Is it possible to teach toddlers about God? I first had this question as a college senior when the children’s ministry coordinator at the small church I attended asked me if I’d be interested in teaching the toddler class. “Aren’t they too young to understand anything?” I asked. Her answer has stuck with me all these years. And now as a mom, author, and long-time Sunday School teacher, I know she is right. And what was that response? “Their hearts are ready.”
With all this in mind, I have a special guest here today. No, it’s not that children’s ministry coordinator from all those years ago. My guest today is Cathy Dudley, an author with a heart for sharing faith with toddlers and preschoolers. Her two books, TODDLER THEOLOGY – CHILDLIKE FAITH FOR EVERYONE and FAITH, FAMILY, & FUN – MONTHLY LESSONS TO COLOR AND CONNECT WITH GOD do just that. Today she is joining me with tips and reflections on sharing about God with littlest ones. Without further ado, here’s our interview with my questions bolded.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got interested in this beautiful faith-sharing endeavor.
My name is Cathy and I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with my husband, Gary. We enjoyed raising our three children on our farm, Joyful Noise Acres, and just celebrated our 50th Anniversary. We’re now loving retirement travel and being Grammy and Grandpa to our six dear grandchildren.
I believe God can use anyone to do anything. I didn’t intend to become an author, but God started preparing me when I was born into a wonderful Christian home. I never knew anything other than Jesus loves me. My mother was the pianist in Sunday School, and I’d sit on the bench beside her. As a little girl, my dream was to become a missionary nurse. This modified over the years, and I earned a degree in physical therapy, specializing in working with children with disabilities. I just always loved children … and the gospel.
When I retired, God started putting things together. I decided I wanted a new bible and bought one entitled “The Grandmother’s Bible”. It’s really neat. Sprinkled all throughout the scripture are devotions by famous grandmothers, reminding the reader of how important it is to pass down our faith to the next generation.
The next thing I knew, God gave me the desire to write the good news of the gospel in a new way, using simple language and concepts little people can understand. That book title is TODDLER THEOLOGY – CHILDLIKE FAITH FOR EVERYONE. I can’t tell you how much I love sharing it, usually as a vendor and wearing one of my hats!
Skeptics might say toddlers are too young for faith chats. What would your response be?
I think toddlers and preschoolers are of the perfect age for faith introduction. Yes, they usually have short attention spans and aren’t capable of abstract thinking, but they’re also curious, eager to learn, and trusting. I think these are the characteristics of children Jesus was talking about when He said, “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of God”.
Little ones know nothing yet of Jesus and have everything to receive. So their childlike faith is accepting and trusting ~ waiting to be filled up. This is the kind of faith Jesus is looking for.
Since we know children’s minds are like sponges, ready to soak up whatever knowledge the adults they love present, what better time to plant simple faith seeds? Tell them Jesus is their special friend and that He loves them. Then, as they grow and questions come, they’ll have a firm foundation for understanding even greater truths.
What would be your top three tips for sharing faith with toddlers through preschoolers?
- Keep it simple. Use simple words and ideas they can relate to and also incorporate simple faith sharing into their daily routine. Examples: On a walk, talk about God being our father in heaven. He made the trees, the birds, and everything in the world. When helping your child get dressed, remind them that God and Jesus love him (her) and think he (she) is very special. At mealtime or bedtime, teach them that prayer is the way we can talk to God and Jesus. Show them how to fold their hands, bow their heads, and say the words after you. Young children learn through experience and will be happy to imitate this as they like copying what they see.
- Use fun songs with motions. Singing makes one happy, the lyrics linger in the mind, and this age group loves to move. Examples. “Jesus Loves Me” with sign language. “Hallelu! Hallelu! Hallelu! Hallelujah!” with big arm movements and standing up / sitting down
- Read picture books. Select simple books that depict the message you’re sharing. They are loved by God … and Jesus … and they’re very special to God and Jesus. Toddlers – preschoolers love to be read to and have the same story retold. So repeat the favorites over and over.
Tell us a little bit about each of your books?
I’ve written two Christian books for children and their families.
TODDLER THEOLOGY – CHILDLIKE FAITH FOR EVERYONE won a children’s literature award, the Purple Dragonfly. This sweet little book is the good news of the gospel in a nutshell, told in the friendly voice of Jesus and using simple language and concepts young children can understand … including the very special job God gave Jesus at the cross. You may have heard this story many, many times, but you’ve never heard it explained like this! Jesus tells us how much He loves us in an unexpected way that makes sense to children. TODDLER THEOLOGY makes the perfect baby shower or baptism gift … and is also great for birthdays and holidays.
FAITH, FAMILY, & FUN – MONTHLY LESSONS TO COLOR AND CONNECT WITH GOD is a delightful devotional, activity book designed to be used by families. There are 14 unique lessons that connect every day life with faith. Each lesson begins by describing an experience the child has probably had in their own life, like moving to a new city or having a sleepover with cousins. This situation is pictured in a black and white caricature drawing that can be colored. The story then transitions to the spiritual message and links to a complementary Bible verse, prayer, activity, and talking point. This book makes it super easy to spend meaningful time with your children, focusing on Jesus. Now this is something to celebrate!
Where can readers learn more about you and your work?
Thank you, Laura, for this opportunity to share with your reader friends. If any of your readers would like to know more about me or are interested in getting any books, please check out the following:
1. Website: cathyddudley.com
3. Facebook: Toddler Theology – Faith, Family, & Fun
4. YouTube: Cathy D. Dudley
Also, on my website, you’ll see listed various specialty stores across the United States that have been gracious enough to stock my books. If one is close to you, please support them.
Thank you for joining me today, Cathy. This has been a blessing to me and I’m sure to others as well.
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Laura Sassi Tales 
Super ideas to teach little ones. thank you, Cathy.