How do you teach your child about God?

Julie - posted on 12/14/2009

When asked I responded...we have free will. Sometimes people make bad choices (insert an example) and there are consequences for their actions( pulling your sisters hair bought you a time out.) Reminding them that God loves His children very much. In such a case where somethings appearing bad to a good person, explain that God knows what is best...even though we may not understand at the time. ( I had to take you to the doctor to get that shot to keep you healthy and safe in the future) God loves you more then Mommy and Daddy!!

Michelle - posted on 12/14/2009

My daughter loves to read her bible every night before bed(I think we have 4 children versions and she picks). We discuss the stories and she loves to see the pictures.

Nicolene - posted on 12/09/2009

Quoting Sharina:

How do you teach your child about God?

I take my kids to kids church and I attend the adult service. We talk about and pray to God every day. It's just those tough questions like, "how come God lets bad things happen?" that I have trouble with.

HEY,

WELL MY ASWER WOULD BE>>> GOD WANT'S YOU CLOSER TO HIM, AND IT IS HIS WAY OF BRINGING YOU CLOSER.

KIDS LEARN FROM US EVERY DAY, AND I LIVED IT. MY SON 16 OUT OF HIS OWN TAKES HIS BIBLE AND DO BIBLE STUDY "WHY" BECAUSE HE SEE THAT MOMMY'S DOING IT. HE WIL EVEN SWITCH THE SATALITE TO CBN HIMSELF AND SITS DOWN TO RECEIVE. WHEN MY BIRTHDAY COMES UP OR ANY TIME FOR GIFTS, HE WILL BUY ME SOMETHING LIKE: BOOKS FROM JOYCE MEYER OR A GOSPEL CD. SAME COMES FROM MY HUBBIE!!

MY DAUGHTER RECEIVED HER FIRST BIBLE FOR KIDS FROM MY SISTER AS A GIFT. AND FROM SHE RECEIVED IT I READ TO HER (only six months old). SHE ENJOYS IT SO MUCH!!!

AFTER HER BATH I'LL TAKE HER TO MY ROOM, LAY DOWN BESIDE HER AND READ TO HER. IF I CAN ASK HER WHRE IS "NAGLIGGIE", HER EYES BRIGHTENS AND SHE'S LOOKING AROUND LIKE SHE SURCHING FOR IT!!!

I ALSO LISTEN TO ALOT OF GOSPEL AND I LIKE TO SING ALONG!!! AND MY DAUGHTER LOVES IT. IF I HOLD HER IN MY ARMS  WHILE SINGING SHE ALWAYS LOOKS UP AT ME AND I CAN SEE THAT IT CALMS HER DOWN. SHE EVEN HAS HER OWN FAVORITE THAT I PLAY WHEN SHE'S IRRETABLE AND SHE CALMS DOWN INSTANDLY.

I HAVE VERY STONG MORALS IN LIFE AND IN MY HOUSE!!! MY FAMILY KNOWS WHAT IS ACCEPTABLE AND WHATS NOT! MY LIFE REVOLVES AROUND GOD AND HE IS ALWAYS WITH US. NO MATTER WHERE WE GO OR WHAT WE DO, HIS ALWAYS PART OF EVERYTHING. I DON'T DIVIDE MY LIFE, I LIVE IT 100% FOR JESUS!!! AMEN.

LAY THE FOUNDATION OF LOVING GOD AND HIM BEIENG NO 1 IN YOUR LIFE IN YOUR HOUSE. PLACE A DESIRE FOR WHAT YOU WANT FOR YOUR FAMILY IN YOUR HEART AND GIVE IT TO JESUS. THATS WHAT I DID, AND I AM NEVER SORRY. FOR WHAT I ASK IN HIS NAME, I RECEIVE WITH LOVE.

EVERYTHING WE RECEIVE FROM GOD IS HIS WAY OF SHOWING US HOW MUCH HE LOVES US!!!

THE BEST THING I RECEIVED, WAS TO EXPERIENCE MY LOVE FOR GOD!!!! AND IT WAS AMAZING!!! NOTHING COMPARES TO WHAT I FELT AT THAT MOMENT!!! AND AFTER THAT I NOW KNOW HOW SPECIAL I AM TO GOD. AND AFTER TEACHING MYSELF TO OPEN MY MIND AND TO LOOK AT ALL MY EXPERIENCES IN LIFE, I NOW KNOW HOW HE USED ME!!! O, HOW I LOVE JESUS!!!!!

TAKE CARE, AND RECEIVE HIS LOVE!!!

BLESSINGS

NICOLENE

PS: MY LIFE WAS NEVER THE WAY IT IS NOW, I HAD TO LAY THE FOUNDATION AND ASK GOD TO CHANGE MY LIFE AND MY HOUSE, THE WAY MY HEART DESIRES.

