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Prep
0 Minutes
Activity
10 Minute
Lessons
3 Minutes
Total Time:
Materials
None
Overiew
If your child has experienced trauma or hardship, bedtime can be stressful. Use this activity to help your child learn to control their thoughts so they can get some much-needed rest at bedtime.
Step 1
Step 1
Explain the Game
Help your child learn to manage their thoughts by explaining the game you’re going to play.
Say: One of the most wonderful gifts God has given us is our mind and our creativity! But being creative and using our minds is a skill — and, like any skill, we have to practice them so we can use them effectively.
Step 2
Step 2
Practice Making Images
Say: Let’s give it a try. What’s one thing you enjoyed today? Be as specific and descriptive as possible. Think about how everything looked, felt, smelled or sounded.
While you’re saying these things out loud, think of them in your mind. Do you see a mental picture forming? (If your child says no, encourage them to be more specific. Ask specific questions about the scene so you can help them make a more vivid picture.)
Now, let’s think of something you’re looking forward to. This one can be a little harder because you haven’t actually seen it yet, but it’s fun to think about the future and all the fun stuff we have ahead! You can describe the thing you’re excited for out loud or make the picture by yourself in your mind.
Step 3
Step 3
Praise & Prayer
Don’t forget God gave us our minds and our creativity as gifts. The more we practice using them to focus on good things in our lives, the more we can glorify Him.
Share the hope of God’s Word and pray together with your child.
Scripture Verse
“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable…”
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being the most good thing in our lives. Help us to learn how to use our minds and creativity well. Help us to remember, too, that we can always look forward to spending time with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
