Bible at bed time?

Heather - posted on 01/21/2010

Thank you all for your encouragement and advice. My husband and I have decided to stick with the NIV for now, but to skip the worst parts (Lot's daughters getting him drunk and sleeping with him... stuff like that). At least for this year. We will reassess next year and see where the kids are at. He can't stand children's Bibles because while we have several, they all leave out major details in all of the stories to make them shorter.

Nadine - posted on 01/21/2010

I have read to my children for 3 years at bedtime! It was the bible. I didn't use the standard bible that they use in church but the pocket sized bible. The children enjoyed it very much. I used the daily reading. Yes the bible does have violence in it, but it is no different from them hearing it on the news every night! Besides it is the word of the Lord! If you and your husband are concerned about the violence, there are more children friendly books in the book stores. I had bought my daughter a book for christmas entitled Children Stories from the Bible! She loves it! You will never get away from the violence altogether, but this is more child friendly!

Dear Lord,

Help Heather to make good choices in her daily readings to the children! Bless her and her family each and every day! Amen!

May God bless you Heather!

Robyn - posted on 01/21/2010

We read the Bible to our children in the morning at breakfast, then again before bed. We also go to the Bible to answer problems or issues the we are dealing with throughout the day. When it comes to the more gorry parts or parts that are to violent for them to understand at their age we skip over those parts and read the parts they will understand and cope with better. Sometimes we give a synopsis of the story after having first read it earlier in the day. The children love just as much to hear you telling them the story you've read because that means it means something to you and you've applied it your heart. It makes them even more so want to apply it to theirs. The more passion you have for God, the more passion they will have because unlike fictional stories they will see that God is real and your personal relationship with Him is also important!

DEBBIE - posted on 01/20/2010

Read it to the kids . they will learn alot.ead your Bbile every day and youll grow grow grow.

Karen - posted on 01/20/2010

I grew up with mom reading the bible to me nightly, and even at a young age I learned about alot of the battles...I think she may have skipped the part about Jael driving the tent stake through Sisera's head until I was older....it just never bothered me. It was history and I learned early on that God comes through for His people!

Heather - posted on 01/14/2010

Gillian, I was actually thinking about that this morning. I don't have one, but I have heard it is more story like. I am planning on looking into it!

Gillian - posted on 01/13/2010

have you tried the Message version

Jen - posted on 01/12/2010

Depending on their ages I would say read it to them BUT be ready to explain. The world is full of fighting & conflict. If they are too young it might go way over their heads so maybe a book of Bible stories would be better. To me the Bible is very important as it teaches us how we should live our lives, treat others, worship, all things important.

Mishel - posted on 01/11/2010

get a childrens Bible!!!! lots of pix & kid freindly verbiage! great idea

Andrea - posted on 01/10/2010

My parents made a point to read 3 chapters a day with us. We missed some days but for the most part it happened every night before bed. We just started at the beginning and went through the end. Those of us (there were 6) who could read each had a chapter or verse to read based on our reading level at the time. There were times when we were bored out of our minds (reading lists of names or rules) and other times we got in to really good discussions. Mom and Dad always let us interrupt a reading to ask questions whether it was what does that word mean or something more in depth. They started this when one of my youngest brothers was in the womb and continued it for almost 7 years. He is 14 now and still the only book he will read willingly is the Bible. Yeah we didn't understand it all the time and us older kids would laugh as Dad tried to explain what a prostitute was to our 3 year old brother without too many details, but their devotion to having us hear the Word showed us that it was important to them and we all know our Bible really well so when God holds them accountable for how we were raised at least they can say they knew you Word.
By the way the Jews had their children memorize the entire Old Testament and they were commanded to talk about it with their children when walking sitting and though out the day. So God obviously thinks it is important for little ears to hear, but also it needs to be talked about and explained. The violence of the OT is there to show the extent to which God hates sin and wickedness it is an important part that should not be left out just because it is not very palatable to our modern ears.
As a side note if you have ever read the original fairy tales like Cinderella the violence in them is astonishing but they saw it necessary to show the difference between good and evil the the graphic nature of the writing is the only means they had to portray it since there was no TV.

