Since releasing our Write the Word® journals, we’ve had numerous questions about how to Write the Word with children, and today’s post has been in the works for a long time! We hope it’s encouraging to all you mommas out there hoping to cultivate faith in the hearts of your children!
Let them see you in the Word. Prior to my current role on the Cultivate team, I was a Kid’s Director for my church, and one of the things we often said to parents was this: whether we like it or not, children pay more attention to what you do than what you say. Let your actions speak louder than your words. Whether you are using our Bible journals or not, make sure your children see you spending time in the Word and making it a priority in your life.
Provide shorter pieces of Scripture. We intentionally chose longer passages for our adult Write the Word journals because we believe that it’s important to see the verses in context, but smaller pieces of Scripture are a great place to start - and that's exactly what we've done with our volumes of Write the Word® for Kids, many of which are meant to be used alongside the grown-up versions. To try it for free, here’s an article with some great verses for children. You can also pull out key phrases from passages that you are studying.
Give them their own Bible journal. Our Write the Word for Kids journals bring everything you love about our original journals to a younger audience! These kids Bible journals plant the seeds of God’s word deep in the heart of your child and are the perfect starting journal for boys and girls ages 5-12. They include simple, bite-sized scripture for your kiddos to write and daily journaling and coloring pages.
Provide coloring pages. Is your child too young to write? That’s okay! Incorporate coloring pages into your time together. A quick Google search of “Bible coloring pages for kids” will bring up a plethora of results, and allow your child to start familiarizing themselves with Scripture at a young age. And for when momma needs a writing break, check out our friend Lindsay Letters’ Sweeter Than Honey Coloring Book.
Keep Scripture in front of them. Whether it’s on your walls in your home or in your prayers, make talking about Scripture a priority in your home. One of my favorite and creative ways to do this for children is with temporary tattoos, and our friends at Armed with Truth do this so well! Choose from their many packs of verse temporary tattoos.
Make it an activity together. We’ve all seen those Instagram posts about someone’s quiet time—fluffy blankets, warm coffee in cute Anthropologie mugs, a lit candle. But we know what you mommas are thinking: that’s just not practical for this season of life. That’s okay! Invite your children to participate in writing the Word with you might make your quiet time a little less quiet... but nowhere in Scripture does it actually say time in the Word has to be quiet :)
Your turn: how do you cultivate faith of the little ones in your home? Teaching your children to engage with the Bible is just one (of many) ways. We’d love to hear from you in the comments!
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