Welcome to the Toddler's Toolbox!

The Heart We Want:
Desiring God’s direction and involvement; a heart of love and delight and encouragement
(Judges 13:8; I Thessalonians 2:7-8, 11-12).

The Goal We Reach For:
To continuously train our children to fear and love God (Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Ephesians 6:1-4).

The Reason We Seek God in our Parenting:
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts,” says God. (Isaiah 55:9)

Teaching Toddlers to Please God

2 Corinthians 5:9: So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

It can feel overwhelming with young children in the home. Some of us go through periods where we wonder if God is pleased with us. Some of us wonder if we are doing the right things to teach our children to please God. A quick study on "pleasing God" reveals a refreshing list of "simple" ways that we can teach our toddlers the art of pleasing our maker.
  • Songs and thanksgiving (Psalm 69:30): Learn fun Bible songs together as a family. At the dinner table, have a "thank you" round where everyone shares one thing that they are thankful for.
  • Prayers and meditation (Psalm 104:34): Pray together, thanking God for the many things he has blessed us with. Go out and see the stars together. Go for a walk in nature, talking about the many beautiful things God has made.
  • Doing good, Sharing what we have (Hebrews 13:16): When your children do good things, when they share with their siblings or friends, remind them that this is pleasing to God. Go to a nursing home and "collect smiles" or make cards for the residents.
  • Give gifts to those in need (Philippians 4:18): Before you get a new toy, teach your child to give an older toy to someone who would like it. As they grow out of clothes, have them help you clean them, fold them, and give them to a younger child.
  • Increase knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10): Memorize one scripture a week with your toddler (you'll be surprised!). Keep it short. Memorize it with a familiar tune. For example, "Do not be afraid for the Lord is with you" (Isaiah 43:5) can be memorized to the tune of the first line of "Joy to the World."

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