The Key to Making Devotions Fun -  June 22,  2009

Back to Parenting Tips

The language of children is activity. When teaching children spiritual truths it's best to speak in their language.  A family devotion time should be the most fun part of the week. If you use their language they'll not only enjoy family time but they'll be eager for more.
Here’s one idea: complaining can be a problem in any family, and not just among children. You might start by reading the story in Numbers 14 about the time that the Israelites complained about the food. You’ll learn that God disciplined them by sending a plague. Then get out the cold oatmeal and play the "Cold Oatmeal Plague Game."
Have kids pretend to complain like the Israelites and then you put some cold oatmeal on their bare arms. You can have some "grace wipes" handy to illustrate how God's grace cleans up our lives. Kids will have a lot of fun with this and most importantly, will remember the lesson forever. As you take time to talk about complaining versus gratefulness, you're teaching a practical application of God's Word in family life.
A great resource containing many activities to teach spiritual truths to children is available on our website. We published six Family Time Activities books. In fact, we're offering you a special on these books to buy one and get the second one at half off. Just use this coupon code FTT07 when you check out.
Learn more at www.biblicalparenting.org/familytime.asp
If this tip was sent to you by a friend and you'd like to continue to receive tips yourself, you can sign up at www.biblicalparenting.org.