SPROUTS
4-5 Year Old’s
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 experience the joy of learning who God is, and that the Bible is God’s true word.
Your child will learn to express their joy in God through worship & prayer
You and your child will get to experience the joy of a growing faith with engaging family take home sheets and resource.
Ways you can encourage your child’s faith:
Spend quality time with your child - Your little one craves being the center of your attention. Find opportunities to give them this alone time and listen for natural points in the conversation to talk about God and your faith.
Pray - You can pray with them at any time not just before meals and bed. Look for natural moments to pray with them and pray for those things that seem important to them. Allow your child the opportunity to pray.
Serve - Look for serving opportunities that you can do together.
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 class. They will also begin to learn the importance of church community by having their own!
Communication - Your child is watching and imitating you so make sure you are communicating what you want them to be. You, as their parents, are their biggest examples of how to live a life that is pleasing to God.