Faith-Based Parenting Archives

Not Alone: God’s Encouragement for the Isolated Mother

A Devotional for Mums Raising Children Far From Family Scripture: “God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy…” – Psalm 68:6 (NLT) It wasn’t meant to feel this lonely. You imagined the adventure of raising your children in a new land – new sights, new culture, maybe even better opportunities. But what you couldn’t quite picture were the moments where your arms would ache not from holding your child too long, but from holding everything alone. No grandparents to pop by. No siblings to babysit. No childhood friend to understand what you meant without you having to explain. Motherhood, already demanding, can feel heavier when you’re oceans away from your support system. But God, in his tender wisdom, knew this would be part of your story. And he has not left you without hope. 1. God Sees You in the Wilderness Scripture is full of stories of people navigating foreign lands – sometimes as exiles, sometimes as pilgrims, and sometimes simply following the call of God. One such woman was Hagar. Cast out into the desert with her child, she was isolated, overwhelmed, and afraid. And yet, it was in the wilderness that God met her. He revealed himself to her as El Roi, “The God Who Sees Me” (Genesis 16:13). Not just the God who sees the world, or the Church, or the important people – but me. You. The weary, unseen mum changing nappies and reheating coffee. The one who watches birthday parties on FaceTime instead of attending in person. He sees you. And he draws near. 2. You Are Not Alone – God Is Your Present Help “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” – Psalm 46:1 You may feel physically isolated, but you are never spiritually abandoned. One of the deepest comforts of the Gospel is the presence of Emmanuel – God with us. Not just with us in church or in our successes, but with us in the quiet kitchen, in the sleepless night, in the moment we cry because we don’t have someone to pass the baby to. Your pain is not a sign of spiritual weakness – it’s a place where his grace shows up. Jesus knows what it means to be far from home. He left the glory of heaven to live as a stranger in the world for your sake. He understands and he’s with you. 3. He Provides a New Kind of Family “‘Yes,’ Jesus replied, ‘and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life.” – Mark 10:29-30 Living abroad may mean leaving family behind, but it also opens the door for God to provide community in unexpected ways. The Church is more than a building – it’s the family of God, knit together by his Spirit. You may find sisters in Christ in your neighbourhood, your local church, or even through online communities. They may not share your bloodline, but they share your burdens, and your Saviour. Don’t be afraid to pray boldly for community. God delights in answering those prayers. Ask him to bring godly friendships, safe shoulders, and helping hands. Ask him to show you how to be that for others too. 4. Your Obedience Matters More Than Your Location The world often tells mothers they need to “do it all” and have it all figured out – but God invites us to simply abide. He’s not measuring your motherhood by how many family events you attend or how elaborate your holidays are. He’s looking at your faithfulness – in the small moments, the unseen sacrifices, the ordinary rhythms of love. You most likely didn’t move away from family to be selfish. You did it for reasons of calling, of love, of growth. You made a brave choice – and God honours that. He doesn’t promise it will always be easy, but He promises it will not be in vain. “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” – Galatians 6:9 5. Your Children Are Watching – And Learning Faith Perhaps one of the greatest gifts your children will receive from this season is seeing what it looks like to trust God when it’s hard. They will grow up remembering the warmth of your prayers when you felt cold. The way you opened your home when yours felt so far away. The quiet strength you found not in your own power, but in his. Your life, lived faithfully, will be a testimony they carry with them long after the passports expire and the years roll on. You are sowing seeds in their hearts that distance cannot uproot. A Prayer for the Mum Far From Home Lord, You know the ache of my heart as I raise my children without the nearness of extended family. You know the silent tears, the longing for familiar voices, the weight of carrying it all. But I thank you that you are not distant. You are my refuge and my strength. Help me not to just survive this season, but to see your goodness in it. Send me help in the form of friendship, comfort in your Word, and joy in the little moments with my children. Let my home be filled with your presence, even if it feels far from others. I trust that you are writing a beautiful story, even here. Amen. You are not alone; not for one moment. And every step you take in faith – he sees it, he treasures it, and he walks it with you.

