When It Feels Like They’re Not Listening: Why Trust Builds Faith

Ever feel like you're doing all the right things—sharing Bible stories, praying before meals, getting to church—and still wondering if your child’s faith is growing at all? You’re not alone.

It’s that invisible tension: Are my efforts even making a difference?

The answer? Yes—but probably not in the way you expect.

It Starts with a Conversation, Not a Sermon

Nurturing your child's faith doesn’t require a theology degree or a perfect attendance record at Sunday school. What it does require is meaningful, two-way conversations about life, not just faith.

Our kids learn best when they feel heard, known, and respected. And that often happens when we talk about dinosaurs, video games, dreams about the future, or why tacos are obviously better than spaghetti. Dr. Kathy reminds us that trust is the soil where faith grows—and that trust is cultivated when we show interest in their world.

The Open Door We Didn’t Know Existed

Drawing from George Barna’s American Worldview Inventory Report, Dr. Kathy explained something that stops us in our tracks: many adults say they're open to God… but only under certain conditions. It’s a reality check, yes—but it’s also a powerful window of opportunity. If we guide our kids to explore their faith through trusted relationships now, we give them a head start most adults wish they had.

And it’s not about pushing—it’s about walking alongside.

Want to Help Your Kids Grow in Faith Without Overwhelming Them?

Here are three practical steps to get you started:

1. Talk about everything.

Don’t feel like you have to steer the conversation to faith every time. When your child brings up school stress, a funny meme, or an opinion about aliens, jump in. Every conversation builds the bridge you’ll walk across later when deeper spiritual questions arise.

2. Be okay with small steps.

Faith isn’t always fireworks—it’s more like a dimmer switch than a light switch. Stay consistent. Show up. Celebrate curiosity. Trust that God’s at work even when you can’t see it.

3. Model wonder.

Say things like, “Isn’t that amazing?” or “I wonder what God thinks about that?” Show them that faith isn’t just about answers—it’s about the adventure of learning, growing, and discovering truth.

Connecting Through the 8 Great Smarts

Dr. Kathy’s 8 Great Smarts model helps you lean into how your child learns and experiences the world. Here’s how you can open doors to meaningful, faith-building connections with each one:

• Word Smart – Ask your child to describe God in three words or write their own Psalm.

• Logic Smart – Talk about why they believe what they believe. Debate fun “what if” questions about creation or miracles.

• Picture Smart – Let them draw their prayers or imagine what heaven might look like.

• Music Smart – Sing together, create a family worship playlist, or write a song about faith.

• Body Smart – Act out Bible stories or go on a prayer walk.

• Nature Smart – Stargaze and marvel at God’s creation. Ask what nature teaches them about God.

• People Smart – Role-play conversations between Bible characters and explore how they made decisions.

• Self Smart – Encourage journaling or quiet reflection time. Ask them how they feel about God.

Remember this: You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be present. Keep showing up, asking questions, and listening with your whole heart. Because when kids know they’re seen and loved, they become more open to knowing and loving God, too.

Let’s raise faith-filled kids, one meaningful conversation at a time.