Children’s Resources
PARENTING
Discover how to lead your kids in a grace-filled way, without feeling icky or pushy,
Know what to do when your kids aren’t paying attention (so you don’t get discouraged), and
Be equipped to create a sustainable, gospel-centered rhythm that works for YOUR unique family in just minutes per day (so your kids can grow a faith to call their own)!
Have you noticed? We are now living with the consequences of the most “me” focused culture in our known history. Discovering Self, becoming Self, identifying Self, promoting Self, taking Selfies, glorifying Self, adoring Self, and fulfilling Self takes priority over everything else.
What are the things Christian parents need to know about kids and cell phones? Here we explore it from a developmental point of view.
My children are 5 years apart in school and as a result, their high school experiences did not overlap. In just that brief period between them, cell phone usage (and, sadly, their necessity now for some school work) has dramatically changed.
BIBLE MEMORIZATION IDEAS
It’s not a chore! Learning scripture can be fun if you know the right games. Test these creative ideas and help kids make amazing progress! Each idea below is easy to learn and gets kids “hands on” with the Bible verses. Taking apart and putting the verse back together is a great way to use repetition without creating boredom!
How do you teach memory verses in a fun way?
Let’s back track a little. I mean – er – WHY are we teaching Scripture memorisation in the first place? Doesn’t it all feel a little cult-ish and brainwashed?
It’s certainly a contentious issue amongst church folk.
Kids are like sponges. I’m amazed at what my kids manage to soak up from the world around them (sometimes good, sometimes not so good), and even more amazed by what they remember, especially during the times when I don’t even think they are paying attention.
CRAFTS
A few years ago, we started dabbling in origami. We’re certainly not the best at it, but we sure do have fun. While looking for a cute origami bookmark that could double as a Valentine craft for my daughter’s sleepover party (that she’s already planning…in December!), we decided to try this adorable and easy origami heart bookmark.
Shaving Cream Art Marbling is one of our favorite arts and crafts activities for preschoolers. The great thing about making these sweet Marbled Hearts is the children can pick whatever color combination they want; they have a fun sensory experience as well as end up with lovely preschool Valentines cards.
We hope you have a bunch of paper rolls stored as there is no chance you will do just one winter windsock toilet paper roll craft. Once you make the first one, you’ll want to make a dozen. You can even combine this winter craft with the snowman windsock craft we already shared.
FAMILY DEVOTIONALS
Family devotion time: sweet memories or absolute mayhem? For most families, it’s a little bit of both.
We asked readers over social media—plus a few colleagues at Faithlife—to describe their family devotions and how they make the time meaningful and enjoyable.
Need a quick family devotion while you’re on the go? Try these.
Some days are difficult for families to find time for a family devotion, especially when you spend more time in the car than in your home. Here is a unique devotional download that a passenger in the car can read to the rest of the family on those crazy-schedule days — On-the-Go Devotions.
Play a little game to see if your children can pick out changes in appearance. Choose one person to be the “changer.” Ask your children to look carefully at the “changer.” Then have them close their eyes. While their eyes are closed, the “changer” will make a simple change.
Read Isaiah 53:6-7 to your children. Ask them if they know who these verses are about. Remind your children about Jesus’ suffering on the cross. Read the verses again and instruct your children to listen for the words “sheep,” “lamb,” and “Lord.”