OPINION:
Parenting is one of our most rewarding roles in life — yet, it can also be the most challenging. Unlike professional careers that have weeks of new employee training and onboarding, parenthood has no official training manual and mostly involves on-the-job training.
Fortunately, as Christians, we have our instruction book for life — the Bible — full of wisdom that can guide us through the wild journey of life. Besides sharing the Gospel message with our kids, the Bible makes it very clear that we have one main role as parents: To teach our kids to love God and to love others. In Matthew 22: 37-39, Jesus specifically tells us these two things are the most important commandments.
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So, how do we do this as parents — especially when our plate is full?
The key is to build intentional spiritual rhythms into your family’s existing daily routine. In fact, Deuteronomy 6:6-7 highlights four unique ways.
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 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.”
This is very clearly instructing us to tell our kids about God when…
- “….you sit in your house,”
- “…you walk by the way,”
- “…you lie down,”
- “…you rise.”
What do you notice about these foud ways? They are all things your family is already doing! Now let’s break this down into some practical ideas that you can start implementing today for your family.
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“When you sit in your house…”
Life is busy, and sitting together as a family is rare. But, most often, eating requires sitting! So, mealtime is a great time to connect as a family. No matter if it’s breakfast or dinner, start asking your kids intentional questions. At dinner ask them, “What was one high and one low from your day today?” Then connect the dots for them on how God is working in their lives or how they can talk to Him about their day.
These conversations are so important in the spiritual development of your children. I believe that mealtime is the second most important hour of your day (spending time with God is number one). There is power in the dinner table and, surprisingly, kids who eat together with their families each week reap amazing physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits.
“When you walk by the way…”
Many parents find conversation to be easiest while driving in the car. Kids tend to be more open to talking about things when there is no direct eye contact. I always had my kids’ undivided attention on trips, so it was a great opportunity for deeper conversations.
For younger children, this may just be listening to worship music in the car — and that’s ok!
Another great option for families is to go on a walk after dinner. You’ll be surprised by how the conversation flows with each step. And, a bonus: You’re staying active as a family!
“When you lie down…”
Bedtime can be one of the sweetest times for a parent-child relationship. Create a special routine with your child by embracing them while talking about their day, singing Jesus Loves Me, reading their Bible, or praying. This will look different as your kids grow older, but it can still be a great opportunity to connect spiritually. For teenagers, it might just look like a hug and a quick prayer before they head into their bedroom.
One of my favorite memories of my boys when they were little was our bedtime routine. Although it was usually a challenging time of day — just trying to get them into their beds was like trying to nail down water — it was also such a precious time. Every night, we read a Bible or a devotional, while we sat side by side on their bed. Even when parental exhaustion set in, it was still such a special way to end the day.
“When you rise…”
Sure, mornings can be stressful. Rather than concentrating on the chaos, we need to look at them as an opportunity — an opportunity to intentionally encourage our kids and center them on God to start their day. Set them up for a great day by slowing down the pace of the morning. Pray with them as they go out the door every morning or even in the car on the way to school.
Every morning, as my boys rushed out the door to school, there were three specific things I said to them before they left: “I love the way God made you so _____”, “What’s one thing you are concerned or excited about today?”, and “Let’s pray over your day…”
This intentionality has stuck with them over the years. In fact, one of my sons has even implemented some of these rhythms with his new bride!
These four family rhythms are a great opportunity to show your child that your faith isn’t just something that happens in church, but it should happen everyday at home too. Remember, there’s no such thing as a perfect parent — we all make mistakes. But, if we can be intentional about implementing a few of these family rhythms in our existing routines, we can help equip our children to have a healthy relationship with God. After all, He is the one in charge of their day.
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Kori Pennypacker is the CEO of Bible2School, where she oversees the mission and speaks to businesses, churches, and community leaders on the topic of the importance of spiritual training for children in our communities nationwide. She has over 20 years of experience in children’s ministry and leadership.
Bible2School equips communities across the nation to provide free elective Bible classes to elementary school children DURING their public school day. Their vision is that every public school in the nation would have a dynamic Bible program taught during their school day as allowed by national released time court rulings.
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