Early Childhood and the Bible: Raising Godly Kids in an Ungodly World
Early Childhood and the Bible is a Christian parenting podcast hosted by Anne Livingston, an early childhood educator since 2001. It offers practical, Bible-based guidance for parents of toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary children. Episodes focus on building a parent's own walk with God, modeling authentic faith, and helping children develop their own relationship with Jesus. Listeners learn simple morning and evening routines and ways to teach biblical truth in everyday moments, whether they homeschool, use traditional school, or both.
Episodes
How to Calm an Upset Child: Using Prayer to Help Children Find Peace
What do you do when your child is having an emotional meltdown, struggling with big feelings, or acting out in frustration? What if, instead of reacting with frustration, you made prayer part of your response? In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, I share real-life stories from my work as a tutor and reflect on the powerful ways God can work in the lives of children and families throug
Stewardship vs. Ownership: How to Raise Children Without Controlling Them
In this episode of Early Childhood & the Bible, Ann Livingston is joined by educator Cathy Peters for a conversation about stewardship versus ownership in parenting—and what it means to raise children without trying to control their future while still taking seriously our God-given responsibility to guide them. Together, they discuss: Why parents are called to steward their children rather than "
Are We Teaching Our Children the Wrong Idea About Work? A Biblical Perspective
What are you teaching your children about work? Is work simply something we do to earn money and pay the bills—or did God create work with a much greater purpose? In this episode of Early Childhood & the Bible, we take a different look at work, money, provision, entrepreneurship, calling, and what it means to build our lives around God's purposes rather than the world's definition of success. Star
How to Help Your Child Manage Anger Without Shame
Does your child struggle with anger, emotional outbursts, yelling, disrespect, or shutting down when they feel frustrated? Anger itself isn't necessarily the problem. The question is: What do we teach our children to do with their anger? In this episode of Early Childhood & the Bible, we talk about how to help children understand, communicate, and manage anger in a healthy and God-honoring way. Th
How to Discipline Your Child Without Making Them Feel Unloved
How do you discipline your child without making them feel rejected, ashamed, or unloved? When children misbehave, many parents immediately focus on one question: How do I stop this behavior? But what if there is a more important question to ask first? What does my child need? In this episode of Early Childhood & the Bible, we explore the difference between discipline and punishment and why biblica
Are You Doing Too Much for Your Child? Serving vs Enabling
Are you doing too much for your child? As parents, serving our children is part of loving them. But when does helping become enabling? When does meeting their needs become doing things they could—and should—learn to do for themselves? In this episode of Early Childhood & the Bible, we wrap up our series on the 5 Love Languages for Children with the love language of Acts of Service. But this conver
Is Your Child Materialistic? What Their Behavior May Really Mean
Does your child always seem to want another toy, another treat, or another gift? Are you worried that you're raising a child who is materialistic or never satisfied? What if there's something deeper going on? In this episode of Early Childhood & the Bible, we're continuing our series on the 5 Love Languages for Children by exploring the love language of gifts. The love language of gifts isn't real
Why Your Child Keeps Acting Out (It's Not What You Think)
Why does your child constantly interrupt, act out, or demand your attention? It may not be defiance. It may not even be bad behavior. It may be a child whose emotional "love tank" is running empty. In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we're continuing our series on the Five Love Languages for Children by exploring Quality Time—and why many attention-seeking behaviors are actually a ch
Words of Affirmation: How Your Words Shape Your Child's Identity, Faith & Behavior
What if the words you speak today become the voice your child hears for the rest of their life? In this episode of Early Childhood & the Bible, we're continuing our series on the Five Love Languages for Children by exploring Words of Affirmation—and why Scripture has so much to say about the power of our words. The Bible tells us that "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21
Does Your Child Need More Hugs? The Physical Touch Love Language Explained
Does your child constantly ask for hugs, want to sit close to you, or seem calmer after simple physical affection? In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we continue the Five Love Languages series by exploring the Physical Touch Love Language and how it shapes children's emotional development, behavior, and relationships. You'll discover why physical touch is a basic developmental need
The Hidden Message Behind Your Child's Behavior: Introducing the 5 Love Languages
