Raising Kids Who Love God in a Culture That’s Easily Distracted

 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will."

- Romans 12:2

Last week, I asked my kids to grab their Bibles for our family devotion.

A few minutes later, one was still finishing some work downstairs, another was fixing her hair, and someone else was singing a song they heard on YouTube. By the time everyone finally gathered in the living room, I was already tempted to skip it altogether.

Distractions are everywhere. And not just for our kids! Honestly, they pull at my own heart too.

We live in a world that constantly competes for our attention. Screens, schedules, sports, social media—each one whispering that something else is more urgent, more fun, or more important than time with God.

But as Christian parents, we have a calling that cuts through the noise: to help our children love God with all their hearts, souls, and minds (Matthew 22:37).

So how do we do that in a culture that’s easily distracted?

1. Start with Your Own Heart

Our kids notice what captures our attention. When they see us reaching for our phone more often than our Bible, they learn what we value.

That’s why helping our kids love God begins with us loving Him first.

I still remember one morning, when our kids were little. Before they woke up, I sat down with my Bible for my early morning quiet time. A few minutes later, my youngest daughter wandered into the room to see what I was doing. She didn’t say a word. She just climbed into my lap and snuggled with me as I finished my Bible reading for the morning. That little moment reminded me that our children are always learning from what we do, not just what we say.

It doesn’t mean we have to be perfect. It means we keep pointing our hearts back to Jesus every day. When we’re honest about our struggles and quick to turn back to Him, our children see what real faith looks like. I've gotten better about sharing my struggles with distractions with my kids and being honest with them has helped us have great conversations about ways we can all keep focused on Jesus. 

Try this: Before your kids wake up, whisper a simple prayer: “Lord, help me love You most today.”

Small prayers like that set the tone for the whole day.

2. Create Rhythms That Refocus

Distractions are loud, but consistency speaks louder.

Our family has found that simple, steady routines help us stay centered on what matters most. You don’t need a complicated plan, just a few faith-building habits that fit naturally into your day.

Each morning before we start homeschool, my kids take turns picking out worship music to play while we get ready. Their choices are usually upbeat and full of joy, songs that remind us to set our thoughts on God before the day gets busy. I love hearing their voices singing along as we make breakfast or gather around the table. Those simple moments fill our home with truth and help us all start the day focused on Him.

Here are a few other ideas:

• Pray together in the car on the way to activities or errands.

• Talk about what God is teaching you during dinner.

• Keep a family verse of the week posted on the fridge.

When you make faith part of everyday life, it becomes something your kids grow to love, not just another “to-do.”

3. Protect What Matters Most

As parents, we can’t control every influence our kids face, but we can create space for what truly matters.

That might mean setting limits on screens, saying no to one more activity, or choosing quiet nights at home where your family connects and rests.

A while back, we decided to reserve one night each week for a "sabbath rest" with no TV, no sports, and no extra plans. At first, the kids complained a little (and honestly, so did I). But over time, those evenings have become some of our most meaningful moments - reading together, playing games, or just talking. These slow nights help our family breathe again and remember what’s truly important.

Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

When we help our children focus their minds on things above, we’re shaping hearts that stay steady even when the world feels loud and fast.

4. Keep Pointing Them to Jesus

There will be days when you feel like you’re not getting through. But don’t give up. Every prayer, every conversation, every small moment of truth you share matters.

Not long ago, two of our girls were fighting, and one had said some hurtful words to the other. Both of them were upset and feeling the weight of what had happened. As we talked, I pointed out how they had hurt each other and what they had done wrong, but I also was able to remind them that Jesus has already taken away all our sins, even this one. Watching them both soften (at least a little), apologize, and then hug each other reminded me that it's so important to point our kids to Jesus, especially in challenging situations. 

You may not see the fruit right away, but God is working in your child’s heart, even when you can’t see it.

So keep sowing seeds of faith. Keep showing love. Keep pointing them to Jesus.

Because in a world full of distractions, kids who learn to love God deeply will shine brightly for Him.

So, here's my challenge for you this week: choose one small way to help your family refocus on God, maybe a nightly prayer, a gratitude journal, or a Bible verse to memorize together.

These small, faithful choices today will shape your children’s hearts for a lifetime.