15 Ways to Teach Children About Faith

Talking to my kids about God used to feel… awkward.

I’d stumble over my words wondering if I was saying the right thing or if I even knew enough myself. For a long time I was lost. I struggled with gaming addiction binge eating and a deep sense of laziness. I felt stuck. It wasn’t until I started to seriously strengthen my own Christian Orthodox faith that things began to change. That faith became my anchor. It gave me the strength to lose over 110 pounds and build a life with purpose.

Now as a parent I realize teaching my kids about faith isn't about having all the answers. It’s about inviting them on the journey with me. It’s about showing them the same source of strength that helped me become who I am today.

It Starts with Our Own Journey

Before we can give our faith to our children we have to be living it. They see everything. They see when we are stressed and how we handle it. They see what we prioritize and what we ignore.

My own transformation wasn't just about breaking bad habits. It was about replacing them with something better. Instead of finding escape in video games or food I found peace in prayer and purpose in God’s plan for me. My faith wasn't a magic wand but it gave me a powerful "why." Why get healthy? To honor the body God gave me. Why be productive? To be a good steward of the time I’ve been blessed with.

When our kids see that our faith is real—that it genuinely shapes our choices and gives us peace—they become curious. They see it’s not just a set of rules. It’s a source of life.

You don’t need to be a theologian to plant seeds of faith. It happens in the small everyday moments. Here are some simple ways to get started.

Pray Together Simply. This doesn't need to be formal. Start and end the day with a short prayer. Before a meal say a quick thank you. Before bed a simple "God protect us through the night" is enough. It makes prayer a natural part of the day.
Read Children’s Bible Stories. Find a good children's Bible with pictures and engaging stories. Read about David and Goliath Noah's Ark or Daniel in the lion's den. These stories teach powerful lessons about courage trust and God's protection.
Find God in Nature. When you’re on a walk point out the beauty around you. A beautiful sunset a complex flower or a strong tree. Say something like “Wow look at the amazing world God created for us.” It connects God to the real tangible world.
Make Faith an Action. Actions speak louder than words. Involve your kids in donating old toys to charity or making a meal for a sick neighbor. Explain that we do this because God asks us to love and care for others.
Celebrate Church Holidays. Go beyond the commercial side of Christmas and Easter. Talk about the birth of Jesus and His resurrection. Create family traditions that center on the true meaning of these holy days.
Listen to Worship Music. Play Christian music in the car or at home. The lyrics often contain simple truths and prayers that can sink into a child's heart without any effort.
Share Your Own Story. Be honest about your struggles and how faith has helped you. I tell my kids that I wasn’t always strong or healthy. I explain that asking God for help gave me the power to change. This makes faith relatable.
Make Church a Positive Place. Talk about church positively. Focus on the community the beautiful songs or a message that you enjoyed. If your kids see you value your church family they are more likely to value it too.
Keep Religious Art in Your Home. A simple cross on the wall or an icon in a corner serves as a gentle daily reminder of God's presence in your home. It makes faith a visible part of your family’s life.
Teach Gratitude to God. Instead of just being thankful encourage them to be thankful to God. At the dinner table ask “What is one thing you want to thank God for today?” It shifts their focus from what they want to what they have.
Answer Their Questions Honestly. Kids ask tough questions. "Where is God?" "Why do bad things happen?" It’s okay to not have a perfect answer.
Admit When You Don’t Know. If you don't know the answer to one of their questions just say so. Say “That’s a really big question. I’m not sure but let's try to find out together.” This teaches humility and shows that faith is a lifelong journey of learning.
Point Out God's Blessings. When something good happens no matter how small call it a blessing. Did you find a great parking spot? "Thank you God!" Did a friend do something kind? "That was such a blessing." It teaches them to see God’s hand in the little details of life.
Create Faith-Based Traditions. This could be a special prayer you say on birthdays or a family service project you do every year. Traditions build a strong sense of identity and belonging rooted in faith.
Let It Be Theirs. Our goal is not to force our children to believe. It is to introduce them to God. Encourage them to ask their own questions to pray their own prayers and to build their own personal relationship with Him.

A Journey Not a Destination

Teaching our children about faith is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. It won’t always be easy. There will be moments of doubt and difficult questions. But you don't have to be a perfect guide. You just have to be a willing one.

It’s about planting small seeds of truth and love every day. Then we trust God to make them grow.

So I’ll ask you the same thing I ask myself: What’s one small way you can invite God into your family’s conversation this week?