“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 (NIV)

If you’ve ever spent time with children, you already know something powerful: children love stories. Their eyes light up, they lean in, their imaginations spark—and in those moments, deep truths are planted in their hearts.

That’s why storytelling is such a timeless and effective way to teach children about God.

Why Stories Stick

In traditional African communities, storytelling wasn’t just for fun—it was the main form of education. Children learned values, caution, and courage through tales of ogres who pretended to be men, only to reveal their true selves in the forest. These stories were rich with moral lessons, and children remembered them for life.

Why? Because stories trigger emotions, and emotions are the gateway to the subconscious mind. Here’s what that means:

• Emotions create lasting imprints in the brain.
• When a child hears a story that makes them laugh, cry, or feel brave, that emotion helps the lesson stick.
• Over time, these emotional connections shape their belief systems—what they believe about God, themselves, and the world.
• And from those beliefs flow their actions and identity.

In short: stories shape the heart. And that’s exactly where God’s truths are meant to live.

Jesus Taught in Stories

Jesus, the Master Teacher, often used parables—simple, memorable stories that revealed deep truths about the Kingdom of God.

Some examples include:

• The Good Samaritan – Teaching compassion and mercy (Luke 10:25–37)
• The Prodigal Son – Revealing the Father’s love and forgiveness (Luke 15:11–32)
• The Lost Sheep – Showing the value of every person to God (Luke 15:1–7)
• The Wise and Foolish Builders – Teaching the importance of obeying God’s Word (Matthew 7:24–27)

These stories weren’t just sermons—they were experiences. Children (and adults!) could see themselves in the characters, feel the emotions, and carry the lessons with them.

What Kind of Stories Can You Tell?

There are so many wonderful stories you can share with the children in your life:

• Bible Stories – From Noah to Esther, David to Jesus, Scripture is filled with stories that teach faith, obedience, courage, and love.
• Missionary Stories – Real-life faith adventures from people like Corrie ten Boom, Jim Elliot, or Gladys Aylward show children how God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways.
• Testimonies of Other Children – Hearing how kids just like them are trusting Jesus can make faith feel real and possible.
• Modern-Day Christian Stories – Share about faithful Christians you know or read about.
• Made-Up Stories with a Message – Create characters and situations that relate to what your child is going through—fear, selfishness, forgiveness—and show them how God can help.

Tips to Make Storytelling More Impactful

Here are a few tips to get started or take your storytelling to the next level:

1. Use Visuals

Children are often visual learners. Illustrations, picture cards, or even videos can make a story come alive. You can:

• Download Bible story visuals online
• Use AI tools to create custom illustrations
• Or purchase high-quality visuals from Paidion designed especially for children’s Bible lessons

2. Make It Relatable

Use names and scenarios they understand. For example, instead of “a boy in a faraway land,” say “a boy named James who lived in a small town just like ours.”

3. Target Their Needs

Is your child struggling with fear? Tell the story of David and Goliath.
Are they learning to share? The story of the little boy who gave Jesus his lunch can inspire generosity.
Customize your storytelling to speak directly to their heart.

4. Involve Them

Ask questions. Let them guess what happens next. Act it out together. Children learn more when they’re actively involved.

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A Call to Action

Whether you’re a parent, Sunday school teacher, or Bible club leader—don’t underestimate the power of a good story.

God wired children to learn this way. And He gave you the privilege of planting seeds of faith in their hearts.

You don’t need to be a professional storyteller. Just be willing. Be intentional. Choose stories that reveal God’s love, truth, and power—and watch how those stories begin to shape the hearts and minds of the next generation.

✨ Start today. Pick a story. Gather the kids. Let God speak through your voice. ✨

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Need help?
Paidion offers ready-to-use Bible visuals and resources to make your storytelling come alive. Browse our collection and begin sharing powerful faith-filled stories today.

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.

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.” — Romans 8:11

I have a nephew who was diagnosed with autism. As a family, we’re still praying and trusting God for his complete healing. Yet in one moment of prayer, I sensed the Lord gently whisper to me—not only to pray for recovery, but also to begin to speak into his future. A future filled with joy, purpose, and the fullness of who God created him to be.

That moment changed me.

You see, he’s not defined by a diagnosis. He is full of joy. He gives the warmest hugs. He shares his food with everyone in the house. His heart is big, and his spirit—it’s alive. And I believe God’s love is already speaking to him in ways I may never fully understand.

