Nurturing Faith at Home: Why Catholic Toys Matter

In a world where trust in religious institutions is declining and church attendance is at an all-time low, it's more important than ever to find ways to nurture our children's faith at home. That's where Catholic toys come in - they provide a fun, engaging way to pass on the richness of our faith to the next generation.

The Stats

In recent years, we've seen a troubling trend of declining trust in institutions, including the Church. According to a 2021 Gallup poll, only 47% of Americans reported having confidence in organized religion, down from a high of 68% in the 1970s. This decline has been particularly pronounced among younger generations, with just 36% of millennials expressing confidence in religious institutions.

This shift has had a significant impact on church attendance and participation in religious activities. In the United States, weekly church attendance has dropped from 42% in 2000 to just 30% in 2020, with the steepest declines occurring among younger adults and families with children.

The Alternative

Recent studies have shown that regular participation in religious activities can have a profound impact on a child's development. Children who grow up with a strong faith foundation are more likely to have better mental health, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of purpose in life. And yet, with so many competing demands on families' time and attention, it can be a challenge to prioritize faith formation. That's where Catholic toys come in.

The Case For Catholic Toys and Activities In The Home

By incorporating Catholic toys and other faith-based resources into their daily routines, families can create a rich, engaging environment that helps children develop a deep and lasting connection to their faith. Whether it's reading a storybook about the life of a saint, playing with a set of rosary beads, or exploring the mysteries of the sacraments through a hands-on activity, these tools can help children internalize the teachings of the Church in a way that is both meaningful and fun.

More than just playthings, faith-filled toys can provide engaging and fun opportunities to learn more about the faith and foster a connection to Jesus and the saints on an every-day level.

Of course, Catholic toys are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to nurturing faith at home. But in a world that can often feel overwhelming and disconnected, they can be a powerful tool for bringing families together, sparking meaningful conversations, and instilling a love for the faith that will last a lifetime.

In a world that can often feel disconnected and overwhelming, having faith-based toys, games and lovies can help children feel centered on what is important as they grow and create a familiarity with the traditions and mysteries of the faith that continues throughout their lives.

There are several Catholic makers who have created wonderful items to help deepen the spiritual lives of children. At Shining Light Dolls, we're passionate about providing families with the tools to nurture their children's faith at home. We work hard to offer a wide range of products that are not only beautiful and well-made , but also theologically sound and aligned with the teachings of the Church. Our hope is that our products are the beginning to conversations and curiosity and familiarity that cultivate a family culture of faith. Creating catholic toys isn't a business for us, it is the result of a strong theology of children and families and their place in the Kingdom of God.

May your families, churches, classrooms, and neighborhoods be filled with the Holy Spirit and May the faith be as near to you as breath.

"And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them."
Mark 10:13-16
(NABRE)