Healthy habits are just one way that children can feel safe and loved in their environment. When children feel loved by the adults around them, they will feel confident and free to be creative and learn. With busy modern schedules all habits may not be a daily option, but it is worth the pursuit for the opportunity to form the faith of young lives from the beginning. Even starting something as small as having dinner in a setting where everyone can see each other could change the whole atmosphere of a home. Simply choosing to sit together as a family can foster conversations that blossom into relationships strong enough to produce discipleship.
Here are some ideas to foster relational growth in the whole family:
Dinner – Try having family dinner (device free) as often as you can. Sit at a proper table if you have one so you can look at each other. Ask questions about everyone’s day no matter how young, they will be so excited to tell you even if their answer is always the same!
Family Date Night – once a month have a special family dinner. Let your kids choose something special and involve them in the process. This may slow you down, but will be so satisfying for them to included. Round out the night with a game or movie.
Prayer – This may seem like a no-brainer to some, but adding prayer into your little ones daily habits will teach them to turn to God in all circumstances. No child is too little to learn that everything can be laid at the Father’s feet.
Daily Devotions – Not all little ones will have the patience for long devotionals or Bible passages, but there are many resources geared towards little hearts that are broken down into more manageable readings. Even finding time to read a book based on a Bible story or principle counts! The point is to expose them to God’s Word as often as you can. Whether that happens every day or every few days, putting in the effort now is laying the groundwork for eternity.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.”
Deuteronomy 6:5-9