We live in a fast-paced world where both parents are either working or juggling several responsibilities. As such, many parents have increasingly begun relying on their smartphones to keep their children engaged and entertained. What may seem like a simple solution, can actually prove to be disastrous for growing children, especially with regards to brain development. Exposing young children to excessive screen time can potentially result in attention span issues, delayed language skills, and behavioral problems, diminishing their creativity and critical thinking abilities. Excessive time spent on the phone can also lead to sleep deprivation or disturbances. In addition to probable health risks, it can also result in limited social interaction which then reduces a child’s interest in developing social skills.
Encourage Active Learning
Parents need to employ a more hands-on approach to helping their children learn and grow through engaging Christian crafts and interactive games or activities. A reading from the book of Proverbs Chapter 22: Verse 6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Parents need to take a more hands-on approach and introduce activities that not only stimulate the brain but also nurture the child’s Christian faith and understanding. There are a range of such games and activities available online that are targeted at improving cognitive development, enhancing fine motor skills, and better understanding their faith.
Coloring Books
Introduce children to Christian coloring books for kids to keep them entertained and engaged with their faith. Coloring can prove to be a creative yet educational way to help your child improve their patience levels, enhance their fine motor skills, and develop better hand-eye coordination. The texts and images from the bible in the coloring book provide insight into the biblical teachings, allowing them to reflect on the religious lessons that they may learn. Gifting these coloring books to children can be a conversation starter for parents to share their knowledge, values, and faith.
Christian Journals
Journaling using Christian journals is a powerful tool that can encourage self-expression, allow for spiritual reflection, and improve literacy skills. These journals can be used to express gratefulness for the blessings received, providing children with inspiration and comfort as they grow in their faith. Children can take it with them wherever they go, even to Bible study where they can note down their learnings and joy down prayers that resonate with them and help them grow in their faith. Jotting down their thoughts and prayers allows children to reflect on their experiences and thoughts, fostering a deeper understanding of their faith.
Jigsaw Puzzles
There are a myriad of Christian-themed jigsaw puzzles that are the perfect gift for improving a child’s cognitive skills. Participating in putting the pieces of the puzzle together requires time, focus, and determination. This activity helps improve the child’s spatial awareness, patience levels, and problem-solving skills. It is also a fun activity that allows the whole family to participate in, encouraging family bonding. With Bible verse jigsaw puzzles depicting important scenes from the bible, it allows parents to discuss the particular scene and encourage discussions and questions, helping them grow in faith together as a family.
Building Blocks
Building blocks, such as wooden, different-shaped blocks or even LEGO sets, provide children with endless opportunities to build different structures, stimulating their imagination. It encourages children to plan and bring their creations to life, encouraging them to think critically. It is also known to help develop their motor skills, improve hand-eye coordination, and gain a better understanding of different shapes, sizes, and colors. Through building blocks, children learn about balance and symmetry, keeping them engaged and away from phones. It is an activity that allows the child’s friends to join in on the fun while learning as well.
Prayer Cards
Learning about God’s word is imperative to introduce a child to their faith, nurture them as they grow, and help them navigate through life with wisdom. Introducing children to Catholic religious prayer cards is an excellent way to achieve this. Featuring short prayers or Bible verses, children can use these cards to reflect on the message of God. Parents can encourage children to choose a different prayer card of their choice each day, focusing on its message during prayer time. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up."
Its portability allows children to carry it with them and indulge in a quick moment of prayer wherever they go.
By choosing any of these activities, parents can help their children grow in faith, encourage creativity, and build their capacity for knowledge, while avoiding smartphones and the drawbacks of excessive screen time.