the past. Here are some ideas for you and me on how to do this work:Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/monkeybusinessimages