Helping Toddlers Know Jesus as a Person, Not Just a Story
One of the most beautiful privileges of parenting is introducing our children to Jesus—not just through songs and stories, but as a real person who loves them and walks with them. When one mom asked, “How do I help my toddler truly know Jesus, not just know about Him?” my heart leapt. What a powerful, intentional question.
The toddler years are full of wonder, curiosity, and openness. Their hearts are soft, their minds are uncluttered, and their spirits are more perceptive than we often realize. These early years can become a foundation for a lifelong friendship with Jesus.
Here are some simple, practical ways to help Jesus feel real and present in your toddler’s world.
1. Talk About Jesus Like He’s Right There—Because He Is
Toddlers model how we think. If Jesus is spoken of only as a character from a book, He will remain just a story. But when we speak about Him the way we talk about friends, grandparents, or loved ones—someone who is near, active, and present—our kids learn early that He is part of real life.
Simple phrases like:
“Let’s ask Jesus what He thinks.”
“Jesus is here with us at breakfast.”
“Jesus, thank You for helping us today.”
…make a profound difference.
When Jesus becomes part of normal conversation, He becomes part of normal life.
2. Let Your Kids See You Worship and Pray
One of the most powerful ways to teach toddlers about Jesus is simply to let them watch you love Him.
A moment from our own family stands out. One afternoon, my husband was lying on the floor with his guitar, lost in worship. Our three-year-old toddled in with his little plastic toy guitar, lay down beside him, and worshiped too—strumming, singing, mimicking every move.
No explanation. No instruction. Just imitation.
Children don’t need polished lessons. They need glimpses into a real relationship with God.
It’s easy to save our quiet times for nap hours or after bedtime—and those moments matter. But try inviting your kids into a small part of your walk with Jesus:
Read a Psalm out loud in the middle of the afternoon
Worship openly while folding laundry
Pray out loud during simple moments in your day
The point isn’t perfection. It’s visibility.
3. Bring Your Kids Into the Supernatural
Children are remarkably sensitive to the spiritual realm. They often perceive what we overlook in our busyness.
On a family hike years ago, our three-year-old daughter began describing angels she saw along the trail—colors, positions, movements. We all stopped. We listened. We asked questions. And in doing so, we honored what her spirit was seeing.
Scripture tells us angels surround us. Children often notice.
Creating a normal culture of the supernatural may look like:
Saying during bedtime: “Angels, thank you for watching over us tonight.”
Asking your child, “What do you feel Jesus is doing right now?”
Pausing to thank the Holy Spirit out loud for His presence
This is not forcing anything—it’s awakening them to what’s already true.
4. Invite Your Toddler Into Kingdom Moments
Toddlers love to participate. They aren’t embarrassed. They don’t overthink. They simply join.
Use that!
Pray together when you pass an ambulance
Ask if they want to lay a hand on someone who’s hurt
Let them help pray for a sibling who’s sick
Bring them into moments where God might move
These simple acts help toddlers understand that following Jesus isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we do.
One of my favorite memories is when our youngest daughter, at four years old, painted a picture of a hand. When asked what it was, she replied, “It’s Jesus’ hand healing people.” A missionary friend carries that picture around the world today as a reminder of childlike faith.
Never underestimate what God can do through a toddler.
5. Create an Atmosphere of Expectation
Every Sunday morning, a friend of mine prays with her kids in the van before they walk into church:
“Lord, show us what You’re doing today. Let us encounter You. Show us who we can minister to.”
Her children don’t enter church as spectators—they enter expecting to meet Jesus.
When children grow up with this kind of expectation, Jesus becomes more than a character. He becomes an experience.
Jesus Is Real—and Toddlers Can Know It
The goal isn’t to create perfect spiritual moments or forced conversations. It’s simply to cultivate an atmosphere where Jesus is seen and known as He truly is: present, active, loving, and deeply involved in our everyday lives.
Your toddler’s heart is ready. Their spirit is open. Their faith is pure. And Jesus delights in meeting them right where they are.
As you help your toddler encounter Him, your own heart will encounter Him in fresh ways too. Helping Toddlers Know Jesus as a Person, Not Just a Story