How Do You Feed on the Word While Your Children Are Tiny?

Last Thursday we talked about ways to claim a regular (or at least semi-regular!) time for communion with God during the day. Getting up just a little earlier in the morning is one way to make time for this important time.

However, for mothers who are caring for tiny ones during the night, an early rising may not be practical. Mothers with several little young children may also have trouble coming up with enough energy to get up any earlier than they already do.

Bible reading for moms with young children What creative things can you do to spend time in the Word during the day or even in the middle of the night?

Can you establish a quiet hour during the day when everyone is either napping or sitting quietly on their beds with books or quiet toys? Use at least part of this time to read and pray.
Keep your Bible at your nursing station and read while you feed Baby during the night.
Post verses on cards throughout the house. Meditate on them while you cook, while you load the washer, or while you fix your hair. Assign an older child the task of copying verses onto cards for you, and change the verses regularly.
Place small Bibles in strategic places throughout the house – the bathroom, near the toddler’s potty chair, in your purse, in the car. Take advantage of the brief opportunities that present themselves. If you have children with you, read aloud to them and involve them in what you are learning.
Purchase an audio version of the Bible on CD, or download one onto an MP3 player. Play it while you exercise, while you groom yourself in the morning, while you and the children work on quiet projects in the dining room or family room.
Read a short passage aloud with your children at lunch time or before naps.
Ask your husband if he would be willing to care for the children in order to give you at least a few minutes alone each day. Or perhaps he or a friend or family member could give you at least a couple hours for quiet study at a coffee shop each week.
Ask your husband to read to you while you get ready in the morning or while you cook. You’ll get the added benefit of time together and conversations about what you’ve read.
Play worship music and Psalms set to music during the day.
Sing the Psalms as you work and care for your children. Teach them to your children and have them join in with you!
Pray for each member of the family as you fold their laundry and prepare their meals. Pray while you nurse the baby.
Stop and pray along with your children as challenges and blessings occur throughout the day.