Q: My wife and I didn’t grow up in religious homes, but we don’t want this for our children. How old do they have to be before they can understand something about God? We want to do the right thing, but I guess we’re not sure how to go about it.
A: Small children won’t understand everything we wish we could teach them about God and His will—but they can understand something! Don’t hesitate, therefore, to go ahead and begin teaching them about God and Jesus.
Think of it this way: How old does a child have to be before he or she understands that you love them? You know the answer; almost from the moment they are born, they sense your presence and your love. And as the years go by, they’ll understand this even more.
In the same way, a small child can begin to understand that even if they can’t see God, He is still real, and He still loves them and takes care of them. They also can begin to understand who Jesus is, and how much He loves them. Even now you can teach them simple prayers, and read stories to them from a children’s Bible story book (your local Christian bookseller can suggest age-appropriate choices).
The most important thing you can do, however, is be an example to them of love and faith and obedience to God’s will. Begin your own journey of faith today, by turning to Jesus Christ and asking Him to come into your lives. Then pray for your children, and pray that they will see Christ in you. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14).