Christene - posted on 01/10/2010

There is a book out there called Egermeier's Bible Story Book; it takes all the important events in the bible and puts them into story form. We started with that and read one story every night. It still talks about wars and death and destruction but in a way young children can understand. My son is now 7 and he wanted this year to start off with the Gospels in his new Bible. Let your children be your guide. You don't want to overwhelm them or have them loose interest but you don't want to underestimate their understand as well. Good luck.

Tammy - posted on 01/10/2010

I think reading the Bible to your children is a great idea! I teach a Sunday School class with 2-5 year olds. Some of the Bible verses I read, are not fully understood, but it is laying the groundwork for when they are older. Just remember that God's word never returns void! They may not understand everything that is being read to them, but as they get older it will start to make more sense. When they ask questions, you just need to give age-appropriate answers. When the kids in my Sunday School class turn 5, they're birthday present from me is their own Bible. I gave one today, to one of my little girls at her birthday party and she couldn't wait to have her mom read her "very own Bible" to her! And, I don't buy children's Bibles for them. I get them NIV, just because I think this version is a little easier to understand...just my personal preference.

Brandy - posted on 01/09/2010

I read the KJV. I dont think there is ever a time when the Bible is inappropriate for kids, nor do I think you need a childrens bible. My 2yo listened while I read the Bible to her and when I was finished she said thanks for reading Jesus to me Mommy. I wouldn't stop now for nothing. Just stick to simple explainations and inspire a love for God's word in them because one day our lives will be judged according to that book. My husband doesn't go to church or read the bible so I know what its like to be the only one to try and teach your kids about God.

Pamela - posted on 01/09/2010

I am reading the Bible with my kids as well. I think you should continue. As suggested by some of the other moms, look for a more kid friendly Bible. Maybe that will ease your husband's concerns. But, please don't stop sharing God's word with your kids.

Emi - posted on 01/09/2010

THe Old testament Stories are about fighting a big part, but I found the childrens book of Bible stories to be helpful, even though still there are usually soldiers trying to hurt the baby or sth else so we read the New testament stories for night time and is more easy to understand, plus there is no fight or other things that does frighten the children.I think there is a Bible for all the ages that makes thing easy too to explain and understand.

Tami - posted on 01/08/2010

Hi Heather,

I lead Precept Bible Studies at our church so I believe in reading the Bible to children when they're in the womb (our son is adopted so I didn't get that honor but I've read the Bible out loud to him most every day since he was born). He is 4 and has a better understanding of God's Word than most adults. Even though he's usually playing with Lego's or airplanes when I read to him he still asks questions so I know he's paying attention. He loves taking the tape measure and measuring how tall Goliath was. My husband is not a Christian so I do all the Bible teaching and I've taught him to memorize scripture before he was 2. I say go for it. I don't count on my husband to read the Bible to Josiah - I know I have to do it all and I don't mind - I know it's for his benefit. I probably wouldn't say anything to your husband especially if he doesn't see the importance of it but just read to the kids when he isn't home or just know that you'll be the one to do it. I do have taken it on to read through the Bible in a year and read it out loud to Josiah - it's hard on the vocal cords if you miss a day and have to read 5 chapters the next day:) I hope this helps,
Tami

Heather - posted on 01/08/2010

Dianne,

The devotional book I have is for preschoolers. It is very very simple, but each day gives a Scripture and how to apply it in your life. It's called Blessings Every Day. It's for ages 2-5, (my 7 year old does still enjoy it though). They make a similar book for older kids, but since three out of the four of mine are still young I am using this one again. Anyway to give an example, yesterdays was Never Alone. The verse was Genesis 28:15 "I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go." It has a paragraph about God being with you (in kid terms) even when Mom and Dad aren't around. Then It ends with "Wherever I wander, wherever I roam, God is with me, so I'm never alone." I really like it.

