2 simple habits that finally made family Bible reading stick
As parents, do you want to be in the Word more regularly with your kids? Me too. But why is it so hard? You desire consistency, Bibles open, and Scripture spoken in your home. Yet it’s a challenge.
I get it. As a mom of four and working in ministry, I have tried many different rhythms that started off strong but gradually lost momentum. The inconsistent frequency of Bible reading with my kids often left me discouraged. Ever been there? Things began to shift, though, when I started two habits that became game changers in our home.
Start by choosing your perspective
When it comes to the discipleship of your kids, how do you see your role? Scripture paints the picture clearly — God commands parents to be the primary disciplers of their kids (Deut 6:6-7, Proverbs 22:6). Not the Sunday school teacher, youth pastor, or Awana leader. As parents, we get the gift of discipling and training them up in the Word. Have you taken hold of this command and calling on your life with joy.
Parents have always been God’s Plan A for leading and stewarding their kids’ discipleship. Be encouraged, our big God empowers parents in big ways through his Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6), and Church (Hebrews 10:24-25). Ultimately, you are fully supplied in Christ, for all things you need for life and godliness, including the discipleship of your kids (2 Peter 1:3).
Two habits to unlock consistent Bible reading and Scripture recitation with your kids
1. Lay out the Bible storybook on your meal table the night before
“Mama, aren’t we going to read the Bible Story?” My 5-year-old son pointed to the open Bible on the breakfast table. I hadn’t blended my protein shake or unloaded the dishwasher yet, but how could I say no or delay his request? Setting the urgent aside for the important, the story of David and Goliath unfolded right next to the Cheerios.
Did my 5-year-old hold me accountable to initiate Bible time before breakfast wrapped up? Yes indeed, he did! Humility pills come in all shapes and sizes, and I received a helpful dose that morning.
Before going to bed tonight, open up the Bible to the page you want to read with your kids in the morning. Set the Bible on the table where your kids eat breakfast, facing their seats, not yours.
The open Bible acts as 1. a prompt sparking curiosity, 2. provides an open invitation for kids to see pictures and flip through pages as they please, and 3. accountability for parents to read from the Bible before the morning ends.
Looking for a biblical, age-appropriate storybook Bible? Our family has loved The Jesus Storybook Bible (ages 0-3) and Lithos Kids: Old Testament and New Testament Storybook Bible (ages 4-12). For older kids, ask them to lay out an open Bible the night before. Try out this habit for one week and see what happens.
2. Tape a Bible verse on the wall near your meal table
Lopsided with lime green tape peeking out the corners, my son stuck the bible verse to our dining room wall. I resisted the urge to straighten it. Beaming with pride, he worked hard coloring in the bubble letters of Nehemiah 8:10.
Sticky syrup plates and half-eaten waffles covered the table. After splitting the verse in two, my 5- and 6-year-old repeated after me, “The joy of the Lord … is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Each one decided on hand motions. We said it all together; once quiet as a mouse, the second time loud like a lion, then a few times clearly with confidence. We talked about what the verse says about God, us, and how to apply it. My overly-confident 5-year-old took a stab at reciting it solo. Staring at me blank-faced, I gave him the first word, and after stumbling a bit, he made it to the finish line.
Today, write a Bible verse on a piece of paper and tape it to the wall closest to your meal table. Repeat it together as a family. No need for it to be Pinterest-worthy, that’s not our aim. The win is biblical truth tumbling out of our kids’ mouths. The win is hiding God’s Word in our hearts and renewing our minds in the truth.
Battle for the young souls living under your roof
Our kids are navigating the world’s confusing, ever-changing landscape of false gospels, deception, and empty messages, all competing to capture their hearts, minds, and identities.
Who will you choose to disciple your kids? The world or you?
The battle is real. Jesus warns us that Satan comes to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). Look around, and you’ll see the world suppressing the truth of God and exchanging it for lies (Rom. 1:25). Harmful ideologies are increasingly pressed on young ones, calling what is evil good, and what is good evil (Isaiah 5:20). Make no mistake: Satan is out to destroy the next generation.
But take heart! God has given us the truth that sets our kids free. It’s Jesus, the one who offers eternal life and full satisfaction in Him. It’s the Gospel –- the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). We need not fear; instead, become battle-ready. Let’s cultivate homes where the Bible is open, Scripture covers our walls, and the Gospel is shaping hearts. By His grace, let us raise up a generation to courageously stand, live, and witness for Christ, now and into eternity.
Because we are not simply raising children. We are discipling souls.
Heather Barnes is a speaker, writer, wife and mom of three. As the Special Projects Director at Decision Point, she advances the mission by leading strategic projects across the organization, training leaders and recruiting staff.
