Age 3–4: Preschool
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." – Psalm 119:105
Your child is now a little sponge—asking questions, telling stories, and exploring the world with growing independence. It’s a perfect time to plant God’s Word in their heart and celebrate their belonging in the Body of Christ.
Your child is now a little sponge—asking questions, telling stories, and exploring the world with growing independence. It’s a perfect time to plant God’s Word in their heart and celebrate their belonging in the Body of Christ.
FAITH MILESTONES
- Present their First Bible
Around the 4th birthday or Pre-K transition, give your child their first children’s Bible. We recommend something like:- The Growing in Faith Bible (CPH)
- The Jesus Storybook Bible
Include a handwritten note, a verse, or a blessing from an elder or pastor.
- Introduce regular Bible reading
Start a routine of reading one story each night or each Sunday. Ask simple questions like:“Where do you see Jesus?” or “What did God do in this story?”
Help them memorize a verse
Choose one verse for the season and say it together often. Try:“Jesus said, ‘Come, follow Me.’” – Matthew 4:19
- Encourage them to pray out loud
They may begin praying on their own, or by copying your words:“Dear Jesus, thank You for my friends. Help me to be kind. Amen.”
- Celebrate church participation
Help your child recognize worship elements—folding hands, standing, listening, singing. Encourage them to bring their Bible to church.
DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES
Preschoolers are developing rapidly in emotional, relational, and intellectual areas.
Preschoolers are developing rapidly in emotional, relational, and intellectual areas.
- Physical: Improved coordination, jumping, drawing simple shapes or letters
- Language: Speaking in full sentences, storytelling, asking “why” constantly
- Cognitive: Understanding sequences, recognizing patterns, beginning to count
- Social-Emotional: Learning empathy, recognizing feelings in others, forming friendships, playing cooperatively
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.