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Is My Toddler Too Young for the Bible? 7 Simple Ways to Start Teaching God’s Word Today

Faith-Based Parenting, Practical Tips / Maddy

Helping Little Hearts Discover God’s Big Love from the Very Beginning “Is my toddler too young for the Bible?” It’s a question many Christian parents ask – and it comes from a place of love. We want to honour the sacredness of Scripture while respecting our child’s age and development. The reassuring truth? Your toddler is not too young. In fact, these early years are some of the best for planting seeds of lifelong faith. Children learn through repetition, rhythm, and relationship – all things the Bible offers in abundance. Even simple truths like “God made me” and “Jesus loves me” can begin shaping your toddler’s heart, worldview, and spiritual identity. Whether you’re a seasoned believer or new to faith-based parenting, this guide will equip you to start introducing God’s Word in a joyful, age-appropriate way. In this post, you’ll discover: Let’s explore how you can build a beautiful foundation of faith – starting today. Why Toddlers Are Ready for the Bible 1. Toddlers Learn Through Repetition and Rhythm Children, especially in the youngest years, learn effectively through repeated exposure, rhythm, songs, and sensory experiences. The Bible is rich in repetition, poetic rhythm, and memorable stories – making it naturally compatible with a toddler’s learning style. Hearing the same Bible song or story every night before bed might feel monotonous to you, but for a toddler it’s gold. Each repetition solidifies understanding and creates emotional connection. That’s why stories like Noah’s Ark of David and Goliath stick with little ones – they contain strong, simple elements that lend themselves to repetition and dramatic retelling. When you pair storytime with routine, song, or movement, you’re doing more than entertaining – you’re building memory and trust in the content of those stories. Try This: Sing “Jesus Loves Me” or repeat a phrase like, “God made you, and God love you,” every night at bedtime, while rocking your toddler or tucking them in (or however you do bedtime). See how many nights it takes before they catch on and start repeating it back to you; I bet it will surprise you how quickly it happens! These words, repeated over time, become part of your child’s spiritual vocabulary. Digging Deeper: You can even try adding little variations to your bedtime routine based on the season or time of year. For example, in spring, you can read about creation and talk about flowers blooming. This helps your child see how the Bible connects to the real world, reinforcing repetition and rhythm with real-life context. 2. They Are Forming Core Beliefs Now I’ve read that research shows that the moral and emotional framework of a person is largely formed in early childhood. What your toddler hears, sees, and experiences now will shape how they view God, themselves, and others. If your toddler hears daily that they are loved by God, sees you pray in times of joy and trouble, and experiences the kindness of Christian community, they’ll associate faith with comfort, security, and love. This kind of heart-deep formation is incredibly valuable. It’s not necessarily about theological depth – it’s about consistency and connection. Parent Reflection: Take time to think about the messages your child receives through your actions and words. Are you modelling grace and forgiveness? Even apologising after you lose patience can demonstrate Christ-like humility. Further Encouragement: Think about incorporating a “blessing moment” into your day. This could be as simple as placing your hand on your toddler’s head and saying, “God bless you today. Jesus loves you so much.” Little rituals like these build a framework of emotional and spiritual safety that toddlers crave. 3. Toddlers Can Grasp Simple, Foundational Truths We’re not asking toddlers to conjugate Greek verbs or memorize the Pentateuch. What they can do is understand simple truths like: These small but powerful truths are stepping stones to deeper understanding later on. And they’re easier to remember when tied to songs, stories, or actions. That’s why it’s important to speak these truths regularly. Even if they can’t say them back yet, they’re absorbing more than we think. In Practice: Try turning truth into a simple songs with simple actions – It can be as straight-forward as, “God made me, 1-2-3!” These fun, physical connections help toddlers learn with their bodies and not just their minds. Expanded Practice: Integrate truth statements into daily moments. When your toddler sees a bird, say, “God made the birds!” When they get a hug, say, “God gave you to us so we could love you!” These tiny moments add up and build a big picture of who God is. 7 Simple Ways to Start Teaching God’s Word to Your Toddler 1. Create a Consistent Bible Time Why It Matters: Toddlers thrive on routine. Making Bible time a daily part of your routine helps them understand its importance. How to Do It: Example Routine: Pro Tip: Use a consistent location – like a special corner with a blanket and a basket of Bible books – to make it feel set apart and predictable. Extra Tips for Success: Over time, your toddler will come to anticipate and even ask for this time. It becomes a familiar rhythm that gives their day a spiritual anchor. Bonus Activity: Let your toddler decorate a “Bible Time” basket with stickers and keep their special Bible books or toys inside. Ownership can help to make participation more exciting. Family Faith Calendar: If you’ve mastered all this and you’re looking for ways to keep things fresh without upsetting the routines you’ve created, consider creating a simple faith calendar with daily or weekly focus areas. These might include “Memory Verse Monday” or “Worship Song Wednesday.” Themes provide variety while reinforcing routine. 2. Choose the Best Toddler Bibles and Resources Why It Matters: Not all Bibles are created equal – especially for toddlers. Simplified language and visual storytelling make all the difference at this stage… but you want to make sure it’s still biblically sound. Some Top Picks: What to Look For: How to

