“…Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Children possess a simple, trusting faith—a kind of faith that often fades as we grow older. That is why it is so important for us, as parents, to teach them about Jesus and lead them to Him. Sometimes we cannot tell whether they truly understand what we are teaching. Other times, they surprise us with small, precious moments that show they are grasping far more than we realized. That is exactly what happened with my 17‑month‑old son, Brando.

I had been trying to set a good example for him in prayer, especially before meals. For several days, before every meal and snack, I gently held his hands, hoping he would learn to fold them and bow his head. I wasn’t sure if any of it was sinking in—until one evening. I had already fixed Brando’s plate and was preparing my husband’s. Concho was about to help Brando eat when suddenly Brando lifted both arms straight up in the air. Concho told me to look, and when I did, the only explanation I could give was, “I’ve been trying to teach him to pray before eating.” Somehow, Brando had caught on to the idea of praying before meals. I still don’t know where he learned to raise both hands—perhaps from watching people pray at church.

Now Brando has begun reminding me to pray. His faith is so pure that he doesn’t care who is watching or where he is. He simply lifts both hands high and keeps them raised until the prayer is finished. He doesn’t yet understand that one person can pray on behalf of everyone, so we have all begun thanking God together at mealtime and snack time.

This simple habit has filled our home with gratitude and praise throughout the day. It brings to mind Jesus’ words: “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein” (Mark 10:15).

It is a wise and worthy thing to set a good example—because we never know when a child is watching, learning, and being shaped for life.