Every parent wants their child to feel deeply loved—but what if the behaviors that frustrate us the most are actually communicating something much deeper? In this introductory episode of our new 5 Love Languages for Children series, we explore one of the most important truths in early childhood development: all behavior is communication. Whether your child is seeking connection through positive in
Helping Kids Regulate Emotions and Depend on God
Emotional self-regulation and biblical self-control are not the same thing — but both matter deeply in a child's growth and development. In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we explore the difference between helping children manage their emotions and teaching them to depend on the Holy Spirit as they grow in true self-control. You'll discover: The difference between emotional regulat
How to Choose the Right Language Arts Curriculum for Your Child
Not all language arts curriculums are created equal — and one of the most important foundations for learning to read is often overlooked: phonemic awareness. In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we explore why strong early reading instruction matters and how parents can choose a curriculum that truly supports their child's development. You'll discover: What phonemic awareness is and
The True Goal of Education: Raising Ambassadors for Jesus
"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors…" (2 Corinthians 5:20). In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we explore how the ultimate goal of education should not simply be academic success — but raising children who know Christ, love truth, and represent Him well in the world. Too often, education focuses only on performance, achievement, and preparation for careers. But as Christian paren
What Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing a School
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent — but how do you know if a school is truly developmentally appropriate? In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, I break down what to look for so you can confidently choose an environment where your child can thrive. You'll discover: What "developmentally appropriate" really means in e
Spanking: Loving Correction or Old-School Parenting?
What does the Bible really teach about spanking, discipline, and correcting children? In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we tackle one of the most debated topics in Christian parenting: biblical spanking. We explore the difference between discipline and punishment, what Scripture actually says about the "rod," and why the goal of correction should always be heart transformation, not
7 Things Every Child Needs to Thrive
What do children truly need to grow, thrive, and develop into who God created them to be? In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we break down 7 essential needs every child has — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. These foundational needs shape a child's heart, identity, and faith for life. In this episode, you'll discover: The 7 core needs every child has according
8 Types of Biblical Communication Every Parent Should Use
The way we communicate with our children shapes their hearts, their identity, and their understanding of God. In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we break down 8 types of biblical communication that every parent should be using to disciple, correct, and encourage their children. From instruction and correction to encouragement and listening, each form of communication reflects a diff
Getting to the Root of Behavior: Why Conversation Matters
Is your child's behavior the real problem — or is it revealing something deeper? In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we explore why meaningful conversation and intentional questions are essential for getting to the root of a child's behavior. Too often, parents focus on correcting what they see outwardly, without slowing down to understand what's happening in the heart. But behavior
When Discipline Misses the Heart
Why do we discipline our children — to control their behavior, or to shepherd their hearts? In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we explore the difference between biblical parenting and nonbiblical approaches, especially when it comes to discipline, punishment, and behavior modification versus true heart transformation. You'll be encouraged to examine the motives and goals behind your
Parents as God-Ordained Authority: Discipline vs Punishment
God did not leave parents without guidance or authority. In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we explore what Scripture says about parents as the God-ordained authority in the home and why understanding the difference between discipline and punishment is essential for raising children with wisdom, grace, and confidence. You'll discover: What biblical authority in parenting really me
Connection Before Correction: Helping Kids De-Escalate
In this update episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, I'm sharing a real-life story of how I helped a student de-escalate intense behavior by giving words to his emotions. Too often, children act out because they don't yet have the language to express what they're feeling — and behavior becomes communication. In this episode, you'll hear: Why naming emotions helps calm a dysregulated child
Is Modern Math Setting Kids Up to Struggle?
