By Lee Ann Mancini
I fondly recall the times my children would cuddle up on my lap to hear a bedtime story or read a Bible story.
It was a meaningful part of our day. It was a time to explore new places, discover fascinating facts, and, most importantly, to connect our hearts. My son loved the story of David and Goliath, while my daughter’s favorite was the story of Jesus’ birth.
I was helping to create an unbreakable bond while planting seeds of biblical truth and nurturing spiritual growth. Children learn and remember biblical concepts more readily through stories.
Biblical stories offer a faith lesson that reflects on Jesus within the story, while a moral lesson teaches how Jesus acted. We learn from His character and His behavior.
Faith and moral lessons provide a solid, cohesive foundation for faith formation, moral attitudes, and moral behaviors. Biblical faith formation is essential for obtaining a Christian worldview.
The Impact of Reading
1. Reading engages the left side of the brain in unique and meaningful ways that differ from digital media, such as video games, computers, tablets, or phones.
When children read, they engage their imagination, connect with characters, and ponder what is about to happen next. This kind of active involvement helps build strong brain connections and leaves lasting heartfelt impressions that transform their character.
2. Reading books offers children a rich and multifaceted experience that nurtures both their minds and hearts.
It encourages and helps build comprehension as children follow plots, understand the context of the story, and interpret meaning. Stories help them develop an emotional connection with characters, learning sympathy and empathy as they engage with their feelings.
They learn to become critical thinkers as they analyze situations and anticipate a story’s outcome. Reading stories sparks their imagination as they envision new worlds, think creatively, and explore possibilities beyond daily routines.
Reading inspires lifelong learning and spiritual growth.
3. Unique bonding opportunities among generations come from reading with our children and grandchildren—something that modern media cannot duplicate.
When a grandparent reads a cherished faith story to their grandchild, they’re sharing an emotional connection and a lived experience.
4. Asking questions enhances children’s critical and reflective thinking skills, expands vocabulary and language skills, and helps them develop social skills.
Questions encourage their desire to be curious and develop a love for learning. Having children contribute to the discussion through questions helps them build confidence. It stimulates emotional awareness as they recognize their emotions and strengthens the bond between parent and child.
Ask questions that help children become critical thinkers:
Knowledge questions: “How many gifts did the kings bring to baby Jesus?”
Comprehension questions: “What do all these stories have to do with each other?
Application questions: “How can praying to the Holy Spirit help you when you are afraid of the dark?”
Analysis questions: “Why did Moses’ mother place him in the river?”
Savor the precious moments you share with your child or grandchild
—whether it’s a bedtime story, a heartfelt conversation, or a simple hug. These early years pass by more quickly than we realize, but the love, wisdom, and faith you pour into them during this time can leave a lasting imprint.
The seeds you plant now can bear fruit for a lifetime— even into eternity. While they may outgrow your lap, they’ll never outgrow the spiritual foundation you help build.
Lee Ann Mancini, author of Raising Kids to Follow Christ, adjunct professor at South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary, founder of Raising Christian Kids, executive producer of Sea Kids.
