Kid Talk Tuesday: Easy Devotions to Start the Day Off Right

Today’s post is by product & marketing manager Amie Carlson.

The long, relaxing days of summer are over and families are getting back into the routine of going back to school. I don’t know about you, but I always liked the excitement of the first days back at school. And while routines can get a bad rap, there was always a welcome relief that came with the routine as well.

Those first few days of school can be hectic as everyone gets used to the routine again. Getting out the door in the morning can be challenging, but why not take this opportunity to instill some new habits in your children by instituting a short devotion time? Starting the day off with a few minutes of scripture and a prayer can really help start your child’s day off right.

I hear what you are thinking. It is hard enough to find time to get the kids dressed, fed, and out the door in time without trying to squeeze a little devotional time in the mix. I understand how this can seem daunting and like just one more item on the to-do list.

But the thing is, devotions with kids don’t have to be long and they don’t have to be yet another thing to squeeze into the morning routing. You can be creative in getting devotional moments into the day. Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Create a prayer jar – write the names of family members or short prayer requests on Popsicle sticks and stick them on the kitchen table. Each morning while the kids are eating breakfast, have each one grab a stick and say a quick prayer or blessing out loud for the person on the stick.
• Bathroom Verses – Write a weekly Bible verse on the mirror (use dry erase markers, lipstick, eyeliner or post its …whatever you have on hand). Each day erase or cross out one or two of the words in the verse. By the end of the week, your child will have it memorized.
• Car time – Keep a children’s devotional book in the car and grab those quick minutes of car time to read through a devotion each morning or afternoon. If you have children old enough to read, have them be in charge of reading this out loud as you drive.
• Audio Learning – Listen to audio episodes of Bible stories, Adventures in Odyssey episodes or worship music in the car. Engage your kids further by asking questions about what they are listening to.

There are many other ways to add devotional moments into the day. The biggest thing to remember is to be intentional and to look for those moments in your everyday routine.

Have you found a great way to do devotions with your kids you would like to share? Leave your ideas in the comment section.