The Bible studies we are doing are for kids 3-7, so my two year olds don't get as much out of them, but they still have fun. :) In the past I have made my own lessons, but this year I am using a book that has 52 lessons, and I am adding to them to cover one subject each week. It's called The Young Learner's Bible Storybook. It has songs and activities to match the lesson. But it also is pretty simple, so as I said, I am adding to it. So the first lesson was about God creating the world. I followed the story in the book the first day, then the next day we looked at other Scriptures that talked about it as well, then the next day we did the activity in the book, and then we did one that I came up with. And then today we will just review what we talked about and what was their favorite, and let them chose what we do. They are really enjoying it, and it is easier on me to have a book to follow then coming up with the lessons all on my own. Time saver!

Dianne - posted on 01/08/2010

This is a tough situation. You want and need to respect your husband as head of the household, but sometimes they do need a little push in the right direction. Your taking the lead to ensure your kids know God's Word inside and out will eventually effect your husband too. God will use it to lead him and you two will be able to come to an agreement. So don't give up =)

Now, since you already read devotionals at breakfast time and a Bible study after school, I assume your kids are already know most of the usual Bible stories in kid's Bibles (especially your older ones), and that you are wanting to take them deeper. One thing I might suggest keeping in mind and discussing with your husband is that when kids ask questions, we hear the question with our grown-up ears and assume they want a full, detailed answer like we would give a grown-up. But from a child's mind, they really only want a simple answer they can understand. We often worry about the answer & give more info than needed.

Example: my 5 year old asked if our female leopard gecko was going to have babies soon. I told him no and he asked why not. I panicked thinking I was going to have to explain all the ins & outs of reproduction already! But I had recently been told about keeping answers simpler than we expect to, so I told him it was because we didn't have a daddy leopard gecko for God to make a baby with. He said, "oh, ok" and was satisfied!

So when they ask questions about the tough stuff in the Bible, the answer they need is probably simpler than you & your husband expect to have to deliver. Keep the answers on kid-level while still revealing scriptural truths.

I think it is wonderful that you take your kids so deep into the Word already! What an amazing foundation they will have! Do you mind if I ask you what devotionals and Bible Studies you use? I have been wanting to take my kids beyond the Daniel, Jonah, and Noah stories too. (My 5 year old knows them all now and is clearly bored with our Bible story times) It is time for us to give him more, and I would love any recommendations you could offer. Thanks!

Kelley - posted on 01/07/2010

Hi Heather,
A little back ground... Mom of five children. they been hearing the word of God - 'the Bible' since they were in the womb! litterally It was a promise I made to God before I was even pregnant with my third child. the Word of God is LIFE, litterally Jesus is the WORD made flesh. to hear the Bible is to experience Jesus. It says that it seperates the marrow from the bone. So it is very powerful. Don't dis-miss it. My husband reads a chapter and evening in the hall upstairs between their rooms at bedtime. He did begin with the new testament (which might be easier for your husband and the kids) but it has brought the most wonderful discussions and it has made us seek God out and search the scripture for answers at times. (it also makes 'dad' the priest of our home... on a very personal level)
As far as Childrens Bibles, I taught Preschool - 4yr olds- when they left my room they were all reading (litterally at a kindg. to 2nd grade level) and they had been throught the entire Bible Gen. through Revelation (it was the Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes) this childrens Bible has since been revised and they now use the Carson/Delarosa picturing - very disappointing, but if you could get your hands on a older copy printed at least 1993 or there-abouts you have a gem of a Bible for children (it is sure to make you seek out God's answers as well :)
I hope this helps, don't miss out on true Gold in your lives.
any ?'s feel free to contact me?

Ps.
one of those 4yr. old classes are graduating this year!

