5 Tips for Engaging Kids in God-Centered Conversations
Talking to kids about God isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it feels like speaking another language or walking on a tightrope. Kids have tons of questions, and they want answers that make sense to them. Also, it’s really important to remember that kids are all different—what clicks for one might not for another. But don’t worry; this guide is here to help you have those conversations in a way that’s both fun and meaningful. Here are five tips that can make God-centered conversations with kids more engaging and enjoyable for everyone involved.
1. Make It a Two-Way Street
Remember, a conversation is not a lecture. Just talking at kids can make them tune out or get bored. So, listen to them. Ask them what they think about God or any related topic.
Maybe they have questions like, “Why is the sky blue?” or “Why do bad things happen?” These are great starting points for deeper discussions about God and how He works in the world.
Listening also shows kids that their thoughts and feelings matter. This makes them more likely to open up and share what’s really on their minds.
The more you listen, the more they’ll trust you—and the more meaningful your conversations will become.
2. Use Stories and Parables
Kids love stories. They’re like little sponges that soak up tales of heroes, adventures, and life lessons. That’s why stories are an excellent tool for talking about God.
For example, you could tell them Bible stories that offer insights into God’s nature. Or, you could share personal stories where you felt God’s presence in your life.
You could also make up parables, which are short stories that teach a lesson. Like the story of the Good Samaritan, parables can make complicated ideas easier to understand.
By using stories and parables, you make the conversation more entertaining for kids, which helps them remember the message longer.
3. Use Everyday Moments
You don’t have to wait for Sunday school or bedtime prayers to talk about God. God-centered conversations can happen at any time.
Did your child share their toy with a sibling? That’s a moment to talk about kindness and how it reflects God’s love. Did they get scared during a thunderstorm? Talk about how God is our protector and comforter.
These everyday moments are perfect for short but meaningful conversations that kids can relate to. They make God a natural part of daily life, rather than a topic reserved for special occasions.
4. Keep It Simple and Relatable
Kids don’t need big words or complicated ideas to understand God. In fact, the simpler, the better. So, keep your language and ideas easy to understand.
If you’re talking about something like “grace,” explain it in a way a child can grasp. You could say, “Grace is when God loves us and helps us, even when we make mistakes.”
Also, relate the conversation to things they already know and enjoy. If your child loves animals, you could talk about how God created all the different creatures and what that shows about His creativity.
5. Be Honest and Real
Last but not least, be honest. Kids can spot a faker from a mile away. If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s okay to say, “I don’t know, but let’s find out together.”
This teaches them that it’s okay not to have all the answers and that learning about God is a lifelong journey.
Also, don’t be afraid to show your feelings. If a topic makes you happy or emotional, let it show. Being real with your emotions teaches kids that it’s okay to have feelings when talking about God.
So there you have it—five tips to make your God-centered conversations with kids more engaging and impactful. Remember to make it a two-way street by listening and asking questions.
Use stories and parables to get your points across. Grab everyday moments to bring God into the conversation. Keep it simple and relatable, and most importantly, be honest and real.