Even as I write this, I feel a twinge of guilt—like I’m telling you to drink one thing while sipping another myself. You see, I know the power of books in shaping little hearts and minds. I know it deeply, because I was once a child whose world was forever changed by the gift of stories.

I remember my daddy buying me books—bedtime stories, colorful magazines, and short tales that transported me into worlds of wonder. That’s where my love for reading began.

Reading is still a beautiful habit. It’s not just a way to pass the time; it’s a way to relax the mind, awaken the imagination, and receive lessons that stay with us for life.

Why Stories Stay With Us

One of the earliest stories I remember was about a little girl who loved to clean her town and the surrounding estates. It was about caring for the environment, and it planted a seed in me. To this day, I don’t trash public spaces, and I take joy in keeping my surroundings clean.

That’s the power of storytelling—it goes beyond words on a page. Stories stir our emotions, and when emotions are engaged, the brain is more likely to store and recall the lesson. God designed our brains in such a way that when we feel something deeply, the memory is “tagged” in our mind, making it easier to retrieve later.

Jesus Himself often taught in parables. He knew that a well-told story could lodge a truth deep into the heart, where it could grow and bear fruit over time (Matthew 13:34).

Competing With the Screen

We live in an era where children are introduced to gadgets and screens far too early. I understand why—sometimes, when we’re busy, handing them a device feels like the only way to get something done. I’ve been there too.

But imagine if we could cultivate in them a love for books from an early age? That would be a lasting gift. Stories can spark creativity, build empathy, and help them explore the world without leaving their room. Proverbs 22:6 tells us to train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it. Reading can be part of that training.

Not All Books Are Good for the Heart

Of course, not every book is wholesome. Some stories carry hidden messages that plant seeds you wouldn’t want growing in your child’s heart—whether it’s inappropriate romance, violence, or witchcraft. I remember reading certain books in my teenage years that entertained me, but deep down I knew they weren’t in line with God’s truth. Thankfully, I had been introduced to Jesus early enough to discern right from wrong.

This is why we must be intentional about the books we place in our children’s hands. Choose stories that encourage kindness, courage, integrity, and above all, a love for God and others (Philippians 4:8).

Choosing Stories That Inspire

When buying books for your children, aim for stories that will:

• Entertain without compromising values
• Spark curiosity and creativity
• Encourage empathy and compassion
• Inspire a love for learning
• Strengthen their identity in Christ

Pay attention to what excites your child. If they love animals, stock up on books about wildlife. If they’re fascinated by history, give them engaging historical tales.

Our Dream for Paidion Books

At Paidion, we dream of writing children’s books that are not only safe and entertaining, but also full of truth and beauty—stories that inspire African children to love God, value themselves, and cherish others. Stories that are deeply rooted in our culture and reflect the richness of our heritage.

We ask for your prayers as we create books that will plant seeds of faith, hope, and love in the next generation. Because in the end, the stories we tell our children become the stories they live.

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Schools across Kenya have closed, and children are home for the holidays. If you're a parent, teacher, or guardian, this isn’t just a shift in schedule; it's an amazing opportunity.

As a parent myself, I now understand what many parents used to say: “The holidays are hard.” Why? Because the structure we relied on, school routines, quiet work hours, and predictable rhythms, is suddenly gone. The children are home full-time.

But here’s a question that’s been stirring in my heart:

What if this holiday isn’t a disruption but an invitation to be intentional?

God has been teaching me to approach every part of my life with purpose, including parenting and ministry. I believe this school holiday can be a time of planting seeds in our children that will shape their hearts, minds, and futures.

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Why Intentionality Matters

Children don’t thrive in chaos; they flourish in environments that are predictable, engaging, and nurturing. Without a plan, the weeks ahead may slide into endless screen time, unhealthy habits, and spiritual stagnation.

This is not just a parenting issue, it’s a discipleship issue.

“The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
— Proverbs 20:7

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Parents, This Is Your Call to Action

Here’s how to make the most of this holiday break:

1. Have a Content Plan

Don’t leave it to chance. Be deliberate about what your children are watching, reading, and listening to.

• Select wholesome books and faith-based videos.
  
• Use parental controls if needed.
  
• If your children are older, involve them in choosing content and discuss why some things are allowed and others aren’t.
  

📚 Tip: Create a “Holiday Watch & Read List” and stick it on the fridge. Include selected YouTube channels, devotionals, movies, and books.

2. Schedule Connection Time

Set aside time daily or weekly just to hang out. No lecturing. No correcting. Just laughter, games, walks, and storytelling. Research in psychology shows that secure parent-child relationships are built in these unstructured, relaxed moments.

As Peter Tan-Chi wisely says, “These are golden moments. When children feel safe and loved, they open up.”

• Play games
  
• Bake together
  
• Ask open-ended questions about their dreams or thoughts
  

3. Train Them in Responsibility

Teach your children to work. Assign chores and follow through.

A famous TED Talk by Julie Lythcott-Haims (former Stanford Dean) emphasized that doing chores is one of the best predictors of success in life. It builds responsibility, teamwork, and resilience.

• Teach them to cook simple meals
  
• Rotate cleaning tasks
  
• Make it fun and age-appropriate
  

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…”
— Ecclesiastes 9:10

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Sunday School Teachers, Rise to the Occasion

The school holiday doesn’t mean spiritual growth should pause. In fact, children are now available for extended discipleship.

Could you organize a Bible Club or a Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS) in your church or community?

These programs are not only fun—they are life-changing. Through songs, memory verses, crafts, and Bible lessons, children encounter God in a personal way.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
— Matthew 19:14

At Paidion, we can help you plan, organize, and run a Bible Club or DVBS. We provide:

• Lesson plans
  
• Teaching materials
  
• Songs and memory verses
  
• Craft ideas
  

📩 Get in touch with us if you’d like help. You don’t need to do it alone.

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The Future Belongs to the Intentional

We are not just babysitting children; we are raising the next generation of leaders, pastors, thinkers, and godly men and women. The spiritual, emotional, and practical investments we make during these holiday weeks could shape their futures forever.

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6

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✅ Parents:

This is the time to step up. Make a plan. Spend the time. Train with love.

✅ Teachers:

Don’t wait until Sunday. Use this holiday to disciple the children in your care deeply and creatively.

📝 Take Action Today:

• Draft a weekly holiday schedule for your children
  
• Pick 3–5 books or videos for their holiday learning
  
• Plan at least one family hangout every week
  
• Organize or join a Bible Club or DVBS
  

📩 Need help? Contact us at Paidion. We’re here to walk with you.

Let’s make this holiday count—for eternity.