Before a child articulates what he or she believes, they soak up what is shown to them. Scripture reminds us, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). That truth should cause us to pause—because what fills a child’s mind today will shape the heart they carry into adulthood.

As parents, grandparents, teachers, and mentors, we naturally want our children’s hearts to flourish. But how do we provide healthy nourishment for their minds when so much of their day is spent beyond our immediate care? Different worldviews, habits, and lifestyles crowd in on what is taught at home. Screens speak loudly. Culture speaks constantly. Children must learn early how to navigate what is poured into their minds—and they need loving, intentional counter-action rooted in truth.

Be Careful What They See

The book of James offers a powerful reminder about the influence of small things. “When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.” James 3:3-4 The words that pour from our tongues are powerful.

Words on a page are powerful, too. They have the power to build up, or destroy a person. What children ingest in the way of reading has significant impact on their internal dialogue—a dialogue parents rarely, if ever, know about. Virtuous reading material can help form inner thoughts.

Long hours spent outdoors opens the eyes to the beauty of God’s creation, to physical health and to creativity.

Be Careful What They Hear

Time spent in reading at bedtime can counter negative influences small ears may hear during the day. Reading books that include intact, faithful family units who work out serious issues together steadily teach and model that this is possible and something to strive for when they have their own families.

Within the narrative children can absorb ideals and learn how to navigate shortcomings and problems. They find that goodness is not dull, courage is admirable, and that strong faith is something to emulate.

Characters become friends and their thoughts and actions remain in children’s minds long after the book is done. Reading or being read to ignites the imagination and sparks the idea that adventure and fun can happen outdoors without handheld devices.

Books where family and friends argue, forgive, pray, and try again allow intellect to form around virtue. Animal care within the tale teaches children who might not have a pet, or who resent having to complete chores relating to their pet, that there is joy to be found when a pet is part of the family and the work is worth the effort.

Common sense, perseverance, cooperation, and an adventurous spirit in characters often influence children in positive and lasting ways.

Be Careful What They Do

Brooke Foss Westcott said, “Great thoughts go best with common duties.” Children who learn to wipe their feet before entering the house, to pick up after themselves, and to offer help with the dishes—everyday politeness—makes a big difference in family life. Good books also teach that faithfulness—lived simply and steadily—is an adventure all its own.

Be Careful Where They Go

Time spent out of doors in God’s creation sparks creativity.

In the past, mothers sent children outside after breakfast. The door was closed behind the children while mom cleaned and prepared meals in peace. If it was raining, but not thundering or lightning, the children were told to stand under a tree until it passed. They could also sit under a covered patio or on a porch. Many evenings, the kids relayed happy adventures at the dinner table.

This is not as easy in many cases today, but the point is that it is okay for children to be bored. After hours of boredom, they find creative things to do. Pumping the arm of an old well, searching for four leaf clovers, riding bikes up and down giant red dirt hills, playing dress up, and painting rocks were some of the favorites from days gone by.

Today, kids might try creating costumes from items they find around the house, make up a play, and perform it for the family after dinner. Board games and crafts they figure out on their own can also keep children occupied when it is not safe to play outside.

Another favorite pastime for bored children often becomes reading. Kids quickly learn reading is not boring at all.

Care

Choose books wisely and have them on a shelf where kids can see them. Stories will come alongside you as you parent, going where you cannot go—into the mind of your child.

The words they read and absorb will help equip them to meet the world with truth, humility, and courage.

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GUEST BLOGGERS LISA M. PRITCHARD and JENNIFER E. TIRRELL

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LISA M. PRITCHARD

Two years ago, God opened the door to the writing world for Lisa—and she joyfully stepped through. Grateful for the gift of storytelling He placed on her heart, Lisa seeks God’s guidance as she writes stories that nurture faith, character, and a love of learning.

Lisa holds a B.S. in Business from High Point University and a master’s degree in Education from NCSU. A former Teacher of the Year, she has served on county and state literacy teams and led workshops.

She is a member of Word Weavers, AWSA, and ACFW, and is Speak Up speaker-certified. Lisa is passionate about addressing declining literacy rates and restoring strong family values grounded in biblical truth.

Lisa enjoys boating with her husband, baking and cooking for loved ones, and greeting quiet sunrises with Jesus.

Book one for a new children’s picture book series, Dirt Dog and Friends, is Dirt Dog Invites Prissy Poodle to the Prom, for (ages 4-8). It is available for presales now on Amazon and will release on March 17, 2026. Learn more at www.praying-prodigals.com or www.dirtdogandfriends.com

 

JENNIFER E. TIRRELL

Jennifer’s writing often includes the natural beauty around her. She uses creation, and the Word of God, to point both adults and children to the Creator.

Her award-winning Children’s Picture Book, Little Sprout says Yes! is based on a real one-horned goat who finds his family. Ephesians 1:5, Adoption through Christ.

Her poignant time-split novel, Jane’s Secret, debuts Spring, 2026. A fast-paced suspense story, it points the reader to the power of prayer and the gift of generational blessings.

She is a contributing writer to Focus on the Family, Arise Daily Devotions, Guideposts and more. 

Jennifer and her husband, Bobby, live life to the fullest in the Coastal Carolinas. She is thrilled to have received her crown of white hair, and six grandchildren to go with it…so far!

Learn more at www.writingwithjet.com