Infants & Toddlers
"Children learn to
trust and love God
at an early age."
LINDSEY HAYES
God does precious work through children. The
bonds that are built between infants and toddlers
and their caregivers are incredibly strong and a
beautiful gift from God. In infancy, a child really
only knows how to receive love and service. And
yet, by simply existing—and even though they
need help with nearly everything—an infant brings
great joy to those around her and is a person
through whom God works to strengthen the faith
of parents and caregivers in her life.
As infants grow into toddlers, they soak up
everything they can about the world around them,
including a love for their parents and for God, their
Creator. Toddlers learn to serve and love as they
worship God, hear Bible stories, speak simple
prayers, and take part in tasks around their home.
This time of life is also unique because infants
and toddlers grow at the fastest rate they will
ever experience. Establishing relationships of love
and trust now will lay the foundation for guiding
a child in the years to follow, including important
conversations about life as a child of God.
Audrey is seventeen months
old and is already fulfilling the
vocation of big sister. She gives
her little sister, Grace, kisses,
brings her pacifiers and blankets,
and practices saying her name
over and over. Although she gets
jealous and impatient when Mom
can't pick her up or get what
she needs right away, Audrey
is learning, through consistent
guidance, what it means to love
another person. Both Audrey
and Grace go to worship each
week and hear God's Word. They
hear Bible stories throughout the
day and at bedtime. They sing
Bible songs at church and with
babysitters. Grace hears prayers,
and Audrey practices praying
with folded hands. Although
neither Audrey nor Grace can fully
understand what they are hearing,
the foundation is being laid for
further learning as they grow. The
language of faith is being instilled
early on, and God is already
doing great work in their lives.
A Day in the Life
Infants & Toddlers • 1 • cph.org • Copyright © 2019 Concordia Publishing House