Differently Abled… but Fully Alive in Spirit

Whether a child is on the autism spectrum, has cerebral palsy, ADHD, or any other condition, their spirit is not broken. Their bodies or minds may function differently, but they are not disconnected from the presence or love of God.

“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7

Psychology affirms what Scripture already knows: connection and love are human needs—not just cognitive ones. Even non-verbal children form bonds, recognize emotion, and respond to love. According to child development experts, the limbic system (the emotional brain) develops early and can perceive affection, warmth, and safety before a child even speaks. How much more can the Holy Spirit, who searches hearts (Romans 8:27), reach deep into theirs?

The Spirit Speaks Spirit

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” — Romans 8:16

Did you know that sharing God’s Word with differently abled children is ministering directly to their spirit?

The Holy Spirit is not limited by speech delays, intellectual capacity, or developmental age. He bypasses all barriers and speaks spirit to spirit. That means your words, your worship, your prayers—He takes them and translates them straight to their hearts.

John Fenn once shared about his adult son with cerebral palsy, whose mind is still that of a 4-year-old. And yet, this young man knows Jesus. He smiles at His name. He recognizes His presence. His spirit is very much alive, because God is not bound by intellect. He is bound by love.

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So, How Can You Share God’s Love With Them?

Here are gentle, Spirit-led ways to invite differently abled children into the experience of God’s love:

1. Tell Them God’s Stories

Read them Bible stories. Keep it simple and visual. Tell them about David and Goliath, Jesus and the little children, the loving Father, and the Good Shepherd. Share stories of people who loved God and of how God loves them too.

2. Sing to Them and With Them

Music is powerful. Many children with autism or learning disabilities respond to rhythm and melody even when words are difficult. Let them hear Christian music. Sing softly over them. Let them dance, hum, clap—whatever their worship looks like.

“The Lord your God is with you… He will rejoice over you with singing.” — Zephaniah 3:17

3. Pray With Them (Even If They Don’t Pray Back)

Teach them to talk to Jesus in the simplest ways:

• “Thank you, Jesus.”
  
• “Jesus, help me.”
  
• “Jesus, I’m sad today.”
  
• “Jesus, I love you.”
  

Model prayer in everyday moments. You might not see immediate responses, but you are sowing seeds into eternal ground.

4. Teach Scripture—Simply

Start with one verse at a time. Maybe:

• “God is love.” (1 John 4:8)
  
• “Jesus loves me.” (John 15:9)
  
• “I am not afraid.” (Psalm 56:3)
  

Use repetition. Turn verses into songs. Add hand motions. Let God’s Word take root in their hearts.

5. Let Their Spirit Lead

If they respond strongly to a song, repeat it. If they smile at the name of Jesus, linger there. Watch how the Holy Spirit moves in and through them, sometimes in ways more pure than we can grasp.

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Keep Planting. One Day You’ll See the Bloom.

“Let the little children come to me… for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” — Mark 10:14

Even when you think they’re not listening, keep sharing His love. Don’t neglect their spirit just because their mind seems unreachable. God is always reaching.

One day, you’ll be surprised by the fruit. You’ll see a smile when they hear worship. A moment of peace during prayer. A word spoken back when you least expect it. These are the miracles of God at work in the unseen.

Because the truth is—their spirit is listening.

Have you ever paused to consider this profound truth: your child sees themselves through your eyes before they ever see themselves through God’s?

What you believe about your child—consciously or unconsciously—shapes the way you treat them. And how you treat them tells them who they are.

From your tone of voice when you call their name, to the look in your eyes when they make a mistake, to the quiet assumptions you hold in your heart, you are speaking into their identity every single day.

Children are not just shaped by what we teach them. They are shaped by who we believe they are.

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Why Your View of Your Child Matters

1. The Mirror Effect: Psychology Meets Scripture

In child psychology, there’s a well-known concept called the “mirroring process.” From infancy, children internalize their identity based on how caregivers reflect their emotional states. If a child cries and a parent responds with care, the child learns: I matter. I am worthy of love. But if a parent regularly shows frustration, distance, or shame, the child may internalize: I am a problem. I am too much. I’m not enough.

In other words, your child is asking every day, “Who am I to you?”

