Hi Parent,

I read a quote somewhere that ‘one of the greatest contributions we can make in the kingdom of God is raising a child, but even more importantly a God-loving child. When I think about it deeply, of all the gifts that God will ever bless me with, only my family can we depart with into our next life. Now a question may arise if there is anything like a next life. I’m drawn to scripture where King David mourning his son bore with Bathsheba confesses, ‘’But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.” 2 Samuel 12: 22-23. King David – the man after God’s heart, had an insight into an afterlife. What does mean for modern day parents?

We need not neglect such a marvellous adventure of training up our kids in the knowledge of God through His word by raising Bible reading children.

Loving God’s word

My son attends a Christian school. It is a requirement by the school to memorise bible texts on a daily basis. While I may feel lucky that school gets to help out on this, I feel challenged not to be left out in his spiritual walk with the Lord. Often times parents assume the responsibility of developing your child’s spiritual walk leaving it to Sunday school or the school religious curriculum. We must care enough to share the Bible and our faith with our children. As we seek fun, interesting and educational material for our children to read, let’s not forget to train and encourage them the best book of all, THE BIBLE. The Bible contains adventure, humor, life changing values for every area of life. It is a source of history, wisdom and prophecy. Parental responsibility also holds us accountable and offers scripture that serve as a guide and command on what to do.

“Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 11:19 NIV

Where do we as parents begin?

Begin when they’re young

We begin “reading” board books with pictures of pets, toys, and shapes when our babies are still crawling. Why not read the excellent Bible story board books that are available.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Read the Bible with your children

“Children learn what they live,”. Therefore, live reading the Bible with your children; and they will learn to live according to God’s word. Travel through the ages as you turn the pages of the Bible with your child and watch as God makes an eternal difference in not only his life, but yours.

It’s not always easy to make Scripture reading part of your family rhythm. Sometimes you may need something to remind you to take the time to read or talk about Scripture together

Read the Bible with your children

Find an age-appropriate Bible

Some parents cringe when they think about getting a story-based Bible for their kids. They wonder if they’re really teaching them the Bible or just making the Bible seem like a bunch of fictional stories. But kids — especially preschoolers — may be hearing these stories for the very first time! Reading a King James Version of Bible with its advanced vocabulary and complex details might not connect with young minds that need images and smaller words to help bring these timeless stories to life. Thank God there are Bibles available in bookstores or at Scripture Union and Keswick bookshops that are age appropriate.

Go digital

For preschoolers and young elementary aged kids, The Bible App for Kids is an interactive, story-based Bible that uses game-theory to help kids want to go back and experience the stories over and over. I personally love this app which you can download easily from Google Play Store. It’s really easy to use and you’ll love it

QUICK TIPS FOR PARENTS TO REMEMBER:

• Get ready to be asked weird or crazy questions about the Bible characters.
• Do not shoot down their questions for lack of faith.
• Pray after reading the word. It could be as short as thanking God for His word.
• You can buy additional resources such as study guides to go through the Bible stories.
• Encourage them to memorise the verses and having recital sessions during family time.
• Get creative – you can play a game or fill out puzzles or do some colouring with materials downloadable online.