Iris L. - posted on 12/08/2009

One way that to me has work with my kids are the veggietales cartoons. Tey are bible stories acted by veggetables. They are funny and the kids will learn about God in a fun way and you are goin to love them too.

Patricia - posted on 12/07/2009

I have 2 son's 1 is 22 &1 is 24 yr's old & all I can say is do all you can when they are young like show them dvd's about Jesus in their age related understanding.I would also say prayer's w/ them every night B4 Bed,let them know when ever you can how we were created,how God created the other thing's in the world, all relative to their age of understanding of course. talk to your children about God & Jesus every day and as to the age old" why does God let Bad thing's Happen " of course until your child can truly understand thing's then I would wait until they R old enough to understand.,but God doesn't let Bad thing's Happen Bad thing's just Do happen God isn't a great big Puppet Master he let's us all make our own decisions he gave us all free will ,And if you remember in the Bible where it say's that the Devil has been given free rein to do & work his evil over the whole world. ,But! only for a time & then God is coming back to settle thing's as it were.Everything happens for a reason I have found that to be true my entire Life God can & will useall situation's for his Glory even the Bad one's .God Bless You & your Family!!

Stephanie - posted on 12/07/2009

I talk to my kids about God at every opportunity, from an ambulance going by, to blessing our food, saving money, giving money, why we are kind to people, why we give to those who don't have, why we still talk to and pray for those who are unkind to us. As far as bad things happening, I don't believe it is God that lets it happen. I believe that because as man/woman, we are born sinners, and because of that, bad things happen, especially when we give evil a foothold in our lives. Granted things happen to those who don't deserve anything bad, such as something happening to a newborn baby, but again, we're born sinners, and then we are saved by grace that Jesus gives everyone. The Bible also says everything isn't for us to understand. I think sometimes, this is one of those things. I do believe everything happens for a reason, but I think a lot of bad things happen because we open the door for them to happen. God is good. All the time, not some of the time, or most of the time, or when we're good. He is good, all the time. ...the same yesterday, today and forever. (Praise the LORD!) God is light, not dark. You cannot have dark where light exists...it's not possible. Blessings all!

Kim - posted on 12/07/2009

by example

Lisa - posted on 12/07/2009

You know God did not give us an instruction manual when we had children. He gave us our Bible and a mother's intuition. You know what kind of in depth answer your child can handle. Job tells us that God allowed Satan to do bad things to him to prove that Job would not turn away from God. Sometimes it could be a test of our faith. Other times it could be that we are at the mercy of others. God does not intend for bad things to happen to any people good or bad, but we all have free will and we all sin. Keep studing not only for your child but for yourself. May God Bless You and Your Family. Have a Merry Christmas.

Joyce - posted on 12/07/2009

Let them know, that we live in a fallen world with lots of people who don't know Jesus, and sin causes bad things. Bad things happen as a result of sin, so we have to pray the power of God over our problems

Heather - posted on 12/06/2009

It depends on the kind of bad things. Usually tell them that God doesn't want bad things to happen. He can stand behind us and tell us not to do something, but if we do it anyway then we have to live with the outcome. If it's something out of our control I tell them that God wants us to be stronger. Just like I know it's hard to learn to read and write, we still have to do it. In the same way, God knows what we need in our lives, and what the best way for us to achieve it is. If that is dealing with cancer, then he might bring it into our lives. It is something for us to grow through. We might never know why, or we might look back one day and be thankful for it.

I have a personal example that I use with my kids. I had cancer when I was a child. I lost my right eye at two years old. Growing up I got made fun of a lot. I use to ask God why, when I got saved I just excepted it. When my second son was born with the same cancer, I thanked God that I had had it first. I praise God that I know what my child has ahead of him. I know it isn't the same in every circumstance, but I know that God is in control of all. I know that he does have a plan, he just knows what roads we need to take before we do.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Sarah - posted on 12/05/2009

I agree with what Mikalia said. Bad things do happen, but that does not mean He is not there to help us through those things. I don't think it is right to teach them that if we do the right thing only good things will happen. I do think it is important to teach them consequences to their actions, but sometimes we are doing all the right things and bad things still happen. A good example is Job. He was very obedient to God, but bad things happened to him. Through those times though God was always with him and Job grew even closer to God in the end. I love listening to kids when they talk about God. They have a very deep understanding at times (sometimes better than I do). My sister had a still birth (baby was due to be born 1 week before he died), my kids were 10 and 7 years old at the time. It was amazing to see it through their eyes. We, as adults, make things very complicated. Kids sometimes see things clearer than we do. There are often times I say, "I don't know. " or "good question".

Mikalia - posted on 12/05/2009

God allows bad things to happen, to bring us closer to Him, and to prove that EVERYTHING is in His hands and no matter what he will NEVER leave us alone.