And Scripture affirms this principle. Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” This doesn’t only apply to how we think of ourselves—it extends to how we think about others, including our children. If you believe your child is difficult, selfish, or lazy, that belief will come through in your words, tone, and expectations. Over time, your child may begin to live into that role.

But if you see your child as God sees them—beloved, chosen, capable, uniquely gifted—you partner with heaven to build them up in truth.

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What If We’ve Gotten It Wrong?

The truth is, many of us carry distorted beliefs about children. Some of us were raised in homes where children were “seen but not heard.” Others grew up with harsh discipline, constant criticism, or conditional love. Some of us unknowingly carry cultural attitudes that see children as a burden or inconvenience instead of a blessing.

But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

The Kingdom of God invites us into redemption—not just for our children, but for us as parents. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing to surrender your old ways of thinking and receive God’s heart.

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Here’s How to Raise Strong Children: A Step-by-Step Kingdom Approach

1. Pray and Ask God to Reveal Your Inner Beliefs

Ask God: “What do I really believe about my children?”
Do I see them as a gift or as a burden? Do I focus more on their weaknesses than their God-given strengths? Do I carry expectations rooted in fear instead of faith?

This inner work is crucial. Parenting is not just about behavior correction—it’s about heart transformation, beginning with our own hearts.

Psalm 139:23–24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart… see if there is any offensive way in me.”

2. Repent for Any Wrong Perceptions

When God reveals hidden attitudes or harsh judgments, don’t shame yourself. Repentance is not punishment—it’s realigning your vision and perceptions with God’s. Say, “Lord, forgive me for seeing my child through the wrong lens. Help me see them as You do.”

Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

When your mind is renewed, your parenting will be too.

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3. Ask God to Show You Who Your Child Really Is

You are raising a child made in the image of God, with a specific calling, personality, and purpose. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight into your child’s true identity—who they are in heaven’s eyes, not just who they are today.

You might receive a word, a picture, a Scripture, or simply a deep knowing. Begin to speak that over them—even when they’re misbehaving. Especially when they’re struggling. Let your words call them forward.

“You are kind. You are brave. You are a truth-speaker. You’re full of compassion. You are a leader. You were made for joy.”

Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart.”

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4. Ask God for a Scripture to Stand On

God’s Word is a foundation. When you’re raising children, emotions can run high. Tiredness, fear, or frustration can cloud your vision. That’s why you need a Scripture-based identity anchor for each child.

Examples:

• Isaiah 54:13 – “All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.”
• Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
• Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in [your child’s name] will carry it on to completion.”

Post these Scriptures where you’ll see them. Pray them. Declare them. Live by them.

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5. Pray in Agreement with God’s Vision

Prayer isn’t just about asking—it’s about partnering. Begin to pray for your children in alignment with who God says they are. Not just for success or good behavior, but for wisdom, character, discernment, courage, and spiritual sensitivity.

Let your prayers shape their future.

“Lord, thank you for making [name] bold and wise. I pray You grow them in grace and truth. Let them be rooted in love and confident in their calling.”

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6. Correct with Dignity and Respect

Discipline is necessary—but it must flow from love, not anger. Correct your child in a way that upholds their dignity. Harshness breaks the spirit; kindness restores it.

Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Discipline doesn’t mean demeaning. It means helping a child understand, grow, and make better choices next time. It means creating an environment of safety where mistakes are part of learning.

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7. Listen With Your Heart, Not Just Your Ears

To truly listen to a child is to honor their humanity. Even when their words are messy, slow, or emotional—listen for their heart.

When Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me,” (Matthew 19:14), He didn’t just tolerate them—He welcomed them. He took time for them.

When you listen to your child, you tell them: You matter. You are heard. You are safe here.

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8. See Them Becoming Who God Designed Them to Be

This may be the most important shift of all: Choose to see your child not just by their behavior, but by their God-given identity.

This requires spiritual vision. When your child is acting out, whining, or making poor choices, pause and remember: This is not the full story. My child is in process. God is at work. I choose to see who they are becoming.

Declare it over them. Write it down. Call it forth daily.

Romans 4:17 – “God… calls into being things that were not.”

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Closing Thoughts: You’re Not Just Parenting. You’re Prophecying.

You are not just managing schedules, meals, and school routines. You are prophesying over a generation. You are raising sons and daughters who will reflect Christ in the world. You are shaping identity—not just through correction, but through love, vision, and spiritual truth.

