Families are one of the first places the child experiences love, responsibility, and belonging. On this page, I share Bible stories, Scripture verses, books, and simple activities to help children understand God’s design for families and how to care for one another. Each idea is easy to use and meant to spark meaningful conversations and play-based learning.
Scripture shows families as the place where love is taught, faith is modeled, and responsibility is learned. While families may look different—mothers, fathers, grandparents, adoptive families, and extended relatives—each is called to love, care for, and nurture the child.
The Bible reminds us that families are built on relationships, not perfection. Throughout Scripture, God uses many types of families to accomplish His purposes, often through ordinary, imperfect people who choose obedience, forgiveness, and faithfulness. Families may reflect different cultures, traditions, and daily routines through greetings, mealtimes, work, rest, and celebrations. These shared experiences create stability, belonging, and identity for the child.
Within a family, each person has a God-given role and responsibility. Adults are called to teach, guide, impress (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), and model God’s love, while children learn respect, cooperation, and care for others. When families live out these roles, they become a place of support, growth, and spiritual formation.
For Preschool Teachers
In a preschool setting, families may differ in structure, language, socioeconomic status, abilities, educational background, values, traditions, and religious beliefs. Be sensitive to these differences while keeping God’s design for family at the center. When questions arise that are best answered by a parent or guardian, encourage the child to talk with that adult and communicate with them so they have time to prepare for meaningful conversations.
Always bring discussions back to the heart of family. Even though families may look different for each child, God created families to love, guide, and care for the child while pointing them to Him.
1) Creation of the Family (Genesis 1–2)
God creates man and woman and establishes the family as His design, built on relationship, responsibility, and care.
2) Noah and His Family (Genesis 6–9)
God works through one family, showing obedience, protection, and generational faith as Noah leads his household.
3) Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac (Genesis 12–21)
This story shows God’s promises carried through a family and His faithfulness across generations.
4) Ruth and Naomi (Book of Ruth)
A picture of family commitment, loyalty, and care, even beyond biological ties, as God builds a family through love and faithfulness.
5) Jesus Grows in a Family (Luke 2:39–52)
Jesus lives within a family, obeys His parents, and grows in wisdom, showing the value God places on family structure and daily life.
I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth
Max Lucado's Just in Case You Ever Wonder is a precious book that reminds your child that God created them wonderfully and uniquely. It also reassures them that as a parent, you are always there to love, protect, and take care of them, no matter what. This heartwarming story emphasizes both God's love and the unwavering support of a parent.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is a heartwarming story about a young raccoon named Chester who is nervous about going to school for the first time. His mother reassures him by giving him a special "kissing hand" — a kiss placed in his palm that he can carry with him whenever he feels scared or lonely. The story beautifully explores themes of love, comfort, and courage, offering children a gentle way to cope with separation anxiety.
God Gave Us Family by Lisa Tawn Bergren follows Little Cub as she learns from her parents that family is a gift from God and part of His good design. Through simple, loving conversations, the story shows how families care for each other, help one another grow, and reflect God’s love and purpose for the child.
Ephesians 4:32a - Be kind...to one another.
Tune: She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain
Be kind…to one another. Be kind. (clap, clap)
Be kind…to one another. Be kind. (clap, clap)
Ephesians 4, verse 32
Ephesians 4, verse 32
Be kind…to one another. Be kind. (clap, clap)
- Jesus Love the Little Children (Traditional)
Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Red and yellow, black and white
They are precious in His sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world
My Family Tree - Using the template, color as many leaves as the child has people in his/her immediate family. Write the name of each person on the leaf and glue on the tree.
My Family: Cut the number and sizes of people from the Family Template that is needed. Glue onto a piece of construction paper. Add clothing, faces, and hair to represent each person. Write the person's name under each figure.
Look through family scrapbooks and pictures. Use words like "aunt, uncle, cousin, brother, mom, etc."
Play "Family" with dolls.
Switch places and let the child be the mom or dad during play time.