Wendy - posted on 01/07/2010

Well they do make a childrens Bible that you could get and read to the kids. It tells the stories in a way that the kids can understand and still it is the stories in the Bible

Courtney - posted on 01/07/2010

My daughter is only 8 months old, but I have Michael W. Smith reading the gospels and Johnny Cash reading the complete new testament and I play them in her nursery when she has her playtime and naptime! When she gets old enough I will introduce her to the Bible! I already have several children Bibles that I have read through and approve! I agree with everyone else who has suggested children's Bibles. If they can't understand some of the Old Testament stories and passages- they probably aren't getting much out of the reading of those particular scriptures anyway.

Anita - posted on 01/07/2010

Get a kid's bible. There are TONS! Some have old and new testament stories for kids. That way, they can build up to the more "distubing" stories in the bible. It's still better for them to learn a lesson that way than watching tv!



Dont give up whatever you do! Even children need to know the bible. Already my kids have learned the stories of David and Goliath, Daniel in the Lion's Den, Adam and Eve, Jesus calms the Storm and Jonah and the Whale!

Julie - posted on 01/07/2010

I remember reading the Bible cover to cover for myself when I was young (about 11 years old), but some parts of the old testament were difficult to understand then, and still are now I'm an adult. One way to 'understand' some of the actions of God's people back then is to remember that when Jesus came he rewrote the old Jewish 'law', that His sacrifice as part of God's plan completely changed the relationship between God and people, and there are some things written in the old testament scriptures that do not fit with the Christian values we live by according to Christ's teachings.

Can you explain this to your children?? I still struggle with some of it myself. We are all still learning, but with my children (only 2 and 3 years old) I am happy to stick to some of the simplified versions of Jesus' teaching, and other new testament scriptures. When they are older they too will have to tackle the more difficult parts - perhaps they will be explaining it to me one day!

Carol - posted on 01/06/2010

Bible Anytime! I am a foster mom, and I have had babies up to 3 years old. We have bible coloring books, flashcards, memory games, kids bibles, prayer books for children...just keep it simple...there are so many children's bibles out there, just visit any Christian book store. The Dollar Tree has lots of great children's bible stuff too. Make the bible fun!

Heather - posted on 01/06/2010

We are doing devotionals with breakfast that also move through the Bible, and a Bible study after school that is along the same lines as what we read the night before. The kids look forward to it each night, and I haven't noticed them getting upset or scared... They love it. They see me reading my Bible all of the time, and enjoy that I am sharing that with them.

Amanda - posted on 01/06/2010

by a children's bible or a kids devotional that kind of explains more in a "child's" language on how to interpet the bible stories. Or buy them on cd or tape my kids love listening to stories either on tape or on cds.

Victoria - posted on 01/05/2010

I agree with both Sara & Anne. Maybe try a more kid friendly version, if your husband feels it would be better. My kids read the NIV & I've always read it to them, we just have more heartily discussions & explanations over some portions of scripture than other, ie: Abraham preparing to sacrifice Isaac. It's all about how we explain it to them, pray it with them & trust God to do anything else. May suggest family discussions afterward & move the reading time up a little to allow time for that.

Heather - posted on 01/05/2010

He did suggest a different more kid friendly translation, but I have never found one that didn't leave out half of the Scriptures. I'm reading to them from the NIV, I know they have a NIrV, but I have never looked into the difference...

Anne - posted on 01/05/2010

Because it is important to be on the same page with our husbands, do you think if you asked him to help you find a Children's Bible he would feel more comfortable with the accounts that deal with violence? I am not saying you should water done the content, having been a pre-school teacher it saddens me to see Sunday School Curriculum that shortens Bible Verses for Pre-Schoolers to learn.

Good Day! - posted on 01/05/2010

God's Word never returns void. If they ask questions about the violence you can explain in an age appropriate way. I think kids are smarter than most people give them credit for. =)