Helping Your Child See the Real God in Scripture

"Please God, make it stop raining so I can play outside." "Please God, let me get that new toy for my birthday."

If you have listened to a child’s prayers recently, you have likely heard a "wish list" for a God who feels a little bit like a superhero or a genie. It is a stage almost every child goes through. Because children understand power through the lens of cartoons and stories, they can easily start to see God as a "Magic Man", someone who lives in the clouds and exists to make our lives easier when we ask nicely.

While this stage is natural, we eventually want to lead our children toward something much deeper. We want them to know the real God of the Bible: a God who is big, holy, and in control, even when things don't go our way. At Eden, we want to help you make that shift.

The Challenge: When the Story is Too Small

It is easy to accidentally teach a "small" version of God. If we only read storybook bibles as separate lessons about being brave or being kind, children can miss the point. They might think David killed Goliath because he was a "good boy," rather than seeing that God is the Great King who saves His people.

When God is only a "Magic Man," a child’s faith can be shaken as soon as a prayer isn't answered or something sad happens. But when they see the real God, they find a foundation that can handle the real world.

How to Expand Their View of God

To help your child succeed in knowing the real God, try these three simple shifts in your family time:

1. Focus on "Who He Is," Not Just "What He Does"

Next time you read a story from a children's bible, ask one extra question: "What does this story tell us about what God is like?" Is He powerful? Is He patient? Is He a promise-keeper? This helps the child move from seeing a "trick" to seeing a character.

2. Introduce "Theological" Tools

In 2026, more parents are using "systematic" books to give their kids a theological spine.

• The Ology: This book is wonderful for explaining the "Ology" (the study) of God. It uses beautiful pictures to show that God is a Trinity, that He is everywhere, and that He is perfectly holy.
• The Biggesy Story Bible Storybook: This helps children see that the Bible is one giant story of God’s plan, not just a list of magic moments.
• Systematic Theology For Kids: Perfect for the "curious kid," this book breaks down complex truths into bite-sized chapters that answer the "why" behind what we believe.
• 52 Weeks of Systematic Theology for Kids: If you prefer a structured habit, this year-long guide provides one lesson a week, making it easy to weave deep conversations into your regular family routine.

3. Model Honesty in Prayer

Let your children hear you pray for things other than "wishes." Pray for God’s will to be done, thank Him for being kind when you are tired, and admit when you don't understand His timing. When they see that your faith isn't based on a "result," they will realise theirs doesn't have to be either.

Success: A Faith for Life

By moving beyond the "Magic Man" view, you are giving your child a gift that lasts. You are showing them that they are loved by the Creator of the stars, who is also their Father and their Friend.

As they grow into their teens and graduate into youth bibles, they won't be looking for a magic trick—they will be looking for the King they have known since they were small.

Ready to explore big truths with your family? ((https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/christian-books-for-children/bible-study-for-children/))