Toddlers (and Everyone!) need Relationships, not Things

Relationships, not things, are what bring satisfaction in life. This is true even for toddlers. This is the basic argument of Jay Younts over at the Shepherd's Press blog. They publish helpful books such as Shepherding a Child's Heart. I've not read others from this publisher, but I have little doubt about their usefulness. Especially Instructing a Child's Heart. I'm sure it is excellent

So how then do you help the toddler to see that relationships matter more than things, especially when your ultimate aim is bring them into the primary relationship they were created for: a relationship totally dependent on their God and Maker?

Even though the spiritual condition of your toddler is uncertain, you can bring the certainty and stability of your own relationship with Christ to your toddler. This is an important application of Deuteronomy 6:7 that is often missed. God wants you to talk about him with all of your children, even-- and perhaps especially--with your toddlers. Toddlers are in great need of relational comfort and stability.

What does this look like?

But, the calm, confident voice and touch of a mother with her child [referring to Psalm 131:1-2] brings comfort and stability to his worries and concerns. Ultimately, things are not important to toddlers. What is important is the care and comfort that flows from parents who are satisfied with God and have the courage to speak to their children about God's care.

Parents of toddlers: seek to be satisfied with God in Christ, and speak to your children about God's care, which is infinitely better than yours!

Read the whole thing here.