How to Encourage Spiritual Growth in Kids: Practical, Gentle Guidance from One Mom to Another
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent more than a few nights lying awake, wondering how to nurture real spiritual growth in your kids. It’s not just about checking the “Bible lesson” box. We know that to live for Jesus has been the best thing we have ever done, and we want our children to experience the joy and rewards of knowing Him. We truly want is to see our children grow strong roots in faith, develop their own relationships with Jesus, and experience joy in their walk with God. That longing is at the core of so many of our prayers as Christian parents and homeschoolers seeking ways to help our kids keep the faith and build a genuine foundation for life. Do you feel that way?
Start Small and Make It Joyful
Our journey toward spiritual development as a family didn’t start with elaborate routines or hours of quiet study. In fact, it started small, when they are babies and we are praying for them as we feed or put them to sleep. We pray a scripture over them knowing that God is developing and growing them even at that young age. He has written all the days of their lives ahead of time. Then, we begin to share a verse during breakfast, a simple question at bedtime, a prayer whispered before heading out the door. It is the simple moments that we weave quietly into the fabric of our days.
If you’re not sure how to begin, I wrote a detailed post about how just “5 Minutes in the Word with Kids” can completely transform your mornings and hearts. You’ll find simple steps, encouragement, and real-life tips in that post to make your own family Bible time something you truly look forward to each day. Read more here: 5 Minutes in the Word with Kids: How Morning Devotions Change Hearts and Family Mornings.
Kids remember these moments not because they’re perfect, but because they’re real. The best family Bible time ideas are simple, routine, and centered on conversation, not lectures. When you are disciplining, you go to the Bible because you know it is the best parenting resource there is. When you are celebrating birthdays or other big milestones, you go to the Bible because you know there is nothing better to celebrate with than it.
Encourage Questions, Celebrate Curiosity
Some of the richest conversations with my kids have come when I didn’t rush to answer their tough questions. When a child bravely asks, “Why did God…” or “How do I know He hears me?” I encourage you to pause and wonder with them. Let’s normalize curiosity and make our homes a safe place to wrestle with both faith and doubt. My mom, whenever I would ask a question or her advice, often her response would be “Have you prayed about it?”. It was very frustrating for me because I would want tangible advice. Now, as an adult and parent, I see she was teaching me to go to the one who has all the answers. That’s how kids learn to own their relationship with Jesus and build lasting faith, step by step.
Here is a blog post that gives you some different view points on top tough questions kids ask.
Model Faith in Everyday Moments
Authenticity matters so much more than expertise. My kids see me with my Bible and journal, they hear me pray when I’m anxious, and they watch how I respond to life’s real challenges. Living our faith out loud, and not just during “official” family devotions. This invites children to see Jesus as a constant presence, not just a Sunday topic. Let’s encourage spiritual development in children by inviting them into the everyday journey of faith. We do this in the messy moments when we make mistakes, and when we have questions. They see that no one is perfect but Jesus and learn to grow up in Him with beautiful grace notes.
Keep Going, Even When It Feels Messy
Some mornings, devotion time is more spilled milk than spiritual insight. The boys talking over me while I try to read them the Bible. Or, me just wondering if any of this matters at all. That’s real life, and it’s okay! Take heart, mama: the seeds you’re planting matter. Spiritual growth isn’t about perfection. We trust God that when we are obedient to Him, he produces the harvest. Plant small seeds and keep going. Don’t look back. Gentle, consistent routines give our children the safety and space they need to grow deep spiritual roots in their own time.
Practical Ideas for Busy Christian Moms
- Choose a simple kids Bible study that makes it easy for everyone to participate
- Let children help pick worship songs or lead prayer before meals
- Ask open-ended questions and invite honest answers, even when you don’t have all the answers
- Memorize short Bible verses together during car rides or while baking cookies
- Celebrate small milestones, like when your child prays for someone else or asks to read a Bible story
At the end of the day, know that God delights in your efforts to encourage spiritual development in your children. You are the perfect mom for your kids, and your faithful, everyday moments are making an eternal difference. God chose you specifically and no one can take your space.
If you’re hungry for more ideas, support, or just want a community to walk this family faith journey with, you’ll love the Living Stones Study. It’s designed to make faith-building fun and memorable, with creative resources that help your kids keep the faith and grow in their own vibrant relationship with Christ.
Together, we’re raising the next generation. God is raising up giant slayers and it is being formed just one beautiful, faith-filled day at a time.
