How to Help your Child Develop her own Quiet Time with God

A great way to nurture faith in our kids is to help our kids develop a regular quiet time (or devotional time) with God. Whether it’s time in the Word, time in prayer, or developing other Spiritual disciplines, taking regular time to meet with God — or have a “quiet time” — can result in fruit for a lifetime in our kids.

Her excitement was contagious when she saw what I brought.

I handed it to her, wondering how she would respond, and she was so proud.

We had planned a morning together at our favorite coffee shop, a special date we sometimes take. But before we left, I was convicted. Overwhelmed with the importance of pursuing her heart, I vowed to put our rare one-on-one time to good use.

As much impact as I have as her mom, I want the deepest influence in her life to be the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of my daughter.

I can teach her and train her and nurture her at home, but what will change her heart more than anything, is her relationship with Jesus.

I wrapped up her package and tucked it in my purse, and we set off on our Mommy/daughter date.

She didn’t know I brought a gift. She was excited enough to have time with me by herself. We talked about family and friends, and we shared how life was changing now that she was in school most of the day.

I prayed as I listened, asking God to do a work in us. Eventually, the conversation turned to choices. The choices we make and how we can prepare to make them. The conversation brought a natural invitation – God does that, doesn’t He? when we wait for Him – and I handed her the notebook, so I could introduce my daughter to her own personal quiet time. 

She wanted to be just like me. She’s said it before. One time I’ll never forget – when she received her first devotional.

But this, this gift was the next step in her relationship with the Lord – getting into His Word on her own, not just when I read with her or when we do a study together.

Over and over again she shared how happy she as to “finally have her own Bible study, just like mom!”

We’re working on the habit now, the two of us sneaking downstairs in the quiet of the morning to spend time with Jesus. It is one of the best parts of my day, and I pray it is a routine that never gets old.

One day my daughter won’t live in this home, her bedroom the next one over. I want to help her now to develop a quiet time with Jesus, delight in His presence, listen to God’s voice, and trust Him enough to obey. Helping her develop her own personal quiet times is one of the first steps.

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The resource I first used with my daughter is now out of print, but all four of my kids (and hundreds of others!!) have LOVED this one!!

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How to Help your Child Develop her own Quiet Time with God

Introducing your child to their very own quiet time doesn’t need to be a formal event. In fact, your child has probably already learned quite a bit about personal devotions simply from observing you!

This year, though, I’ve tried to be intentional about mile markers in my daughter’s life. I’m ashamed to admit that in the hecticness of life, I can easily miss important moments, so I’ve chosen a handful of significant events (otherwise overlooked) to intentionally shepherd my daughter through. One of those is beginning her own quiet time.

Here’s how you, too, can help your child develop her own quiet time with God.

Make it Special — 

When first introducing your child to a quiet time, go to a special place together. Maybe it’s the park or a coffee shop or in a special nook you’ve set up for her as her own quiet time spot.

Share your experience —

Share with your child what your quiet time with Jesus means to you. Share from your heart. How has your personal devotional time helped you grow? What does it mean to you? How would you be different without it?

If you don’t already have a personal quiet time, talk with your child about the importance of a quiet time and the personal commitment you’ve made, then develop the habit together! 

Provide a tool — 

The resource I first used with my daughter is now out of print, but all four of my kids have LOVED using this resource for their devotional time — and there’s even a companion for parents!!  As you introduce your kids to their own personal quiet time with God, this is a fantastic resource!

I’ve heard that this book is another great resource, or if you’re comfortable enough with your own quiet time, you might also just set your child up with a Bible reading plan and a journal, with prompts to guide her through. {Stay tuned — I’m working on another great resource for your kid’s quiet time!!}

Practice together — 

While you’re on your special date, walk your child through how to use the tool you’ve given her. My daughter and I read the introduction together and completed the first day’s study. We talked about questions she might have, what she was excited about, and any hesitations or worries she felt about a quiet time.

Hold each other accountable —

Ask your child what she is learning and how she is growing through her time with God. You might ask her what verses she read, one thing she learned about God during her time, or how God is peaking to her. Invite her to ask you questions as well! What a joy it is to lead by example and share our secret time with God with our children!

A word of caution — 

Spending time in God’s presence causes us to grow in Him and is a habit we should all develop. However, I urge you to gently lead your child. Encourage her in this life-giving habit and keep an open line of communication if she’s struggling with the commitment. Very little (if any) good comes from forcing someone into a habit, and we want our kids to taste and see that the Lord is good!

Pray about how you can fill this training of your child in a quiet time with lots and lots of nurturing, and leave room for failure! Even as an adult, there are days I struggle with having a quiet time and I’ve experienced seasons where my quiet time was inconsistent. A hard hand would’ve only distanced me from God. It has always been His kindness that has led me to repentance and welcomed me into His arms. May our children experience that same love, grace, and shepherding.

Question for You ::

Have you introduced your child to a quiet time? What went well? What challenges did you face?

Resources for you ::

• Our favorite Christian kid shows
• Praying for our Kids
• Scriptures for how to actually speak LIFE over our kids