When I had three girls under 5, I thought my life was busy. Now that my girls are 12, 10, and 7, I feel like time moves at light speed. Between school, sports, dance, youth group, friends, family, church, and eating and sleeping, finding time to talk with our kids about their faith can be challenging.
How Can Christian Parents Start Faith Conversations After School?
For Many of us with school-aged children, especially those in the tween/teen age range, we spend a significant amount of time in the car. Instead of cranking up the music, plugging in the earbuds, or riding in silence, why not use those slivers of uninterrupted ( for the most part) moments to engage in faith-filled conversations?
These five back-to-school Bible verses and conversation starters can help Christian parents turn everyday moments into meaningful conversations about faith.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Antonio_Diaz
1 Where Did You See God at Work Today? (Psalm 19:1)
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." - Psalm 19:1
I can tell how the day went by my child’s walk to the car. If the book bag is hanging on to one shoulder with her head tucked into her hoodie, I know more than likely the day wasn’t great. Conversely, if her book bag is securely resting on both shoulders, her head bobbing as she waves goodbye to classmates, I feel pretty assured the day was a success. It’s always difficult to get the conversation started on those hard days. I get it, because frankly, when my day has been less than spectacular, I don’t really feel like engaging either. But, as their mom, I want them to know that whether they felt the day was awesome or awful, I want to hear about it. After I allow some time to decompress and lend a listening ear, I often ask, “I know today was tough, but can you think about a time when you saw God at work today?” Truthfully, this often takes some prodding, perhaps by me giving a few examples from my day.
The hope is, however, that our children see that even when they’ve had a day in the dumps, God was still there and still working. Highlight the God wink, as we like to call them in our house; maybe it wasn’t within the walls of the school, but as the Psalmist says in the skies, the way the sun shone, or a cloud formation that looked like a giant dinosaur.
Take it Further:
How does knowing that God is always working—even when you’ve had a bad day—comfort you when you experience another bad day in the future?
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Kenny Eliason
Did Anything at School Challenge Your Faith Today? (1 Peter 3:15)
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to answer everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” - 1 Peter 3:15
Within the first few days of sixth grade, my daughter’s faith was questioned. Fortunately, it wasn’t something that caused her to spiral, but for the first time, she encountered a belief that contradicted what she’d heard her whole life. For many of our children, especially those who’ve grown up in the faith or are in a faith-friendly environment like mine, it can be a bit unnerving the first time your beliefs are challenged. But what a great opportunity to invite your children into a conversation around what we believe and why?
The desire, as Christian parents, is not to raise robots who can recite Scripture but don’t understand how to use discernment or how God’s Word plays out in their daily lives. We want to raise children to move from an inherited faith to a personal one one day. And so, asking your child whether something challenged their faith prompts them to think about the day's content and conversations. This is a great prompt that allows you to both dive into Scripture to provide support and encouragement when their faith is tested.
Take it Further:
What are some questions you have about your faith?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/LumiNola
3. How Are Your Friendships Going at School? (Proverbs 17:17)
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." - Proverbs 17:17
Friendships are so tough; loving people is hard. It really doesn’t matter what age you are, from pre-school irritation over a stolen crayon to middle-school drama at the lunch table and then the yo-yo moods of high-schoolers, friendships can be difficult. I’ll never forget the time one of my daughters, after a dispute with a friend, confidently let me know that she “was done with friends forever!” She was seven at the time. I get it; I’ve been there. Honestly, I could easily go there.
This conversation invites a whole host of gospel-saturated content. Loving the people who drive us crazy as Jesus loves us, or sharing about our call to humility and kindness. Not to mention drawing our attention to the call to forgive, love, and choose to look past offense—not only for our friends but for those we call enemies. We remind our children that though friends disappoint us, God never will. But God, in His goodness, created us for community, mess and all!
Take it Further:
How does knowing that God created you for community help you to love your friends better when they drive you crazy?
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Drazen Zigic
4. What Emotions Did You Experience Today?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23
My girls are hitting that tween/teen age, so emotions are running high in the house. Let’s be real, emotions have always run all over the place in our home! I’ve always encouraged my girls to lean into what they are feeling; we don’t have to dismiss our emotions, but we shouldn’t allow them to control us. Instead, we want to ask, what are these feelings trying to tell me? Or is there a problem underneath the feeling?
Often, we just ask our kids, “How was your day?” That can elicit a simple, “good or bad.” By asking for specific examples of situations that made them laugh, feel happy, sad, angry, etc., we not only get them talking more about their day but also learn what makes them tick. What drives their sense of humor? What pushes their buttons? Ultimately, we can navigate the conversation back to responses to our feelings by reviewing the fruits of the Spirit. We can also walk through numerous passages (Proverbs is great for this) on how to deal with our anger, or highlight how laughter and joy are gifts from a gracious God.
Take it Further:
How does knowing that God created you with feelings and emotions affect the way you view yourself?
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Jonathan Kirn
5. How Did You Show Jesus to Someone Today?
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ - Matthew 25:40
I try to remember each morning before my girls hop out of the car to say, “Make a choice to show Jesus to someone today.” So often, we can, well-meaningly, put pressure on our kids to share the gospel, their faith, or to be missionaries to the lost. These are all good things, and we should continue to foster those opportunities. But that can create a sense of stress around sharing their faith, or shame if they didn’t lead someone to Christ that day.
Yes, it’s great if they can share Jesus, but showing Jesus is a great start. A child can show the love of Jesus through everyday acts of kindness while also learning how to speak naturally about the hope of the gospel. Show Jesus by picking up the books that fell for the teacher. Show Jesus by pulling out the lunch chair for the new student. Show Jesus by not joining in on jokes. I love this question because it helps our children realize all the ways they can actively show Jesus to others. Be prepared when they turn the question on you; this is a good reminder for adults, too!
Take it Further: Once you’ve talked about showing Jesus, ask how in the future your child could use that same opportunity to share Jesus. As these conversations become part of your family’s routine, your children may begin connecting their faith with school more naturally.
Praying over you and your family this school year! May these questions get the conversation started, but don’t leave it there. Keep engaging with your children and making the most of every opportunity ( Ephesians 5:16) as we equip the next generation to go and tell the good news of the gospel!
Frequently Asked Questions about Faith Conversations with Kids
- What are good faith questions to ask children after school?
Good faith questions help children connect their everyday experiences with God. Ask where they saw God working, whether anything challenged their faith, or how they showed Jesus to someone. - How can I get my child to talk about the school day?
Ask specific, open-ended questions instead of simply asking, “How was your day?” Questions about friends, emotions, challenges, and memorable moments often encourage fuller answers. - What Bible verses can help children during the school year?
Psalm 19:1, 1 Peter 3:15, Proverbs 17:17, Galatians 5:22-23, and Matthew 25:40 can help children discuss God’s presence, faith, friendships, emotions, and serving others. - How can Christian parents help when a child’s faith is challenged?
Christian parents can listen calmly, take their child’s questionså seriously, and explore Scripture with them. These conversations can help children develop a thoughtful and personal faith. - How can families make faith part of everyday conversations?
Families can discuss faith during ordinary routines such as car rides, meals, bedtime, and the trip home from school. Brief but consistent conversations help children connect faith with everyday life.
For Further Reading
- 10 Helpful Questions to Ask Your Children to Understand Their Faith
- 7 Scriptures to Pray Over Your Children This School Year
- 7 Simple Faith Activities for Moms and Kids
- 7 Ways to Prepare Your Christian Kids for Persecution and Ridicule
- 40+ Bible Verses for Children: God’s Truth for Toddlers to Teens
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/fizkes
Originally published Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