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Creating a Christ-Centred Home (Even in the Toddler Chaos!)

Faith-Based Parenting / Maddy

Embracing the Beautiful Mess But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. -Joshua 24:15 Parenting toddlers is one of the most rewarding – and exhausting – seasons in life. The days are filled with spilled snacks, endless “why” questions, diaper changes or potty training, and emotional meltdowns. And yet, these little ones are also bubbling over with wonder, innocence, and a surprising capacity for understanding spiritual truths. Amid the Lego-covered floors and sippy cups, we may wonder how we could possibly foster a Christ-centred home. Isn’t that something we should wait to establish when things are calmer – when we have more time, or when the kids are older and better able to sit still and listen? But here’s the truth: there is no better time than now. The toddler years are foundational. Their hearts and minds are wide open, soaking in everything around them – including (and especially) the culture of their home. If we want our children to grow up loving Jesus, the seeds must be planted early, watered daily, and nutured with grace. This isn’t about achieving perfection or rigid routines. Instead, it’s about inviting Christ into your ordinary, chaotic, beautiful daily life. It’s about filling your home with truth, love, and intentional practices that turn the everyday into holy ground. Let’s explore how to create a Christ-centred home in a way that meets toddlers where they are at: playful, curious, and bursting with energy. 1. Understanding What a Christ-Centred Home Really Is And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. -Deuteronomy 6:5 First, let’s clear up a common misconception: a Christ-centred home is not one where everyone is always well-behaved, where Scripture is recited in harmony, or where worship music constantly plays softly in the background (although that’s lovely, too!). A Christ-centred home is one where: In practical terms, this means inviting God into everything – from the quiet moments to the chaos. When your toddler dumps their lunch on the floor for the third time, you can pause to breathe and ask Jesus for patience. When you’re tucking them in at night, you can whisper a prayer over them. When a conflict arises between siblings, you can model repentance and forgiveness. This approach shifts the focus from performance to presence. Christ doesn’t need our homes to be perfect – he just wants to be invited in. When he is the centre, our children will grow up knowing that faith is not just for Sunday mornings or special occasions, but for every part of life. It’s also important to remember that toddlers are concrete thinkers. They understand love through what they can see, hear, and feel. A Christ-centred home becomes real to them through consistent routines, gentle correction, joyful celebration, and loving discipline. 2. Building Spiritual Habits into Daily Life And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. -Deuteronomy 6:6-7 You don’t need a theology degree or hours of free time to disciple your toddler. Spiritual formation at this age is most effective when it’s woven into your normal routines. Here are some ideas for how you can do that: Morning Time: Begin the with a short prayer. As you dress your child, thank God aloud for their hands, feet, smile, and the new day. Try reciting a simple verse like, “This is the day the Lord has made.” (Psalm 118:24). Meal Time: Invite your toddler to fold hands and say a blessing. Even if it’s just “Thank you, God, for our food,” it sets a habit of gratitude. You can also sing a short song like “God is great, God is good…” or the “Doxology”. Play Time: Infuse conversations with spiritual language. If your child is stacking blocks, you can say, “Wow! God gave you strong hands to build!” Or if a tower falls and your child is frustrated, talk about how God helps us when things don’t go our way. Story Time: Read Bible stories alongside other books. Choose toddler-friendly versions with bright pictures and short texts. Reinforce truths by asking simple questions like, “Who made the animals? God did!” Discipline Moments: When correction is needed, bring in God’s truth. Say, “Jesus wants us to be kind. Let’s ask him to help us use gentle hands.” Bedtime: Wind down with a verse, a prayer, and a story. Try asking, “What are you thankful for today?” or “Where did you see God’s love today?” These rituals don’t have to be long or perfect. What matters is consistency and the sense that Jesus is part of every moment – whether big or small. 3. Teaching Truths Through Play Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. -Proverbs 22:6 Toddlers are wired to learn through play. This is how they process emotions, build relationships, and understand the world. So why not use it as a tool for teaching eternal truths? Here are a few ways to use play as discipleship (and be sure to check out other blog posts on the topic, too): Pretend Play: Blocks and Building Toys: Crafts and Colouring: Music and Movement: Nature Play: Each of these moments becomes an opportunity to instill simple but powerful truths: God is good. God made us. Jesus loves us. We can talk to him anytime. 4. Modelling Christ to Your Child Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. -Ephesians 5:1 Children watch everything. More than any lesson you teach, what will shape your child most deeply is the life you live in front of them. Your tone of voice, your reactions, your habits, your faith – it all speaks louder than words. This can

