How to Teach Your Child to Grow in Faith

When my sister asked me how to guide her baby toward becoming a child of faith, it warmed my heart and made me reflect deeply. Raising a child in faith isn’t just about taking them to church, it’s about cultivating a home and lifestyle where the love of God is seen, heard, and felt every day.

Faith begins in the little things: daily prayers whispered at bedtime, stories from the Bible that spark wonder, and the quiet moments where trust in God is demonstrated during life’s ups and downs. It’s about growing into trusting God and living a life centered on Jesus that inspires and invites children to do the same.

This blog shares the advice I gave her: practical steps to nurture a child's relationship with God, supported by Scripture and examples of how these principles can come to life in a family’s daily rhythm. Whether you’re a parent, an older sibling, or simply someone who cares for a little one, these insights will encourage you to create a faith-filled environment where the seeds of Christianity can grow and thrive.

Prioritize daily prayer and Bible study: Encourage your children to make time for prayer and reading the Bible every day. This will help them to develop a personal relationship with God and to seek His guidance in their daily lives.

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2)

In a study published in the Journal of Research on Christian Education, researchers surveyed 183 homeschooling parents about their motivations for homeschooling. The study found that a desire to provide a Christian education and to incorporate faith and values into their children's education were among the top reasons parents chose to homeschool.

Set aside a specific time each day for family prayer and Bible study. Encourage your children to choose a passage of scripture to read and discuss together.

Teach your children to trust God in all circumstances: Help your children to understand that God is always with them and that they can trust Him to guide and protect them.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

A case study published in the Journal of Adventist Education explored the experiences of a Seventh-day Adventist homeschooling family that prioritized faith and prayer in their daily routine. The family reported that incorporating daily prayer and Bible study into their homeschooling curriculum helped to strengthen their children's faith and provided opportunities for spiritual growth.

When faced with difficult situations, encourage your children to pray and ask God for guidance. Share stories of how God has helped you and your family in the past.

Model a life of faith: Children learn by example, so it's important to model a life of faith for your children. "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1)

In a blog post on the Homeschooling Mom website, homeschooling parent and author Heidi St. John shared her experiences of homeschooling with a focus on faith and prayer. St. John emphasized the importance of modeling a life of faith for her children and prioritizing prayer and Bible study in their daily routine.

As parents, siblings, and loved ones, we hold a sacred role in shaping the hearts of the little ones entrusted to us. Teaching a child to walk with Christ is not just about passing down traditions—it’s about planting seeds of eternal truth, nurturing their faith through love, prayer, and example, and trusting God to bring the harvest in His time. As we guide them, we grow too, reminded of the simple, pure trust Jesus calls us to have. May we embrace this beautiful journey, leaning on God’s grace and celebrating each moment as we help shape a soul for His kingdom. There is no greater legacy to leave behind than a child who knows and loves their Savior.

References:

Bixler, S. R. (2010). One family's journey: Reflections on homeschooling in the Seventh-day Adventist tradition. Journal of Adventist Education, 72(5), 32-37.

Hill, P. C., Pargament, K. I., Hood Jr, R. W., McCullough, M. E., Swyers, J. P., Larson, D. B., & Zinnbauer, B. J. (2000). Conceptualizing religion and spirituality: Points of commonality, points of departure. Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, 30(1), 51-77.

Van Dyk, J., & Amsbury, A. (2014). Why do Christians homeschool? Exploring the motivations of Christian homeschooling parents. Journal of Research on Christian Education, 23(3), 229-249. doi: 10.1080/10656219.2014.937736

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