Bible Study for Kids: Honor Your Mother

Here’s a short Bible study you can do with your kids for Mother’s Day. Feel free to adapt it to your children’s age levels and interests (and your own family’s inside jokes!).

Discuss: What makes Mom happy?

Read: Proverbs 23:24-25: “The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise. So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy” (New Living Translation).

Explain: Godly children are kids who love God and try to do what God says to do. Wise kids make smart choices and try to do the things Mom and Dad say. Why do these things make moms and dads happy? Because parents are happy when their kids make wise choices and are happy, safe and successful! We are sad when you do things that will hurt yourself now or in the future.

What does God want you to do?

Read: Ephesians 6:1-2 (first part): “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother. …’”

Discuss: What does it mean to “honor” your mom? What can you do to honor Mom?

Explain: To honor means to show respect. Doing what Mom says without complaining or making excuses is a way to honor her. Trying to listen without interrupting and looking in her eyes when she is talking can show respect and honor. Trying to do special things to make her happy or comfortable is another way to honor Mom.

What does God promise to children who honor and obey Mom?

Read: Ephesians 6:2-3: “‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’”

Explain: Everyone wants things to go well. When you build something with Legos or make some food, you want it to turn out well. When you do a project at school, you want it to turn out well. We all want to be well—not sick.

When God promises that things will go well with those who honor their parents, He means that overall things will be more peaceful, happy and pleasant. He doesn’t mean we’ll never, ever have problems, because God knows problems can help us make good choices and become more like Him. But when we honor our parents, we don’t bring extra problems on ourselves! And we don’t do stupid things that would make our lives shorter, like smoking or drugs.

Discuss: What can we do to honor Mom today?

Read: Proverbs 31:28-29: “Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: ‘There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!’” (New Living Translation).

One idea: Let’s make a secret signal to let each other know when to stand up and say our lines. When I make the signal, you kids stand up and say, “Mom, you are a blessing to us!” Then you make the signal and I will say, “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”

Another thing we can do to honor Mom is to just ask her: “Mom, what can I do to honor you today?”

[Note to fathers: You may also want to make a card, make a gift or make some food with your kids. However, if the project involves chain saws, massive amounts of glue, permanent markers, sharp knives and/or combustible foodstuffs, you may want to rethink it or get advice from your better half. It’s only wise and respectful—trust me on this!]

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