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How to Pray for Your Child: 7 Daily Scriptures for Parents

Faith-Based Parenting / Maddy

As Christian parents, we all want what’s best for our children – we strive to facilitate protection, wisdom, joy, and a deep, lasting relationship with Jesus. But ultimately, these things aren’t in our control, no matter how well we try, no matter how intensely we plan, and no matter how much we worry when things seem to go wrong. Parenting can be overwhelming, and as much as we know we should pray, sometimes, we just don’t know what to say or how to start. That’s where the power of God’s Word comes in. Praying Scripture over your child not only guides your words – it anchors your heart in truth, and provides peace and perspective in the process. Whether your child is learning to walk, heading off to preschool, or still snuggling in your arms, these seven daily scriptures will help you cover them in prayer with purpose and confidence. Why Pray Scripture Over Your Child? Praying Scripture is powerful because it reminds us that God’s promises are already true as we seek to raise our children to love Christ. We don’t have to worry or wonder about what will happen because ultimately, it’s in God’s hands and we know he is so good. When we use his Word in prayer: It doesn’t have to be complicated – just intentional. One verse a day is enough to build a habit and create a rhythm of prayer in your parenting journey. 7 Daily Scriptures to Pray Over Your Child Use these verses as daily themes and starting points to guide your prayers. Speak them over your child, whisper them during bedtime, or pray them silently while folding laundry. The goal is simple: invite God into your child’s life – daily. Monday – For Protection Psalm 91:11 – “For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.” Prayer: Lord, thank you for watching over my child. Please send your angels to guard them – at home, at play, and everywhere they go. Keep their body, mind, and spirit safe in your care. Amen. Tuesday – For Wisdom James 1:5 – “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” Prayer: Father God, I pray my child will grow in wisdom, even now. Help them to know right from wrong and to seek you when they need guidance. Fill their heart with godly understanding. Amen. Wednesday – For Kindness and Love Ephesians 4:32 – “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Prayer: Jesus, teach my child to be kind. Soften their heart toward others. Let them reflect your love in the way they speak, share, and treat their friends and family. Amen. Thursday – For Faith Hebrews 11:1 – “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Prayer: Lord, grow a strong, lasting faith in my child. Help them to believe in you deeply, know your love for them, and to trust that you are always near. Amen. Friday – For Obedience and Respect Ephesians 6:1 – “Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.” Prayer: God, shape my child’s heart to be one that listens and obeys with love. Give me patience and grace to lead them well, and help us both to honour you in our relationship. Amen. Saturday – For Joy and Peace Romans 15:13 – “I pray that God, the source of hope will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Prayer: Father, let my child be filled with the true joy and peace that is found only in you. Calm their worries and fears, and teach them to find joy and fulfilment not in things, but in you. Amen. Sunday – For Their Future Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Prayer: Thank you, God, that you already hold my child’s future. I trust you with their life, their calling, and every step they will take. Lead them into the plans you have prepared for them. Amen. How to Make Prayer a Daily Habit Building a prayer habit for your child doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here are some simple ways to weave these verses into your week: Trusting God with Your Child, One Prayer at a Time Parenting is a sacred calling, and prayer is one of our most powerful tools. You don’t have to have all the answers. (Because our Father God does!) You don’t have to be the perfect parent. (Because our Father God is!) Just show up, with your Bible and your heart open, and invite God to work in you and your child’s life – one verse, one day, one prayer at a time. Want a printable version of these 7 daily scriptures to keep in your Bible or hang on your fridge? Grab your free download here!

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