One of the most important traits for children to have in order to grow and develop as God intended is a sense of security. Psychologists such as Jim Taylor, PhD, say that children develop security when they feel
* cared for and protected,
* capable, and
* free to safely explore the world around them.

Children with parents who meet their physical and emotional needs in infancy and early childhood learn to trust. They form attachments based on trust that set a pattern for relationships in the future.

We also affect children’s sense of security as we recognize and respond to each one’s personality, talents, and abilities.

Consistently expressing our own emotions in mature ways and being consistent with discipline and with routines help children feel secure as well.

Bedtime Routines

Among the many daily routines in any household with children is bedtime. Daylight Savings Time can really disrupt a child’s sleep schedule (adults’ sleep schedules too!) but keeping a good routine can help.

Activities to include in your child’s bedtime routine might include a bath, pajamas, a snack, brushing teeth, reading together, talk time, and prayer.

Set specific bedtimes based on each child’s age and activities. If your child has been staying up too late, set a temporary bedtime at the time he normally falls asleep and start your new bedtime routine about 30 minutes earlier. Then, once the routine is established, begin to move it back in 15-minute increments until your child is falling asleep easily at the desired time.

Secure with God

Just as children develop a sense of security and a feeling of being loved as they learn to trust their parents and caregivers, children also learn to feel secure in God’s love as they learn to trust Him. A bedtime Bible storybook for young children should, above all else, communicate God’s love.

My bedtime Bible storybook from Tommy Nelson Publishers has a new name, God’s Words to Dream On, and a new cover. The stories haven’t changed. They all focus on God—His power, protection, and promises, His loving care and His plan for us.

I always want to tell the whole Bible story, from Genesis to Revelation, in any Bible storybook. For this book, I especially wanted the stories to create a strong sense of security in God’s love.

So in the story of the fall of Jericho, for example, I didn’t focus on the battle but on the Israelites’ being able to keep moving forward in the land God was giving them.

Each story has a Sleepy-Time Prayer, a Bedtime Blessing, and a Bible verse—God’s Words to Dream On!

You can view some of the stories from the book here. I’m so happy to be able to make this book available—a wonderful way to send children off to sleep feeling safe, secure, and loved.