How to introduce faith in a busy toddler group - Thriving Families Conference June 2026

Recording of the online Thriving Families conference from 15 June 2026 Exploring Rituals, Rhythms, and Spiritual Moments in Childhood Faith Formation, and how to incorporate spiritual awareness with under 5s and gospel confidence as you lead toddler groups. Join us as we delve into the significance of routines, rituals, and spontaneous spiritual moments ("mog" moments) in nurturing children's faith. Our speakers share practical insights, reflection prompts, and real-life examples to enrich faith formation in early childhood settings. Ronni Lamont speak on how to recognise spirituality and faith in under 5s and how you can help their adults recognise Moments of Ordinary Grace. Sarah Cornthwaite shares how you an facilitate adventures with Jesus for under 5s and their parents & carers. Key Insights: Rituals help children and adults feel part of a community and deepen spiritual connection. Mog moments—transient, profound spiritual glimpses—are invaluable for both children and adults. Routine and structure are essential for young children to feel secure and thrive spiritually. Activities aimed at awe, wonder, and stillness foster meaningful encounters with God. Encouraging voluntary participation in spiritual practices helps caregivers and volunteers build confidence and authenticity. Approaches to facilitate quiet reflection and stillness with children, including neurodiverse Practical tools: Encounter Fun, Adventure Times, and creating ritual spaces Valuing and appreciating the contributions of volunteers and caregivers Creating reflective spaces, using sensory tools, and involving families outside traditional church settings support spiritual development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Differentiation between routines and rituals; the significance of Mog moments 06:45 Examples of rituals in church life: baptism, marriage, funerals, collective worship 08:02 Rituals in family life: traditions like tomato soup evenings, bathing songs 11:56 Reflection on why routines become rituals; the importance of familiar rituals for belonging 13:55 Structuring routines: the importance of consistency in toddler groups, schools, and churches 17:15 Community and belonging through routines in toddler groups 22:56 The power of awe and wonder moments—children noticing cobwebs, natural beauty 25:52 Engaging carers with awe and wonder activities outside in nature 28:16 The significance of silence, stillness, and quiet reflections like Quaker practices 35:52 Creating a "God spot"—space for encountering God in different environments 50:44 Biblical grounding on children’s value in the kingdom, emphasizing humility and trust 58:28 Encounter fun: playful, sensory activities that invite engagement with God's presence 65:09 Adventure times as imagination-based encounters with Jesus 68:53 Using symbolic visuals—doors, candles—to facilitate reflection and open-heartedness 75:03 Final encouragement: embrace creativity, validation, and courageous experimentation in outdoor and indoor settings Resources & Links: NYSA Resources and Support Quaker Silent Worship Resources Montessori and Faith Development - Lisa Miller Connect with the Speakers: Ronnie Lamont: https://www.childrenspirituality.org/... Sarah Cornthwaite: https://adventureswithjesus.co.uk/ Remember, the heart of faith formation at this age is rooted in relationship, shared experiences, intentional rituals, and the wonder we encourage children to embody. Be brave in trying new approaches, stay present, and cherish the profound moments of grace that unfold along the way.