Age 2–3: Nursery
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” – Mark 10:14
At this age, your child is full of wonder, energy, and questions. They are beginning to recognize Jesus’ name, join in songs, and pray short prayers. This season is about nurturing their curiosity and helping them experience God’s love in everyday moments.
At this age, your child is full of wonder, energy, and questions. They are beginning to recognize Jesus’ name, join in songs, and pray short prayers. This season is about nurturing their curiosity and helping them experience God’s love in everyday moments.
FAITH MILESTONES
- Introduce short Bible stories
Read from a toddler Bible like The Beginner’s Bible or The Jesus Storybook Bible. Start to name key people: Jesus, Noah, Jonah, Mary, etc. - Pray with simple repetition
Let them repeat phrases after you or try echo prayers.“Thank You, Jesus... for today... for my family... I love You. Amen.”
- Teach one Scripture verse
Try a short verse like:“God is love.” – 1 John 4:8
Add hand motions or songs to help it stick. - Encourage participation in worship
Let your child stand, sing, or walk with you during parts of the service. Children this age love to imitate—you are their model of worship. - Recognize and celebrate Baptism anniversaries
Light a candle, tell the story, and thank God for calling your child His own.
DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES
Preschoolers are growing rapidly in language, imagination, and independence.
Preschoolers are growing rapidly in language, imagination, and independence.
- Physical: Running, jumping, climbing, beginning to dress themselves
- Language: Vocabulary explosion—asking questions, forming short sentences
- Cognitive: Sorting, naming colors, following 2-step directions, pretend play
- Social-Emotional: Taking turns (with help), expressing likes/dislikes, feeling BIG emotions (and needing help regulating)
PARENTING ENCOURAGEMENT
You’re building spiritual muscle memory through daily love, not perfection.
📖 Scripture for parents:
You’re building spiritual muscle memory through daily love, not perfection.
📖 Scripture for parents:
“Impress [God’s commandments] on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road...” – Deuteronomy 6:7
- Your voice becomes their inner voice. Speak words of faith, forgiveness, and affection often.
- It’s okay if they don’t “get” the story yet. What matters is that you’re telling it.
- When discipline feels never-ending, remember: you’re shaping hearts, not just behavior.
- You are your child’s first picture of God’s love—be gentle with yourself.
