How to Do Devotion with Kids of Multiple Ages

Doing devotion time with kids of multiple ages can feel challenging, especially when you’re trying to keep everyone engaged and involved. Younger children may struggle to sit still, while older ones might need a deeper level of discussion. But with a little planning and creativity, you can create a devotion time that connects with every child, regardless of their age.

Here are some practical tips to help you lead meaningful and fun family devotions with kids of different ages:

1. Choose a Central Theme or Bible Passage

Start with a theme or Bible passage that resonates with all ages. The Bible is full of stories and lessons that can be simplified for younger kids and expanded upon for older ones.

Examples of Family-Friendly Themes:

• God’s Love (John 3:16)

• Trusting God (Proverbs 3:5-6)

• The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

• Courage (David and Goliath – 1 Samuel 17)

Pro Tip: Pick a short passage and read it together. For younger kids, focus on the main point, for older kids, dive into the deeper meaning.

2. Simplify for Younger Kids

For toddlers and preschoolers, keep things simple and hands-on. Use visuals, props, or storytelling techniques to capture their attention.

Ideas for Younger Kids:

• Use a children’s Bible with bright pictures and simple language.

• Act out the story with toy figures or puppets.

• Ask simple questions like, "What did you like about the story?" or "What do you think God wants us to learn?"

  
  

3. Challenge Older Kids

For school-aged children and teens, go a little deeper by encouraging discussion and application. Ask thought-provoking questions and give them opportunities to share their insights.

Ideas for Older Kids:

• Ask questions like, "What does this story teach us about God?" or "How can we apply this to our lives today?"

• Encourage them to find cross-references in the Bible or share a time when they’ve experienced something similar.

• Let them help lead part of the devotion, such as reading Scripture or sharing their thoughts.

  
  

4. Use Activities to Bridge the Age Gap

Interactive activities can engage kids of all ages and help them connect with the lesson.

Activity Ideas:

• Art Projects: Younger kids can color a picture related to the story, while older kids can create a drawing or write a short reflection.

• Object Lessons: Use simple objects (e.g., a flashlight for "Jesus is the light of the world") to illustrate biblical truths. Let younger kids hold the objects and older kids explain their significance.

• Memory Verses: Practice a Bible verse together. Younger kids can repeat it back, and older kids can try to memorize it or explain what it means.

  
  

5. Incorporate Worship and Prayer

Worship and prayer are wonderful ways to unite the family, regardless of age.

Worship Together:

• Sing simple worship songs that everyone can join in, like "Jesus Loves Me" or "This Little Light of Mine."

• Older kids can help teach younger ones the words or even play an instrument if they know how.

Pray Together:

• Encourage each child to share something they’re thankful for or a prayer request.

• Let younger kids say a short prayer, while older kids can take turns praying for the family or the world.

  
  

6. Adjust the Length Based on Attention Spans

Younger kids may only be able to sit for 5-10 minutes, while older kids can handle a longer discussion. Start with a brief devotion and allow older kids to stay for a deeper conversation after the younger ones leave.

Pro Tip: Be flexible! If younger kids need to leave early to play quietly, it’s okay. Let the older ones know their thoughts and participation are still valued.

7. Make It a Team Effort

Involve your kids in planning and leading devotion time. This makes them feel included and encourages them to take ownership of their faith.

Ideas for Involvement:

• Let older kids choose the Bible story or theme for the week.

• Assign roles like reading Scripture, leading prayer, or organizing an activity.

• Encourage younger kids to help set up the space or pick a worship song.

  
  

8. Create a Family Devotion Routine

Consistency helps everyone know what to expect and builds anticipation for family devotion time.

Tips for Building a Routine:

• Choose a regular time that works for your family, like after dinner or before bedtime.

• Keep the routine flexible enough to adjust as kids grow and schedules change.

• Celebrate small victories, like memorizing a verse together or completing a devotional series.

  
  

9. Be Patient and Graceful

Not every devotion time will go smoothly, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection but planting seeds of faith in your children’s hearts.

Encouragement: Trust that God is working through your efforts, even on the days when devotion time feels chaotic. Celebrate the moments of connection and growth, no matter how small.

10. Pray for Guidance

Ask God for wisdom and creativity to make devotion time meaningful for each of your children. Pray for their hearts to be open to His Word and for your family to grow closer to Him through this time together.

Conclusion

Doing devotions with kids of multiple ages may seem daunting, but it’s an incredible opportunity to grow together in faith as a family. By keeping it simple, engaging, and flexible, you can create a devotion time that speaks to each child’s heart.

Remember, God is with you in this journey. He will guide your efforts and use these moments to plant seeds of faith that will bear fruit for years to come. Whether it’s through storytelling, songs, or shared prayers, you’re building a legacy of faith that will leave a lasting impact on your children. You’ve got this! ❤️