How to Teach Toddlers About God

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The Bible tells us how to raise godly children, which by default includes how to teach toddlers about God. According to scripture, we should start kids off on the right path, so that when they are adults, they will not stray from truth.

Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

So, it’s so important that we talk to our kids about God, let them see us praise and worship, and allow them to witness first-hand what a Christ-centered life looks like.

But what about small kids? How early is too early? And how in the world do we get our little humans to know who God is?

Well, don’t stress, because in this post I am going to share 7 ways you can teach your toddler about God.

Teaching toddlers about God is important and possible. And even at the age of 2 or 3, it’s not too early to start introducing them to the Lord.

Will they understand everything you tell them? Of course not!

But, as the saying goes, you have to crawl before you can walk. They may not be able to fully grasp the concept of God, the work He did on the cross, heaven and hell, etc.

But that’s okay!

They will be introduced to God at some point. Why not start when they are the most innocent and trusting. Before they receive a tainted view of the world.

Raising Godly Children According to Scripture

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Deuteronomy 6:7

Scripture is clear on how we should raise our kids. We should teach our children right from wrong from at an early age so that when they become adults, they will stick to the path that is right.

We as parents are charged with taking care of these little children of God. And one of the best things we can do for our children is introduce them to God as early as possible.

Although my son is only 2, I realize just how crucial it is to start building Godly habits now. We all know how quickly our little ones grow, and just how much information they are soaking up.

Skyler, my son, often surprises me with how good his memory is.  So, we should not underestimate what our toddlers are capable of learning.

Why Teaching Kids About God Early Matters

This may be a given, but you might be wondering why it even matters. Does learning how to teach toddlers about God even make a real difference?

And I would respond with a big fat YES, it matters.

Why? Because our children are being introduced to the sins of the world at younger and younger ages. Instead of just being allowed to be kids, they are constantly being indoctrinated with inappropriate subject matter that they are too immature to comprehend and too young to discern without our help.

And for this reason, we as mothers, fathers, and caregivers are responsible for being that Spiritual lens for them. Teaching them as early as we can to both cover them and prepare them for the times to come.

If you’re looking for a good book that discusses how to prepare your children to stay grounded in faith while facing the secular world, “Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge the Cultural Lies” is the book you need. It’s not specifically about toddlers, but relevant nonetheless. You can read my review of the book here.

7 Ways to Start Teaching Your Toddler About God

If you are looking for ideas on how to teach toddlers about God, this post is for you. I’ve compiled a list of 7 different ways or activities you can do with your tantrum throwing two-year-old to start introducing God into his/her little world.

1. Start saying prayers with your toddler early (pray over meals, before bed, etc.)

I started saying grace with my son when he was around a year and half. Get your child used to giving thanks to God over meals and saying prayers before bed. My son finds praying over our meals entertaining.

He smiles when I say, “Let’s say grace”, and then closes his eyes (for like 2 seconds and then opens them right back up ha!). And after I finish and say Amen, he screams “AMA”. It’s adorable and hilarious.

He doesn’t always cooperate, but that doesn’t matter. It’s getting him used to hearing the name of Jesus and getting him in the habit of giving thanks to God. That’s what really matters.

2. Read books about God now. Even better, start reading the Bible early!

I like to read my son children books that are centered around Bible stories. Even if the stories are focused more on the animals, or counting numbers, or the ABCs, again, this is just getting him used to hearing about God. One favorite we are reading right now is “My First Read and Learn Book of Prayers“. It’s an adorable book of simple prayers that your toddler can learn and grow with.

And don’t forget about the Bible! You can start reading the Bible to your kids as early as birth! I don’t know why, but I’ve had this idea in my head that I should wait to read the actual Bible to Skyler when he is a little older.

Nonsense?! Just start now! One of my Facebook followers shared that she had been doing Bible reading time with her kids since birth. I love it!

3. Let them hear you talk about the Lord.

Make sure your toddlers see and hear you talk about God and to God daily. Let them hear you and your husband have conversations about God, for example. Letting your children see you include God in your daily routine is crucial to teaching them that God should be a priority.

4. Let them sit in on a Bible study or take them to church with you.

If you attend a local church, bring your toddler! If you do church at home, or have a family Bible study, whatever the case may be. Involve your toddler. Even if it means sitting them in the corner to play while you participate. Again, they will get to see you make space in your life for God.

5. Let them watch Christian cartoons.

If you allow your toddler to watch cartoons, try to find cartoons that are faith-focused. My mom told me about The Beginner’s Bible cartoons. You can find most of these cartoons on YouTube for free. But you can also purchase the DVDs, books, homeschooling curriculum, and more here.

Try to find something that doesn’t shy away from teaching God’s message. And definitely try to stay away from anything that teaches the opposite of God’s Word.

6. Listen to Christian music.

This one is easy. Just play some gospel or Christian music throughout the day. My son and I typically have what I call “dance parties” just about every day. And usually, I’ll turn on some 80s breakdance music (my husband’s a dancer), and Skyler loves it!

But, I’ll also add in some upbeat Christian music as well. It’s a simple and fun way to get the name of Jesus in his mind and heart.

7. Let them see you reading the Bible.

I do most of my Bible reading on a Bible app, so this one is a little more challenging. However, I do still take out the printed Bible and read that sometimes while he plays. I use The Apologetics Study Bible.

He, of course, shows little interest. But again, it’s about allowing our little ones to see how we choose to spend our time.

In Conclusion

I’d love to hear ways that you are teaching your toddler about God? Please like, share, and comment below!


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