Parenting is a journey full of joy, challenges and countless opportunities to shape the hearts and minds of young children. For Christian parents, one of the greatest responsibilities is to nurture children in a way that reflects the love and grace taught by Jesus. The preschool years—often considered the most formative period in a child’s development—are a critical time for laying the foundation of these core Christian values.
The Role of Christian Faith in Parenting
Raising children to know and follow Christ is not about imposing rigid rules or expecting perfection; it’s about teaching them how to live a life marked by kindness, forgiveness and compassion, just as Jesus demonstrated. The parents’ role is to help their little ones grow spiritually, emotionally and socially, grounded in the values of God’s Word. Below are a few simple and meaningful ways to integrate godly principles into your family’s daily routine.
Lead With Love
Jesus often spoke about love—loving God with all our heart, soul and mind, and loving others as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). Teaching preschoolers about love and kindness is simple yet powerful. At this age, children are highly impressionable and begin to understand the basic concept of caring for others.
Practical Tips:
- Model acts of love and kindness within your family. Your actions speak volumes to little eyes!
- Encourage kind habits like sharing a toy with a sibling or picking up after themselves.
- Read Bible stories that emphasize Jesus’ love, like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) or Jesus’ love for the children (Matthew 19:14).
Emphasize the Importance of Forgiveness
Preschoolers are learning to navigate their emotions and social relationships. They will, at times, hurt others or be hurt by others. As a parent, it’s essential to teach them the power of forgiveness. Jesus told us to forgive not just once, not seven times, but seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22), meaning there should be no limit to our willingness to forgive.
Practical Tips:
- When conflicts arise, encourage your child to use words like “I’m sorry” and “Please forgive me.”
- Teach kids that forgiveness is not just saying the words, but also moving forward with a loving heart.
- Reinforce the idea that God forgives us, and we are called to forgive others similarly.
Model Respect for Authority
One of the foundational teachings of Christianity is respect for authority—first and foremost, God’s authority. For preschoolers, learning to obey parents and other leaders is an essential step in their spiritual and moral development. Teaching children that God has placed authority figures in their lives—like parents, teachers and caregivers—helps them understand the importance of obedience and discipline.
Practical Tips:
- Praise and acknowledge when your child follows instructions or shows respect for authority.
- Set clear boundaries and expectations, reinforcing them with love and consistency.
- Use age-appropriate Bible stories to demonstrate obedience, such as the story of Samuel hearing God’s voice (1 Samuel 3:1-10).
Create a Spiritual Routine
Preschool-aged children thrive on routine, and creating spiritual habits can help them feel secure in their identity as children of God. Whether it’s saying a prayer before meals, reading a short Bible story before bed, or singing a favorite worship song, these routines will shape the rhythm of their day and build a natural connection with the Lord.
Practical Tips:
- Start and end the day with a simple prayer: “Dear God, thank you for today. Please help me love you and others.”
- Use Bible storybooks with colorful illustrations and simple messages that children can understand.
- Incorporate worship music during playtime. Songs about God’s love and goodness are a great way to stimulate faith in young children.
Encourage Gratitude
Gratitude is a key Christian virtue. Teaching children to recognize and appreciate their blessings helps them develop a heart of thankfulness. Make it a point to notice God’s good gifts in everyday moments.
Practical Tips:
- Encourage your child to say “thank you” and to show gratitude for the small things.
- Help kids recognize the good things God has given them—family, friends, food, clothing, health, etc.
- As a family, thank God for His many blessings, whether through prayer or simply discussing the things for which you are thankful.
Real-Life Challenges for Parents of Preschoolers
Despite our best efforts to integrate faith and family values, parenting young children often presents real challenges. Here are a few that many parents of preschoolers face:
- Tantrums and Disobedience: Young children are still learning how to manage their emotions and may struggle with controlling impulses. As parents, we must balance correction with love and patience.
- Lack of Time and Energy: Parenting can be exhausting, and busy schedules often derail some of our best intentions. Planning and prioritization may be required to keep spiritual practices central to family life.
- Personal Struggles: It can be challenging to model Christian values when faced with our own trials or when we fall short of perfection. However, children need to see that even as we make mistakes, we rely on God’s grace to grow.
Partner With enCourage Preschools in Salem, Oregon
Raising children to follow Christ is a partnership between parents, the church and the community. At our newest enCourage Preschools center in Salem, Oregon, we understand the unique challenges parents face and are committed to coming alongside families to help them raise their little ones to follow the Lord.
enCourage Preschools offer a Christ-centered curriculum designed to integrate biblical values with early childhood education. Our staff is dedicated to not only nurturing the academic development of your child but also their spiritual growth. We believe that by partnering with parents, we can help preschool-aged children begin their faith journey in a nurturing environment that emphasizes love, grace and knowledge of God’s Word.
As parents, you don’t have to walk this path alone. Our Salem preschool center is ready to support your efforts in a safe, loving space where your child can grow spiritually while also learning essential skills for life. Together, we can help your little one build a strong foundation for a lifelong relationship with Christ. Contact us today to enroll your child!
