As single parents, you’re faced each day with making many important decisions for your children. And as a single mom who is busy working and providing for your children’s physical needs, it can be easy to forget to minister spiritually to your children, too.
However, introducing our children to Jesus and helping them to grow in their faith is the most important thing we can do as single parents.
But how can you help your children develop a relationship with their Lord and Savior?
If you’re wondering how to teach your child about God, here are a few strategies to help.
This article is 6 of a 10-part Single Parenting series designed to give single moms actionable tips to help you navigate parenthood with more patience, gentleness and grace. If you missed the first article, you can read it here.
How to Teach Your Child About Jesus
Single mom, you have the divine task of introducing your son or daughter to the Risen King. What a divine assignment from God!
By constantly reminding your child about the gift Jesus gave them on the cross and by teaching them about His lovingkindness, your children are more likely to receive Jesus and develop their own personal relationship with Him.
In chapter 6 of the book, The 10 Best Decisions a Single Mom Can Make, the authors Pam Farrel and PeggySue Wells outline some of the different ways single parents can help their children learn about God.
Here are some ways you can cultivate that relationship within the fibers of your home:
- Develop a family mission statement. Having a sense of belonging is critical to us as Christians. Show your children they are part of your Christ-serving family by developing a mission statement that explains what you prioritize as a family and how you serve clothes.
- Design a family crest. This artwork is in tandem with your mission statement. Like families of old, this crest symbolizes your household’s commitment to serving the Lord, as Joshua says in 24:15.
- Pray for and over your children. Ask God to move into their hearts and protect them. You can also ask the Lord to reveal different prophetic elements of your children’s characters, so you can nurture and affirm them.
- Celebrate your children’s individuality. God designed each of your children to be unique. Honor their specific qualities by giving gifts, assigning responsibilities or granting privileges that speak to who they are as individuals.
- Use HopeConnect Everyday Moments™ Collection. In between work, school and never-ending to-do lists, it can feel impossible to build meaningful connections with your children and immerse them in God’s Word. Use these Everyday Moments™ activities to transform ordinary tasks like making dinner or picking up your kids from school into intentional moments of connection, conversation and celebrating God’s love. Most activities can be done with zero to minimal prep time and include a Bible verse and prayer for you to share with your child.
As you do these things, pray and ask the Lord to soften your children’s hearts so they can be even more receptive to Him and His Word.
KEY TAKEAWAY
As single mothers, the most important thing we can do is help our children develop a personal relationship with Jesus.
ACTIVITY
The next time your child is feeling powerless, help them develop their voice and practice making decisions by playing Dishing Out Choices. Find this game and more now in the Everyday MomentsTM activities collection!
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
- Which of the activities mentioned in this article can you incorporate into your family life this week?
- What is one spiritual gift you see God cultivating in your child? Ask Him to reveal it to you and show you ways to nurture it at home.
KEY VERSE
“But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” ~Joshua 24:15 (NLT)
PRAYER
Dear God, please soften my children’s hearts so You can move into and within them. Please help me help them to develop a loving, personal relationship with you. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.
