Parenting with Purpose: Establishing Faith Rhythms and Raising Little Ones (Ages 1–5)
Raising young children is one of the most beautiful, exhausting, and sacred journeys you’ll ever walk. Between endless snacks, naps, and feeling like you can never get out the door on time, it can be easy to lose sight of the spiritual side of parenting.
But here’s the good news: God is in it all. In the chaos. In the giggles. Even in the tantrums and sleepless nights.
At Landing Place Church, we believe that building faith starts young—and it starts right where you are, wherever that might be. You don’t have to be a theologian or have it all together. You just need a willing heart and a few simple truths that can turn into rhythms that invite Jesus into the everyday moments.
Christian parenting tips and spiritual rhythms
Here are some things you can begin practicing today with your child (ages 1–5):
- Morning Blessing
Start your day by speaking life and truth over your child—even while you’re changing a diaper or cleaning up spilled milk.
“Jesus loves you. You are important. God is with you.”
This small routine helps your child begin the day grounded in love and security and reminds them of simple truths.
- Mealtime Prayer
Use breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner as moments to pause and thank God together. Keep prayers short and repeatable, especially in the season where it feels like the ability to all sit together is short.
“Thank You, Jesus, for our food and our family. Amen!”
Let your little one take turns or add their own special words. These moments build a habit of gratitude and connection with God and as a family. This is also a time where they might share about their day.
- Bible Story Time
Carve out a few minutes each day—maybe before nap time or at bedtime—to read a story from a children’s Bible. Make it fun and interactive!
Great Bible resources for this age:
Ask simple questions like, “What did God do?” or “How did Jesus help?”
For kids closer to 5 maybe ask them how they think they have helped someone or would like to help someone.
- Worship as Play
Kids learn through movement and music, so let worship be fun! Sing, dance, and praise God together with songs they can remember and enjoy.
Need ideas? Landing Place Church provides free access to RightNow Media | Streaming Video Library of Bible Studies has a massive library of family-friendly faith videos, worship songs, and shows designed for kids of all ages. Ask us how to get connected with a free subscription!
- Calm-Down Time with Jesus
When the emotions run high (which is often!), create a cozy space where your child can sit, breathe, and talk to Jesus. This can be difficult to start in the moment but if there is a designated space then it will be an easy reminder of this space when emotions get high and can feel out of control.
“Let’s ask Jesus to help us feel calm and strong.”
This teaches them to connect their feelings to faith early on and gives them a tool they can use their whole life.
- Bedtime Blessing
End the day by praying with your child and speaking yet another truth over them as they drift off to sleep.
“You are loved. God is with you. You are never alone.”
You could also memorize a short verse together as a family and take this time in the evening to practice it. Here are a couple examples to start with:
“This is the day the Lord has made.” – Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
A joyful verse to start the day!
“God is love.” – 1 John 4:8 (NIV)
A perfect starter verse—short, sweet, and true.
“Be kind to one another.” – Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
Simple, practical, and easy to act out.
- Sunday Mornings at KidzLink
Routine matters—and Sunday mornings are a powerful rhythm for your child’s spiritual growth. At Landing Place Church, our KidzLink ministry is created just for young children. During all three services (8:30 AM , 10:00 AM, & 11:30 AM), kids experience God’s love through stories, worship, play, and connection in a safe and loving environment.
KidzLink is more than just childcare—it’s where little hearts begin to discover that God is real, loving, and close. Our KidzLink ministry is for newborn through fourth grade on Sunday mornings.
You’re Not Alone
We know parenting is hard—but you don’t have to do it on your own. Our church family is here to support you through every stage. Whether it’s joining a mom group like Mom Co, a small group with parents in a similar season, or chatting with our KidzLink Director we’re here to walk with you.
At Landing Place Church, we believe parents are the primary spiritual leaders in a child’s life—but we also know it’s not always easy to know what to say or do next. That’s why we love sharing tools that make parenting more intentional, faith-centered, and manageable.
One of our favorite free resources? The Parent Cue App.
The Parent Cue App gives you simple cues every week to help you connect with your child, build faith, and create meaningful moments—all based on their age and stage. This app also meets you where you are, in the chaos of the busy schedules of life, working, parenting multiple kids, or transitioning to parenthood as a first time parent.
Join Us This Sunday
Service Times:
8:30 AM, 10:00, & 11:30
KidzLink is available at all three services!
Need help getting started with RightNow Media or want to tour KidzLink before your first visit?
Contact our Family Ministry Team via email– we’d love to help! info@landingplacechurch.com
Before you go, remember:
You don’t have to be a perfect parent to raise kids who know and love Jesus. You just have to: be present, intentional, and willing to invite Jesus into your everyday rhythms.
It may feel ordinary or exhausting, but parenting little ones is powerful kingdom work . And you are making a bigger impact than you think.