Preschoolers are big toddlers and small big kids all wrapped up into one. They continue to see the world around them as a wonder and begin to recognize God as a miracle-worker. Their behavior is similar to toddlers but more in depth, with greater detail and understanding. Physically, preschoolers are putting all the clues together. They stack higher towers, hop on either foot, throw and catch a ball, and can’t wait to show you their new tricks over-and-over again. There is a fight for independence and desire to be the boss of themselves. Now is a great time to help them understand intelligent disobedience (not following the world), who their safe adults are, how to listen to the right voice, and be aware of their circumstances.

In this stage, the Bible moves from a story about God to the story of God and His awesome nature and character begins to come alive. Preschoolers begin to understand and recognize stories from the Bible and view God as a miracle worker. Everything is a teachable moment during the preschool years! When you see a crop on the side of the road, remind your child of the story of Joseph’s dream from Genesis 37. As you’re passing out fruit snacks, talk about all the different fruits God created. By this age, your child understands the Bible is a special book. Make sure they have a Bible of their own. Don’t be afraid to give them too many details as you share the Bible story. The Holy Spirit will do His work as your children begin to process the story. Children begin to transition from playing near each other to playing with each other. Help your child use pretend play to connect to community. Now is the perfect time for playdates and deepening the ties of Biblical community. Get involved in Home Group and let your child know they are part of God’s big picture of community.

Preschoolers are beginning to understand sin, grace and what that means to them. You can reinforce this by making a Christ connection in nearly every situation you encounter. Help them know that God cares about our problems, and we can go to Him in prayer. Now is the perfect season to help your child begin to practice spending quiet time with God. Continue to help them grow by memorizing scripture, singing worship songs, and looking at pictures in their Bible. 

Help your child begin to understand how important being part of a church community is. They can choose to go to their service or the adult service, but attendance is important. Help them choose how to love and serve others and allow them to be creative in their approach. For them, drawing a picture for a friend might be how they love their “neighbor” during this stage. 

In this sweet and squishy stage we answer the question, “Why?” and simultaneously watch our preschoolers perform their latest trick at least 762 times a day. Continue to help your child explore God’s word creatively and establish the Lord as authority. Help your child understand the Bible is one book of God’s love, grace and redemption through Jesus Christ. Clearly communicate in advance all behavioral expectations and help your child listen to and obey you as authority. This is a training ground for learning how to follow God, our ultimate authority. Redemptive discipline is key for our preschoolers. Seek to address the heart of misbehavior rather than the action itself. Reinforce positive behavior often. Spend more time telling your child how they can do right rather than what they are doing wrong. For example, rather than say, “Don’t run in the house!”, explain to them, “Running is for outside, but inside we use our walking feet.” Now is the time to begin an authentic relationship with your child; teach them to ask for forgiveness by modeling this behavior when you make mistakes. It’s never too young for your child to begin taking on responsibility as part of the family; involve them in basic chores and celebrate a job well done! 

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.

Children learn that God has a purpose and sense of order. They are concerned for the animals and learn that God took care of them and the people on the boat. God can do miracles! 

Children are aware that the Bible is a special book and owning their own Bible will help them to feel part of a faith community. Preschoolers also begin to understand the concept of misbehaving and asking forgiveness. They begin to frame the Bible stories in relation to their own experiences. They link the story of God’s love to their parent’s love or Christ’s forgiveness to the forgiveness their parents offer.  

"Never explain something to your kid if you can ask a question instead."

-Sticky Faith p 77– Kara E. Powell, Chap Clark