A Most men don’t know how to start leading spiritual training in the home. Home-based spiritual training was not modeled for them.

Group #1: There is a group of men who will be eager to do home-based spiritual training once they have a “tool.” Family Time activities are the tools they need.

Group #2: Another group of men not only want a tool, they want to be sure that the tool works! For these men, you may need to model one or two lessons. They will see the children having fun and learning. Then, they will be more likely to get involved.

Consider saying to this second group: “I learned about a fun way to teach our children character qualities and values using activities and object lessons. I’m going to try one tonight. Would you watch and let me know what you think?” The key is having the father in the room while you do the activity. Perhaps, they will take a leadership role but at least the children will see mom and dad participating together.

Group #3: There is another group of men, that no matter what you say or do, they will refuse to lead these important lessons. Unless they forbid you to do spiritual training, I encourage you to go ahead and take the lead. Consider the story of Zipporah and Moses in Exodus 4:24-26. Moses did not circumcise his sons. God was going to kill Moses but Zipporah stepped in and took the lead. For the eternal sake of our children we need to get spiritual training back into the home.

A First, if you have a span like age 5 and age 12 then rotate aiming your Family Time lesson at the older child one week and the younger child the next. Consider inviting the 12 year old to “assist” in leading activities with the 5 year old.

Second, if you have a span like age 7 and age 2 then focus on the older child. Allow the younger child to come and go. They will stay for part of the activity and may wander off from time to time. That’s okay. They will see you making Family Time a priority in the home. You will have additional years to work with the younger child.

A Absolutely not! This is a great time to start. There are plenty of fun and meaningful lessons you can use from the books for families with preschoolers. I started when my daughter was 2 and my son started when he was just 18 months. The younger you start, children will grow up assuming Family Time is just a normal part of the family’s routine. We eat meals, we go to school, we go to church, we have doctor appointments and we do a weekly Family Time.

A No, it’s not too late! There are activity books for families with teens. In addition to doing an occasional activity, I encourage you to use books like “Move Nights.” This resource will show you how to use a movie clip to lead a spiritual discussion. Another tool is to write your teen letters on core values. Consider writing your teen six letters a year on beliefs about purity, spiritual gifts, encouragement, finances, etc.