Ever noticed that children have about a thousand questions for every one answer you can give? “Why is the sky blue?” “Why can’t we have ice cream for breakfast?”
When it comes to teaching them about Jesus, it’s no surprise that parents—especially the ones racing to get out the door with shoes on the right feet—might need a simple, practical approach.
Good news: faith doesn’t require a seminary degree or hours of free time you don’t have.
Here’s how to weave Jesus naturally into the wild adventure that is family life.
1. Read Story Bibles Together
Think of story Bibles as your parenting sidekick. They break down complex theology into bite-sized, illustrated tales that even the squirmiest kid can follow.
Whether you use The Jesus Storybook Bible or another child-friendly version, five minutes before bed is all you need.
Try silly voices for different characters—Jesus probably didn’t sound like a posh British narrator, but your kids will remember the story (and possibly ask for an encore).
2. Share Your Faith in Everyday Moments
You don’t need a pulpit or a PowerPoint to talk about Jesus. When your child is scared of thunderstorms, mention how Jesus calmed the storm. When you’re stuck in traffic, talk about patience as a fruit of the Spirit.
Even sharing when you’ve made mistakes—and how Jesus offers forgiveness—teaches more than a thousand lectures. Real life is full of tiny, teachable moments.
3. Pray With (and For) Your Kids
Prayer doesn’t have to be formal. Bedtime, mealtime, or the carpool lane are all fair game. Invite your children to pray out loud, even if it’s just “Thank You, God, for pizza.” (Let’s be honest, we’ve all felt thankful for pizza.)
You might be surprised at what’s on their hearts. Research from the Barna Group shows that kids who see faith practiced at home are far more likely to carry it into adulthood.
4. Sing Songs About Jesus
Does your child respond to a command to tidy their room? Or do they leap into action when you sing it?
Exactly. Music sticks in little brains (and grown-up ones, too).
Put on classic Sunday school tunes or play contemporary Christian music in the background. Better yet, have your own karaoke dance party in the lounge.
The words will linger long after the giggles fade.
5. Celebrate Christian Holidays With Meaning
Easter and Christmas can quickly become all about chocolate eggs and presents.
While there’s no harm in a chocolate-fueled egg hunt, balance the fun with simple traditions: read the nativity story before bed on Christmas Eve, or make Resurrection Rolls at Easter.
These small activities help kids connect the dots between the holiday buzz and Jesus’ real message.
6. Ask—and Answer—Big Questions
Kids will test you with whoppers: “Why did Jesus die?” “Did he really walk on water?” Resist the urge to panic or Google-spiral.
It’s fine to say, “What a great question! Let’s talk about it together.” Honesty builds trust.
Sometimes, “I don’t know, but let’s find out,” is the best answer. Books like The Big Book of Questions and Answers about Jesus can help if you’re stumped.
7. Serve Others as a Family
Washing dishes for Grandma. Dropping off a card for a sick friend. Donating toys. Even toddlers can help carry a tin to the food bank.
Serving together shows kids that following Jesus means loving your neighbour—sometimes with actual elbow grease involved. A Harvard study found that kids who see kindness modeled are more likely to repeat it.
8. Use Movies and TV as Conversation Starters
Some parents shiver at the words “screen time,” but not all is lost to the digital abyss. Films like “The Prince of Egypt” or “VeggieTales” episodes can introduce Bible stories in a format kids love.
Watch together, then ask, “What do you think Jesus would do in that situation?” Even if you’re negotiating over popcorn, you’re building a habit of connecting faith to everyday life.
9. Encourage Big Feelings and Honest Doubts
Faith isn’t a straight line—children need to know that having questions or feeling unsure is normal. If your child is sad, angry, or worried, point to the Psalms, where even King David had a moan.
Remind them Jesus welcomes every feeling, not just Sunday-best smiles. When faith is safe to discuss, kids are more likely to stick with it.
10. Surround Your Family With Faith Community
Whether you attend church every week or just now and then, having other adults who care about your kids’ spiritual life is a gift.
Sunday school teachers, youth group leaders, and other parents offer perspectives you might miss. Plus, nothing motivates a child to learn the Golden Rule quite like the prospect of biscuits after church.
11. Live Your Faith Out Loud
Actions, as the old saying goes, speak far louder than lectures.
Apologize when you blow it. Forgive quickly. Show love to the difficult neighbour.
Kids notice—and copy—far more than we realise. You’re the most influential “Jesus story” they’ll ever encounter. Pressure? Maybe. But also, what a privilege.
When Faith Grows With Your Family
Teaching your kids about Jesus doesn’t require a three-point sermon or an endless supply of patience (though if you find a source for that, do share).
Faith is built in bedtime routines, honest conversations, and belly laughs at the dinner table. Small seeds, planted every day, can grow into something beautiful—mismatched shoes and all.
And if you’re still worried you’re not doing enough? Remember: you’re showing up.
That, more than anything, is the lesson your kids will carry for the long haul.
