qui-et : (adj) making little or no noise; carried out discreetly, secretly or with moderation
(n) absence of noise or bustle; silence; calm
(v) make or become silent, calm, or still
Quiet can be used to describe or name many things. However, most parents don't find themselves using this particular word to describe their child or the time they have to themselves. Many moms and dads probably know all too well about the bathroom escape - you lock yourself in the bathroom to have a minute alone only to see little fingers and hands under the door trying to raid you like a zombie apocalypse. So you're wondering if I can't use the bathroom, if "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" can't keep them entertained, if their attention span is shorter than the cheese stick they are begging for, how in the world can they be quiet long enough for a quiet time and much less understand the purpose of it?!
BUT (the greatest word in the Bible) parents, rest assured, if there's a will there's a way!! There are three specific areas to focus on when developing or instilling quiet time with your toddler. These will not only help your toddler become familiar to the idea of time with God but also hold you as the parent accountable to set aside your own time with God. I don't know about all my readers out there, but I know that even I struggle sometimes in setting aside my undivided attention for Him.
Routine
How many of you brush your teeth everyday? What about locking the door on your way out of the house? Don't forget to charge your cell phone! All of these things are necessities for our everyday living, whether it is for safety, hygiene, or just being prepared. But all of these to-do's are established with a routine. As kids, we all cried and screamed our way out of taking a bath, making our bed or doing our homework, but our parents made sure to instill those things in us to make us better, responsible, well rounded adults. Quiet time has this same importance. If you can begin to establish a routine with your child, as small as a newborn infant, you are helping that child develop a love and longing for time with Christ. For little ones under the age of one a simple prayer before bed time can go a long way. As they get older and their vocabulary gets bigger, then you can begin to incorporate questions or story time. The biggest point is to do it consistently! Same time, same place! After talking with other parents, night time tends to be the best time to incorporate devotions and prayer. Once they are awake in the morning, they are full of energy and giggles so the chance that they will sit still long enough to repeat a prayer isn't likely. At night, prayer tends to help calm them to sleep. Just imagine your little one falling asleep while praying to God. What a sweet thought.
Short, Simple Points
Around the age of 2, you may feel like your child is ready for a little something more in their quiet time. Stories, questions, verses; whatever it may be, make sure that you can sum up that nights devotion in a couple of words or a short sentence. With their minds acting as a sponge and absorbing all that's around them, the more you try to give them in one setting, the less they will retain. A great devotional book that I would recommend is called "One Year Devotional for Preschoolers". (Click here to review product or order) There are two different volumes, in which both are great. They give a short, short story, a prayer and a verse. You can easily distinguish what the main point is in each devotion. I would also suggest you talk about each point throughout the following day. Just keep reminding them what they are learning.
Interactive Learning
Sometimes children of all ages learn best by hands on. Maybe your child needs a color sheet or picture to visually understand what you are learning. There are many devotionals and coloring books out there to aid your child in focusing on learning about Christ. One that I had growing up (thanks to my momma) is called "God and Me" (Click here to review product or order). This particular book comes in a variety of ages for boys and girls, starting at the age of 2. You will find a verse, short story, questions (depending on age) and on the corresponding page will be an activity for them to do relating to their devotion that day. Some of my favorites that I remember doing were crossword, word search, color by number and connect the dot. Each activity is catered to their age group.
Take some time by yourself or with your spouse and check out your local Christian bookstore and just browse some of the children's devotionals. There is such a wide range and variety of products out there. Just remember to pick something that your child will enjoy and be able to understand. Establishing a quiet time with them at a young age can help them, know more about God and the importance he has in each of our lives.
If you have any questions or would like some more recommendations please comment below or email me at buildingbiblebabies@gmail.com
