During this stage, young elementary kids are beginning to grasp that the world is bigger than them. They begin to notice their family might look or act different or have special traditions others around them might not have. They understand their family might not be the same as the family down the street and can be concerned with how their friends view them. Though they are beginning to be aware of the world view around them, they still need and crave a parent’s love, affection and attention. They like things to be fair and can become easily frustrated and emotional when faced with injustice. Humor has developed in your early elementary child and a good “dad joke” will help brighten their day. 

Children at this age will begin understanding the sacredness of the Holy Bible. Make sure they have a Bible of their own and teach them how to navigate through it. Claiming a place in the family’s church helps them belong to God and others. Early elementary children begin to apply what they learn as they recognize sin in themselves, although they might lack the self-control to turn from it. This is the time they begin to claim their faith and might choose to turn from sin and follow Jesus. It is vitally important at this age your child bond with other followers of Christ through their own ministry services and small groups specifically geared for children their age. Additionally, now is the time to foster mentor relationships with adults outside the immediate family who can speak truth into your child. Find three to five adults (including college-age) that your children can call on throughout their years. 

Spiritual disciplines begin to foster growth in spiritual awareness. Help your child creatively memorize scripture, participate in family prayer, and understand that as image-bearers of Christ their words and actions matter. When they make mistakes, respond with love and grace. Model for them how to ask for forgiveness and communicate with them how our loving God sent His Son to forgive us all. Your kids are learning their identity is in Christ and they should strive to obey Him out of their outpouring of love for their Savior. By now your child’s spiritual gifts are becoming evident; help to foster and encourage these gifts creatively. If your child is a giver, help them participate in family giving. If they have a love for missions, find a pen pal friend for your child across the globe. If your child is burdened by injustice, help them fight injustice by including them in serving events organized by your family and/or church. 

Your child should feel a sense of belonging to your family’s church. Encourage them to invite friends to church by allowing sleepovers on Saturday night or reaching out to invite the entire family. Share with them your personal faith journey with all its ups and downs and (age appropriate) struggles. Teach them how to articulate what they know about the Gospel by continuously having open dialogue about faith within your home. Ask to hear what they are learning with intentional questions for growth such as, “When do you feel close to God?” or “What did you learn about God in the passage at church?” Many children have trusted Christ and are ready for baptism at this age. They may also begin asking questions about communion. Help your child understand these are important steps in the journey of one who trusts in Christ. Discuss these ordinances with your children and involve your area coordinator or the children’s minister when the time is right to take the next step.

Continue to love on your child and show affection every chance you get. Have fun telling jokes and capturing one-on-one time with your child. Become interested in and try to understand what they enjoy. Positive reinforcement will make your child shine. Your child can easily take responsibility by doing chores around the home. Now is a great time to help them learn organization skills and self-management both at home and school. You are the primary mode of discipleship for your kids. Take full advantage of the time you’ve been given in the car as you begin to trek all around driving to practices, rehearsals and extracurricular activities. Use this time to ask about the high and low parts of the day. Capitalize on the and incorporate these three conversation starting questions: 1. What do you learn about God? 2. How is God changing your life? 3. How might God use you to change the world?  Take advantage of the tools and resources available through Central Bible Church (Scrolls, Family Discipleship Guide, Discipleship Challenge) to reinforce family discipleship. 

Using a story from the Bible like Noah’s Ark, your child will begin to make connections between your love for them, as well as God’s love for them. 

MiniMix kids want to know about Noah’s family, his wife and kids and what happened to them. They wonder what everyone ate and how they stored food without a refrigerator. The story moves in and out of fantasy and real life as they begin to grasp that God’s word is true and trustworthy.

During this stage, children begin to transition from a head knowledge of who Christ is to a heart awareness and understanding of Jesus as Savior. They begin to see Jesus Christ as King and move closer and closer to trusting Him as their personal Savior. Many take steps of obedience and choose baptism. Conceptually they begin to understand core beliefs such as Christ is a personal God that cares deeply for them individually, the Bible is one big book with one story throughout, and salvation is by grace alone through the work of Jesus Christ.

"It is only rest in God’s presence and grace that will make you a joyful and patient parent."

-Parenting, Paul David Tripp