Don’t underestimate the power of how you see your children. Because when you see them rightly, they will learn to see themselves rightly too.

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👣 Reflection Prompts for Parents:

1. What beliefs do I need to unlearn about children or parenting?
2. Have I been seeing my child through God’s eyes or through my frustration?
3. What Scripture can I hold onto for each of my children?
4. Am I raising my children with dignity and respect?

Have you ever heard the saying, “More is caught than taught”? It couldn’t be more true when it comes to parenting. Our kids soak up our actions way more than our words—sometimes without us even realizing it.

Think about it… We can tell them all day long to be kind, honest, or prayerful, but if they don’t see those things in us, those words don’t stick. The truth is, our kids are little mirrors—reflecting back what they see at home.

Psychologists say that by the age of 7, a child’s core beliefs, habits, and behaviors are already taking shape. After that, friends, school, and the world around them start influencing them more. But in those early, precious years? We are their biggest teachers—even when we’re not trying to be.

The Real Generational “Curse” No One Talks About

We hear so much in church circles about generational curses—cycles of brokenness passed down through families. But sometimes, what we call a curse is really just copied behavior, hurt, or mindsets we inherited.

Sadly, even in strong Christian families, some kids struggle with faith because they notice a painful gap between what their parents say and how they actually live. Maybe you’ve seen it… kids who grow up in church but walk away, because they saw anger, pride, or hypocrisy behind closed doors.

Let’s be honest—our kids can spot the difference between real faith and empty words. And if they see us saying one thing and living another? It can make them wonder if Jesus really changes lives at all.

But here’s the good news: We don’t have to be perfect parents to raise faith-filled kids. We just have to be real.

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How to Model Christ-like Behavior (Even When You’re Struggling)

Here’s what it looks like to show your children the love and character of Jesus in your everyday, messy, beautiful life:

1. Let Your Kids See God Working in You

We’re all a work in progress—and that’s okay! The best thing your child can see is a parent who’s letting Jesus transform them day by day. Philippians 2:13 reminds us, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”

When you mess up (and you will), be honest. Age-appropriately, share your struggles. Say something like, “Mummy is working on being more patient. I prayed and asked Jesus to help me.” That teaches them humility, grace, and how to depend on God—not perfection.

2. Love Them Loudly and Consistently

One of the most powerful ways to reflect Christ to your kids is simple: love them deeply, unconditionally, and often. Hug them. Smile when they walk into the room. Tell them, “I love you,” every single day.

Did you know studies show that loving, emotionally connected homes help children grow in confidence, resilience, and faith? And 1 John 4:19 reminds us, “We love because He first loved us.”

Even when correcting behavior, remind them: “You’re deeply loved by me and by Jesus—even when you mess up.”

3. Explain the “Why” Behind Boundaries

It’s easy to fall into constant “don’t do that” lectures. But when we explain why certain behaviors hurt others—or hurt themselves—it makes a lasting impact.

Proverbs 22:6 encourages us, “Train up a child in the way they should go…” Training isn’t just scolding—it’s gentle, thoughtful teaching. Help them understand, not just obey.

4. Speak Life Over Them

Words are powerful. Proverbs 18:21 tells us, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Be the voice in your child’s life that builds them up—not tears them down.

Instead of saying, “You’re such a bad kid,” say, “That choice wasn’t okay, but I know you can do better—and I love you no matter what.” Praise good behavior, celebrate small wins, and constantly remind them how God sees them.

5. Ask the Holy Spirit for Help (Daily!)

Let’s be real—parenting can be overwhelming. But you’re not doing this alone. Jesus called the Holy Spirit our Helper for a reason (John 14:26).

I can’t count how many times I’ve whispered, “Holy Spirit, help me,” in the middle of a tough parenting moment—and He always shows up. Ask God daily to give you wisdom, patience, and creativity as you raise your kids. He cares about your family even more than you do.

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You Don’t Have to Be a Perfect Parent—Just a Real One

At the end of the day, our kids don’t need flawless parents. They need parents who love Jesus, lean on His grace, and show them what real faith looks like—through both victories and struggles.

Remember, more is caught than taught. Let them catch you praying. Let them catch you loving. Let them catch you growing.

Because when your child sees Jesus alive in you, they’ll believe He can be real in their lives, too.

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 11:1

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Would you love a few simple tips or prayers to help you model faith to your kids? I’d be happy to share—just let me know in the comments or message us!