Parents and teachers across the country are noticing the same trend: math is being taught in ways that feel developmentally inappropriate for young learners, and more children are struggling than ever before. In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we explore why so many kids are overwhelmed by today's math methods, how this frustration can lead to academic interventions like IEP referra
Guarding Young Ears: How Secular Music Shapes a Child's Heart
Music is powerful — it shapes beliefs, emotions, and even identity. But in today's culture, much of what fills the airwaves opposes God's truth. In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we explore how secular music can influence children's hearts and worldview, and how parents can respond with wisdom, not worry. You'll discover: The spiritual impact of lyrics, rhythm, and repetition on
Shepherding Your Child's Heart: Turning From Idols to True Worship
Every child is a worshiper — the question is who or what they're worshiping. In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we talk about how parents can shepherd a child's heart away from the idols of self, success, and screens, and lead them toward a life that loves and honors God. You'll discover: What "shepherding the heart" really means in biblical parenting How to recognize when your
Confused by New Math? You're Not Alone
If you've ever looked at your child's math homework and thought, "This isn't how I learned it!" — you're definitely not alone. In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we talk about how modern teaching methods, especially in math, can leave parents and kids feeling lost and frustrated — and how you can turn that confusion into connection. You'll learn: Why today's math looks so differen
The 3 Learning Styles Every Parent Should Know
Every child learns differently—and that's by God's design. In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we explore the three primary learning styles (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic) and how parents can help their children grow through their God-given strengths while gently developing weaker areas. You'll discover: How to identify your child's learning style through simple observation P
Should Christian Kids Celebrate Halloween? What Parents Need to Know
Every October, Christian parents face the same question: Should our family celebrate Halloween? In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we explore what Scripture says about darkness, discernment, and being a light in a culture that glorifies fear. You'll discover: Discerning the fruit of Halloween and what it means for believers today Spiritual implications of celebrating Halloween a
Teaching Kids the ACTS Model of Prayer: A Simple Guide to Talking with God
How do you teach your child to pray in a way that's real, not routine? In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we explore the A.C.T.S. model of prayer — Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication — and how to make it simple, engaging, and deeply meaningful for young hearts. You'll learn: How to explain each part of the ACTS model in child-friendly language Creative ways to
How to Pray Scripture with Your Child Daily
Did you know one of the most powerful ways to disciple your child is to pray God's Word together? In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we explore the life-changing impact of teaching children to pray Scripture. When kids learn to speak God's promises back to Him, they develop faith, confidence, and a deep love for His Word. You'll discover: Practical ways to introduce Bible-based pr
Faith Worth Imitating: A Parent's Call from Proverbs 23:26
Proverbs 23:26 says, "My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways." As parents, this verse forces us to ask a hard question: if our children were to follow our walk of faith, where would it lead them? In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we reflect on the powerful responsibility of modeling authentic faith in front of our kids. Parenting is not just about teaching
How to Teach Children Spiritual Warfare: Equipping Kids with God's Truth in a World of Lies
In light of the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible addresses how parents can teach young children about spiritual warfare—not in a spirit of fear, but with courage, clarity, and truth. We live in a world full of lies, violence, and moral confusion. How do we help children understand what's real, what's dangerous, and what God calls us to? You'll dis
Understanding Behavior as Communication Through a Christ-Like Lens
Every tantrum, meltdown, or misbehavior in young children is saying something deeper. In this episode, we explore how a child's actions are often their way of communicating unmet needs, big emotions, or unspoken struggles. More importantly, we'll discuss how parents and caregivers can respond with patience, wisdom, and Christ-like love. Drawing from biblical principles and practical parenting stra
Why Parents Must Teach the Bible at Home
Psalm 78:5–8 gives Christian parents a clear calling: to teach God's Word to the next generation so they will know Him, trust Him, and not be swayed by the world. In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we'll dive deep into what this passage means for families today and how to apply it in your home. You'll discover: The biblical responsibility God gives parents to disciple their childr
How to Share the Gospel with Young Children
How do you explain the good news of Jesus to a child in a way that's clear, simple, and life-changing? In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we'll walk through how to share the gospel with young children so they understand God's love, their need for Jesus, and how to begin a personal relationship with Him. We'll use the Romans Road for Kids to break the gospel down into simple, age-app
The One Thing You Should Pray for Your Child
As a parent, your may pray for your kids to be happy, safe, and successful — but what if the Bible points us to pray for something even greater? In this episode of Early Childhood and the Bible, we'll explore why the most powerful prayer you can pray for your child is that they would grow in the fear of the Lord. You'll learn: What "the fear of the Lord" really means Why the Bible says the fe
An Easy Morning and Evening Routine to Shape Your Child's Faith
The first and last moments of your child's day are more powerful than you think. In this episode, we'll explore a simple morning and evening routine that can shape your child's faith, character, and worldview for years to come. You'll learn: Why morning and evening routines are a biblical model for discipleship (Deuteronomy 6:6–7) How to use these moments to speak life, truth, and Scripture in
