Teaching the Faith to a Grandchild (Or Your Own Child)

1. Begin by remembering your child or grandchild's baptism.  Light the candle on the anniversary of their baptism.  Frame a picture taken at their baptism along with their baptismal certificate and hang it in their bedroom.

2. Every night when you put your child to bed, say your prayers together and then make the sign of the cross on your child's forehead and give a blessing...like "God bless you with long life, good health, and strong faith in Jesus."  Then say, "You received God's blessing when you were baptized!!"  Then wait for the day (usually about age 4) when your child traces the sign of the cross on your forehead and gives you a blessing in return! 

3. When you hear birds singing in the morning tell you child, "The birds are singing their morning praise to God!"  This teaches kids that God is all around them.

4. Look for "Parables in Nature" that tell the wonder of God... like the sunset, the new leaves on the trees, the rain etc,   Tell you children or grandchildren that these are signs of God's love and care for the earth and for us.

5. Bring (don't send) your child to church regularly.  Sing the songs with gusto, help your child sing along by tracing the words and notes of the hymn with your finger to help them learn. 

6. Play Christian music on your home stereo system.  Instill in your children the praise of God through music.

7. Pray for your grandchildren that God may lead and guide them in life, hold them in faith and preserve them from harm.  Ask for specific blessings that you see that they need and thank God daily for the gift of family.  Children and grandchildren are God's blessing to you!

 

Pastor John & Angie Strand