Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
What does it look like to build faith in our children? Psalm 78 gives us a clear and compelling vision. The Lord calls us to teach the next generation about his power, goodness, and faithful works so they will develop a relationship with him. Then one day, lead their children to do the same.
We will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders…. and they in turn will teach their own children. (Psalm 78:4, 6 NLT)
We cannot build that kind of legacy in a single conversation or a once-a-week church experience. Instead, we form it every day in the lifestyle we model and the moments we share with our children. In the car. At the grocery store. Around the dinner table.
As parents, we want to shape our children’s hearts and character and show them how to evaluate the world through the lens of God’s Word. Simple but intentional questions become powerful tools in this process. They help our children pay attention to what matters, process their experiences, and pattern their daily lives after God’s truth. The following questions for elementary-age children can help us do just that. I suggest using two to three per day. Our goal is always to initiate a conversation, not make our children feel they’re enduring an interrogation.
Table of contents
Simple Questions to Build Faith in Children
Conversation Starters
1. What was the best part of your day?
- Teaches our children to notice and focus on the positive
- Builds a positive outlook by focusing on what went well
2. What made you laugh today?
- Builds connections as they relive joyous moments with you
- Reinforces that joy is worth remembering and sharing
3. Who did you play with today?
- Encourages awareness of and appreciation for relationships
- Opens the door to conversations about healthy vs. unhealthy relationships
4. What was the most interesting thing you learned today?
- Supports curiosity and the joy of learning
- Helps them engage with what they’re learning
Character-Building Questions
5. Who did something kind for you today?
- Encourages appreciation for others
- Helps children realize they’re not the center of every story
6. Who did you see tell the truth today, even when facing difficulty?
- Reinforces honesty and courage
- Highlights integrity as something to admire and emulate
7. What’s something new you want to try?
- Pushes them toward courage, confidence, and creativity
- Encourages them to step outside their comfort zones
8. How did you encourage someone today?
- Supports sensitivity to the feelings of others
- Reinforces that their words have power and make a difference
9. How did you show respect for your teacher and friends today?
- Encourages intentional, respectful behavior
- Moves respect from a rule to a daily practice
10. Who did you share with or include today?
- Helps children recognize who might be excluded
- Shapes a mindset of welcome and inclusion
11. How did you show love to someone today?
- Expands the definition of love as doing, not just feeling
- Builds an identity as someone who cares for others
12. If you could redo one part of your day, what would you do?
- Introduces reflection without shame
- Reinforces that failure is an opportunity for growth
13. What’s one thing you’d like to do better tomorrow?
- Plants hope and a positive attitude toward learning and growth
- Encourages personal responsibility without discouragement
Faith-Shaping Questions
14. What are you thankful for today?
- Builds a habit of gratitude
- Reduces comparison and entitlement
15. Who should we pray for tonight?
- Cultivates compassion and builds a habit of prayer
- Connects everyday life with dependence on God
Begin with the End in Mind: Use Questions to Build Faith in Children
Building faith in our children doesn’t require perfect words or perfectly planned moments but presence, intention, and a willingness to engage our children’s hearts day after day. One question, one conversation, one day at a time. We’re teaching our children how to think, what to value, and where to turn. We’re helping them recognize God at work in their lives, respond to him with gratitude and obedience, and reach out to others with his love. As parents, we look forward to the day they will sit across from their own children and continue the story.
15 Simple Questions to Build Faith in Children Over Time by @NancyLucenay on NancyLucenay.com Share on XJoin the Conversation
What other questions have you or someone you know used to generate meaningful conversations with elementary-age children? Please share your thoughts in the Comments box at the bottom of the page. Subscribe to my blog to receive the next post with a list of questions for pre-teens and teens.