Treva - posted on 12/05/2009

Hi, I just wanted to add to what these women said. My husband and I are Christians, we are not perfect by any means, we fall alot. And we are still young, I'm only 25 and hes 31 but we have always wanted to raise our kids to know God. And sadly what we find alot are false christians, even in our extended families unfortunately but you know the best way you can raise your children to follow God is by walking the walk everday not just Sundays when you go to church. Every time you make a decision it has to be Godly and yes you are going to fall at times but what I find is kids watch their parents more than listen to them, you know that old saying"do as I say, not as I do" well most kids dont follow that anyways and you should do the righteous things especially in front of your kids. You know my parents are not perfect and I was raised to know God, no we didnt go to church every Saturday or Sunday but what I remember most as a kid, is how my parents weren't hypocrytes. This world sucks and every turn Satan is trying to make us fall and we do alot of times but my parents were always honest with us kids especially and they did their best to follow God everday and we were taught that when you dont follow God there are consequences. God doesnt give us commands to control us(I used to think that, when I was young and didnt read my bible much)but its so we dont have to go through the pain of the consequenses. He loves us he wants to give us good things. Anyways all I'm saying is dont be a hypocrite and only act Godly on Sundays, your kids will know the difference if you walk the walk everday. I did.

Proverbs: 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. NIV

Hope this helps. God Bless!

Tammy - posted on 12/05/2009

Buy a childrens Bible, Read from iy everyday.They will learn to know and love God as you do.

Dana - posted on 12/04/2009

Teach them God does not let bad things happen. Find a book that answers those questions. "801 Questions Kids Ask about God" is sold at Barnes and Noble for less than 15 dollars very good place to start. Hope this helps

Carla - posted on 12/04/2009

Taking your children to Sunday School is great, but the ultimate responsibility is yours. I think it may be Deuteronomy that says you teach them when you lie down and teach them when you get up, you teach them when you walk , etc. I taught the beauty of God in the autumn leaves, and birds, flowers, the sky, cats, dogs, you know the drill. Teaching them God made everything when they are young gets their little minds going in the right direction. When they asked why bad things happen to good people, I told them we don't always know what the right/wrong thing is, but God does. He always knows what is right. They know Grampa is in Heaven helping God take care of horses and cowies. Grampa hurt and how he is young and strong. One thing I would have tried to press home would be that this life is very temporary; we do not get to be here long, but we will live in Heaven forever in new beautiful bodies. If they learn to see God in everything, their faith will grow as they do. You may not think they are absorbing it, but their spirits are, and when the time comes that they need the information, it will be in their little memory banks. God bless, honey, and good luck. Being a parent is an awesome responsibility; but if we love God and teach our kids the best we know how, God works the rest out.

Christa - posted on 12/04/2009

I teach my kids that God doesn't let bad things happen.......I tell them that because Adam and Eve disobeyed God; we all have "free will" to decide for ourselves if we want to do bad things or do good things. When we do good things.....God handles our life for us. When we make bad choices, we have to pay the consequence and sometimes that gets us in trouble and bad things happen. I use this as a great example of why it is so important for them to listen to mom and dad...we know what happens when we do wrong. I think it is also very important how to teach our children how to pray. We rarely ask God for things....we ask him for His Will in a situation and to give us the strength to handle whatever his Will is. That way instead of being disappointed with is answer....we are reassured that he will see us through any situation.

Amy - posted on 12/04/2009

My son askes tough questions and lots of times I just say I do not know. I take him to church. I love when he does ask questions about God but do not have the answers. I am truthful about what I do know. That is a good question.

Denise - posted on 12/04/2009

It depends on how old the kids are. Mine are 7 and my triplets are 3. With the 7 yr old I can give a more in depth answer, like to the question "how come God lets bad things happen?" I would say, 'well honey, I am not God so I don't know why, and someday you will be able to ask Him yourself. What I do know is that every moment of your life and mine was known by God before we were even born. Isn't that cool.' or depending on the situation, you could use it to remind them that God is in everything even things that seem bad. For instance we had a friend who recently died of cancer and we prayed and prayed for God to heal his cancer. What we explained was that his cancer couldn't be healed by Drs. here on earth, so God had to bring him home to heaven, and now he is cancer free. So while it seems bad for us, it really was a good thing for him, who now gets to be with God in person. Of course that doesn't work for every situation, and depending on the age sometimes they are satisfied with an "I don't know". Even my 3yr olds are good with an honest I don't know. Now they may ask more questions, but the lesson they are learning is that mom will always tell you the truth about God.



I have friends who are really good about bringing everything back to the bible. Wish I could say I did that. Maybe I will get better at that as time goes by, I hope.



Remember sometimes less is more, remember Jesus asks us to have faith like a child. So they are already there, let them ask questions and grow. As much as we as parents want to push, each of our kids in on their own journey. The best we can do as parents is point them to God's word, and let Christ shine through us.



That's my 2 cents.

Denise