As parents, you know how time-consuming and even exhausting
your child’s bedtime can be. If you can offer your child a few minutes of
undivided attention during this time, you may find an incredible opportunity to
connect with your child and with God.
Here’s how:
Connect and cuddle: Ask your child about his/her day. Invite
detailed answers by asking open-ended questions such as, “What made you laugh
today” or “Who did you play with at recess today?” If your child is okay with it, lie next to
your child for a minute or two or place your hand on your child’s hand or back.
Listen to music: Softly
play a CD that includes some of your
child’s favorite praise and worship songs or Christian lullabies.
Read together: Choose
a children’s story Bible or devotional book and read it together or look at the
pictures.
Pray together:
Ask your child if he or she would like to start or end the prayer. Keep it simple. Remember we can talk to God about
anything—even our stuffed animals and our toys!
Model praying for your family and others. Also, ask God for forgiveness when you have
done something wrong and thank God for grace. Spend a moment in quiet,
listening for God, too.
Experiment and see what works best for your child. Enjoy bedtime, your child, and God!
