Children during this stage are walking, talking and generally turning into small humans. Their language explodes as they begin mimicking words, memorizing phrases, and naming things. You might find they repeat many of your phrases. They have an unquenchable curiosity and love exploring everything as they begin asking the all-important “Why?” Toddlers are also incredibly imaginative and creative. Children during this stage are known to begin an independent streak and test limits. Toddlers recognize other children around them, although they typically choose to play near others rather than with them. 

Children recognize God as a source of comfort. They also begin a journey of biblical community as they enjoy playing alongside other children and the regular routine of church involvement. Help them understand God cares for them and others. He wants us to share, be kind, and have respect for authority. Help them begin to understand church is a place where we gather together to learn about and worship God.

Help your children become more like Christ as they explore their world using all avenues of creativity! Take nature walks, color, create with playdoh or sing songs encouraging and teaching them God made them (and the whole world) for a purpose – His glory. Now is the time to give them their own Bible. Using their storybook Bible, read God’s story to them and have them point things out from the pictures. Ask questions as you explore godly attributes from the characters in the story. Continue teaching your child sign language and helping them memorize scripture by incorporating music or silly voices. Your children are learning to model godly behavior from you. Help them learn the practice of prayer by praying over them and encourage them to pray out loud in turn. 

As a family, serve in your church, community and neighborhood. They may be young, but they can help ring a bell during Christmastime or collect cans during a food drive. Now is a great time to begin scripture memorization. Put the verse to a tune, use silly voices or repeat the verse using a loud voice then a soft voice. Help them reinforce what they are learning by sharing with others. 

This stage is excellent practice for the teen years as your child fights for independence and exhibits a roller coaster of emotions. In this battle of wills remember you are the parent and you are in charge. Your child needs to know you love them unconditionally and they can trust you. Help your child develop problem solving skills by asking questions. Go ahead and plan an extra few minutes for every outing. Give your child time to move slowly as they explore the world around them. Marvel with your child at God’s creation and how awesome He is. Reenact the action as you tell a Bible story and ask lots of supporting questions. Allow your child to tell the story back to you in their own words. Sing and dance as you worship. Help your child understand that the Bible is God’s true word, the story of His love, and they are part of His big plan. Tell them God is their friend; He loves them and offers comfort and safety. Consistent and loving discipline is paramount during this important development stage and patience is the key. Begin establishing foundational routines of family discipleship such as consistent prayer time, biblical dinner table conversation or times of worship. 

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. 

As children hear that God is caring for Noah and the animals, they learn that God cares for them, too. God is in charge and cares for us; He offers safety and security.

Children engage in God’s story using creativity, imagination, and song. They understand Christian symbols, such as a cross, and thrive in a regular routine. Help them understand they are part of the church. Their developing language skills and creativity will help them begin to memorize scripture. Children during this stage learn that prayer is how we talk to God and He is the authority over our lives. As they learn to obey their parents, they learn to obey a greater authority, our heavenly Father. 

"Don’t do for a child what they can do for themselves."

-Sticky Faith  p 158– Kara E. Powell, Chap Clark