6 Ways to Introduce Jesus to Your Toddler (It’s simpler than you think!)

As Christian parents, figuring out when and how to introduce Jesus to your toddler is a very important part of the parenting journey. We are most likely the first people our kids will learn about Jesus from, so how we go about introducing them to Him is something we need to seriously think about.

Below are some tips that will help you know how to start teaching your child about Jesus. I encourage you to go about teaching your children prayerfully and consider which tactics will be the most beneficial for your family.

When to Introduce Jesus to Your Toddler? 

Two or three years old may seem too young to introduce Jesus to your child, but it is never too early to start! I believe that the sooner you start, the better. Even before age two is great! That way you will already be in the habit of teaching your child about Jesus by the time they are old enough to understand.

Why Teaching Your Toddler About Jesus Matters

Toddlers understand much more than we give them credit for. The first few years of a child’s life are when their brains develop the most, so it is crucial that we teach them about Jesus during this time.

Jesus Himself said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14, KJV). 

6 Simple Ways to Teach Jesus to Your Toddler

1. Read scripture stories to your toddler

Reading children’s stories from the Bible and The Book of Mormon is one of the best ways to introduce Jesus to your toddler. Once they have learned these stories by heart, they will be able to remember and refer back to them throughout their lives. 

Tips on reading scriptures with your toddler:

• Simplify the story. Use simple words and phrases such as, “Jesus loves you” or “Jesus helps us.”
• Set a routine. Read together the same time every night, or whenever is best for your family.
• Use age-appropriate books. There are plenty of children scripture books to choose from! Here’s a list you can look through for ideas:
  • Book of Mormon Stories from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  • Old Testament Stories from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  • A Child’s First Bible by Kenneth N. Taylor
  • My First Book of Mormon Stories by Deana Draper Buck and Jerry Harston
  • The Toddler’s Bible by V. Gilbert Beers

2. Pray at regular times of the day with your child

Praying is one of the simplest ways you can teach your toddler about Jesus. When we pray to our Father in Heaven in the name of Jesus, it teaches your child that Jesus and God are real and involved in our lives.

Our experience of praying with our children hasn’t been perfect. But with consistency and love, it has become something I enjoy. Even if they don’t feel like saying their evening prayers, it has become a joy for me to pray for them so they can hear me talk to God in their behalf.

Tips on how to pray with your toddler:

• Begin when they are very young, even before they can speak. That way you never have to wonder when to start.
• Let them repeat after you until they can pray on their own. Go slowly, keep the prayer short, and do one phrase or word at a time.
• Be consistent. Keep praying every day at the same time with your toddler so they know what to expect. Even if the prayer doesn’t seem sincere, or your toddler tries to run away, just keep going. You may need to say the prayer yourself if they are too distracted or resistant. Your toddler will learn over time the meaning of prayer and how important it is as they get older. 
• Never force your child to pray. If your toddler is resistant, never punish them for not praying. Try to make it a positive experience and not a negative one that they resent.
• Teach your toddler why we pray. Tell your child that we pray because God loves us and wants to hear from us.

3. Talk to your child about Jesus daily

An important to introduce Jesus to your toddler is by making Him a part of your daily conversations. Tell your child about how Jesus loves them, that He created this beautiful world for us, and that He wants us to be like Him and His Father. 

I’m not perfect at this, but sometimes all I do is tell my toddler that Jesus loves her before she goes to sleep. It can be as simple as that.

You might also enjoy: Church Busy Bag Ideas for Young Kids

4. Use Christmas and Easter as a time to teach your toddler more about Jesus

Christmas and Easter are excellent opportunities to teach your toddler more about Jesus. And it can be fun! Tell them the stories of His birth and Resurrection in simple terms using books, toys, and videos. They may understand a lot more than you anticipate!

Need ideas? You may find these posts helpful:

• Christian Easter Traditions that Focus on Jesus (Simple Ideas for Families)
• 5 Fun Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas With Kids

5. Introduce your toddler to Jesus using pictures

Pictures are one of the best ways to introduce your toddler to Jesus! Our daughter started recognizing pictures of Jesus around age one. We have some pictures of Jesus on our walls at home and in books that we would show her. After she recognized these as Jesus, she started pointing out other pictures and statues of Jesus we saw outside of our home. 

Children are very visual, so it helps to have something for them to look at when you want to teach them something. Teaching Jesus to your toddler is no different.

6. Model what Jesus would do

Another great way to introduce Jesus to your toddler is by modeling what He would do. When they see you acting in a way that Jesus would, it will be easier for your toddler to understand the kind of Person Jesus is and how to follow Him.

Examples of how to model Jesus behavior:

• Apologize when you make a mistake
• Forgive easily
• Be patient with your family
• Be kind to strangers
• Have your own scripture study and prayers
• Keep promises you make (with God and others)
• Attend and participate in Church services

You Can Do This!

While teaching your toddler should be simple, it can be challenging. Remembering to pray and taking time to read scripture stories with them is easier said than done. However, I want you to know that it is worth it. 

God has given you the amazing privilege and responsibility of raising one of His precious children. It is up to you to seek His guidance and strive to help your children get to know His Son, Jesus Christ, throughout their lives. 

God does not expect you to be perfect at it, and He knows it will be hard some days. But keep pushing forward and watch for the blessings and joy God will send your way for teaching your toddler about Jesus!