sAPLINGS
1st - 4th graders
As a parent or caregiver, you can influence your child’s faith more than anyone else because of the sheer amount of time you have together that no one else has. School-aged kids are ready to learn about a God who loves them and learn how to show His love to others. As you help your child achieve confidence in different areas of their life, you can instill in them that this confidence comes from knowing their identity in Christ as a child of God.
The Bible teaches us that we should make talking about God part of our everyday life:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” - Deuteronomy 6:5-9
The above passage tells us that we should talk about faith with our children and talking to them about our faith should be natural. You can tell your child about God every day, any time of the day, but there are natural rhythms built into most family’s schedules that will lend themselves to these learning opportunities. During these times, look for teachable moments to show your faith.
What your child will be learning:
Your child will see how God uses ordinary people in the Bible, just like them, to do extraordinary things for His purpose. If they allow God to use them, they too, can do extraordinary things for God!
The truth of what God has done, and will continue to do for them, will become real through story, application, worship, and response time.
Your child will learn that living a life that is pleasing to God means having a relationship with God, by praying, listening and obeying Him.
Children will gain an appreciation for and a basic understanding of how to find Biblical answers to their questions.
Ways you can encourage your child’s faith:
Spend quality time with your child - Make time for just you and them where they can tell you anything and ask you anything. These times can be simple things like going on a hike together, baking something, working in the yard, or special dates that you experience together.
Pray - Praying with your child is a special gift we as parents have so take advantage of this time. Pray together not just at bedtime or before meals, but whenever the opportunity arises. When they are sharing about their day and a worry is mentioned, take the moment to pray with them.
Serve - Invite your child into serving opportunities and be an example of what it looks like to serve. Encourage your child to act on their desires to help others and help them carry out said desire.
Give - Teach your child the concept of tithing by encouraging them to give a portion of their allowance to church.
Go to Church - Pick a service time and attend that service weekly. Consistent attendance allows your child(ren) to develop relationships with their small group leaders and the other children in their groups. This will also help them learn the importance of church community by having their own!
Communication - The only way you are going to know what is happening in your child’s life is to continually ask them questions. Their answers will help you in guiding them. Keep asking questions and praying that God will help you raise godly children!