Teaching Kids to Love the Creator

I’ve always wanted to instill in my kids a love for travel. But higher on my list was to make sure that I instill in them a deep and real love for God.

I’m beginning to realize that it’s possible to do both at the same time. Here, I wanna share a few stories, some thoughts and most of all, tips on how you too can (easily) personally teach your children about how wonderful our amazing Creator is.

First, bring them out! Let them see the beauty of Creation

To be honest, most of our days are spent at home. I homeschool Luke and we generally learn about the world through books. I love books and I highly encourage reading but truly, nothing compares to experiencing things first hand.

You don’t have to travel far to show your children the beauty of Creation. If your kids live in the city like us, a simple trip to a nearby beach, garden or even a park can be a great adventure already.

As an overall homebody and introvert who lives in hot, humid and traffic-congested Manila, I understand how it can sometimes be hard, especially for moms, to make plans to bring the kids out.

But, bring them out anyway. 

Let them experience the ocean breeze blowing on their faces. Let them see the orange sun setting into the sea. Let them see waterfalls a hundred times their size. Let them pick fruits, plant trees and swim in the sea. Let them see little crabs walking on the shore. Let them experience the world first-hand.

Give them the opportunity to be awed. Let them witness how grand the world is. When they begin to understand how huge, beautiful and amazing creation is, it is easier to make them understand about the huge, beautiful and amazing Creator behind it all.

Talk to them about the amazing little details

Luke was just turning 2 when we brought him to Baguio. But if you ask him now (he’s 2 and 7 months,) he will still tell you that he picked little red strawberries, rode a boat that almost bumped into another boat, wore costumes and that he rode on a horse named “Easy.”

A lot of people tell me that kids don’t remember trips at a young age. I’m sure that’s true to an extent. But from my experience, my son has been able to remember bits and pieces of things that really resonated with him.

So when we travel, I try my best to intentionally show him all the little details: what are the colors of the birds’ feathers? How do the clouds look like during sunset? How different are the horses from each other?

Make them appreciate the variety of creatures and how God made different animals unique. Make them see the complexity of how things naturally are and how even the smallest things, like a flower, are so intricately designed. When you intentionally point it out to them, they become more mindful about it and the more they will appreciate.

Disclaimer: I am speaking from a mom-of-a-toddler’s point of view. I’m sure pointing out everything can get annoying when your kids are older (haha just imagine!) For older kids, it might be good to give them time and space to form their own thoughts and conclusions. A little prodding could help, but not too much to the point of exasperating them! 

Memory Verse

Repeat the verse in between activities to remind them of this powerful Biblical truth.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

Simple Activity Suggestions for Toddlers:

As mentioned, because I currently only have one toddler, I can only give suggestions for kids his age. These are some of the activities that personally work for us.

• Thank You God Game: Take turns giving thanks to God for your surroundings. You can start for example by saying “Thank You God for giving us sand! Thank You God for creating the sea!” and so on.

• Go through the Creation story by asking them chronologically about the things God created. Start with “Who made the day? How about the night?” God, of course! Then, continue to ask “Who made the sky?” then go on with the waters, the sun and stars, the plants, the birds, the animals and the insects. And conclude with “Who made you?”

• Eat Animal Cookies: Let them pick a cookie, ask them what that animal is and then ask them who made it. Eat and repeat! This one, you can do inside the car or even when you get back home.

—

As I grow more as a travel blogger and mom, I’ve decided to create a new section in my blog called “Worldschooling”

Here is where I write about teaching my son about the world as we travel. I will also be sharing personal stories and tips on how we try to share Biblical truths to our son as we experience the world together; just like in this particular article! It’s sort of like homeschooling while traveling or with a focus more on the travel aspect.

I will talk about it more soon. In the meantime, I would like to know if you have any opinions or suggestions! Leave a comment below!