Faith-Filled Environments for Babies and Toddlers

Faith-Filled Environments for Babies and Toddlers

Are babies and toddlers too young to learn about God and grow spiritually? According to the Bible, we are never too young to learn about our Heavenly Father.

At this age, parents may think that their little ones just can't learn and understand spiritual concepts like older children. The truth is, though, that this stage of infancy may seem simplistic to adults; however, it's a critical first step in spiritual growth.

Relationships are central to healthy spiritual growth in the lives of the very youngest. Infants and toddlers bond with the parents, grandparents, teachers, and other caregivers who look after their physical and emotional needs. Because adults care for their needs, infants develop a sense of trust. According to the psychologist Erik Erikson, infants who successfully learn to trust develop hope. And Hebrews 11:1 tells us, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." In the first two years of life, the foundational concepts of spiritual formation, trust and hope, grow.

Additionally, while caring for the physical and emotional needs of infants and toddlers, parents can teach them the language of faith. When soothing a crying infant or toddler, for instance, a parent can sing a song about Jesus. Parents should also talk about God and Jesus in their daily conversations with babies and toddlers. That's where growth comes from.

You can support your infant’s and toddler’s spiritual growth using these tips:

• Read to little ones about God and Jesus. Simple Bible story books for toddlers, such as board books about God's creation, animals, and family, are great choices.
• Talk often about God and Jesus.
• Tell children constantly that Jesus loves them.
• Use teachable moments to highlight spiritual truths.
• As children learn to talk, help instill in their vocabulary words of our faith, such as God, Jesus, Bible, and pray.
• Pray with infants and toddlers. Explain to your toddler that prayer is talking to God.
• Remember that children discover God from infancy. Paul wrote to Timothy, "…from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures…" (2 Tim.3:15, NIV).

Excerpt from article “Tips for Babies Spiritual Growth,”Children’s Ministry Magazine, February 2011.