The Bedtime Book Fail Every Mom Needs for 2026
As we begin thinking about 2026 and all that it will bring to our families (which, let’s be honest, is a lot), I want to share one quick perspective God reminded me of on a trip abroad last year.
When You Think You’re on the Same Page… But You’re Not
Have you ever wondered what to teach your kids? With so many perspectives, opinions, and bits of information out there, it can feel overwhelming.
Having a framework for what truly matters—those overarching, non-negotiable truths—is vital. And as a Christian mom (and now Nana!), for me, a believer on Christ and follower of his ways, that framework has to be grounded in God’s perspective.
Sometimes we assume and take for granted others see things the same way we do—or that we’re “on the same page.” Recently, God reminded me of how perspective matters in the strangest way.
Last year, on our 35th anniversary trip to France with friends, I wanted to buy a kids’ book for my grandchildren. I haven’t spoken French in years, but I was determined to communicate, even after graduating with a French degree all these years later. I asked a shop assistant for a book that was popular in France and also wanted an American classic in French.
The street as I left the corner bookstore in Strasbourg, France
I bought Goodnight Moon and another book she recommended. I had not given those books another thought, until a year later. Our granddaughter picked it out at bedtime at a recent sleepover —and I began to read it in French. Struggling as I was, in the darkened room and no readers on hand, that’s when it hit me… this sweet bedtime story, I dreamed would solidify nan-memories for years to come, was all about poop! 🙈 Not exactly what I was going for, when I described what I was looking for to the girl in in the corner bookshop in Strasbourg.
What I thought was a sweet bedtime story was NOT what the shop girl had in mind. Her “truth” was different from mine. We were most definitely not on the same page.
Why Scripture Is Our Anchor
This moment reminded me of Acts 17, where Paul and Silas travel to Thessalonica and Berea. while people in these two towns were hearing the same message, by the same men, traveling about telling of their newness and revelations they had seen in Christ’s resurrections, these messages were clearly not received, nor acted on in the same manner.
In Thessalonica, people reacted emotionally and stirred up trouble because they disagreed with the message.
In Berea, people examined the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul and Silas taught was true—and many believed.
“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
As moms and grandmoms, we have the same responsibility to approach information we take in, as the Bereans. They listened, but tested the waters, i.e. ‘Scripture’, for themselves. We filter what enters our homes, what truth our kids are exposed to, and how we guide their hearts. This takes time, discipline, and action, staying rooted in Scripture in order to recognize and see what the truth is. Is what we’re exposing and teaching our kids (and grandkids) truth from God’s word, or someone else’s version of a truth?
That funny little children’s French book became a gentle reminder to this Nana:
✨perspective matters
✨truth matters, and
✨knowing what is inside before teaching it matters more than taking someone else’s word for it.
A Biblical Framework for Teaching Your Kids
We have the incredible privilege of parenting and grandparenting for the sake of the Gospel of Christ. God’s truth and a biblical perspective should always trump public opinion or our own assumptions.
So, how do we apply this in real life?
✨ Discern what’s true in a world full of opinions through prayer
✨ Create a biblical framework for teaching your kids.
✨ Use Scripture—not culture—as your guide for raising your children.
✨ Plant gospel seeds of Jesus’ saving power daily, even through small moments like reading a bedtime story.
Your Takeaway for 2026
As we step into the new year, take time to reflect:
✨Are you on the same page as Scripture in what you teach your kids?
✨Do you have a framework rooted in God’s Word for filtering ideas and guiding hearts?
✨How can you plant seeds of faith, truth, and peace in your home every day?
Even small moments—like a bedtime story gone hilariously wrong—can remind us of God’s perspective, truth, and patience.
If you’re a mom or Nana who wants to raise kids (and grandkids!) with a biblical worldview, curb worry, and find peace in your parenting, this story and episode of the Drive Thru Moms Podcast is for you.
Listen to the episode: The Bedtime Book Fail That Taught Me About Truth
You can also grab my list of Books for Nana’s House HERE. (If you purchase one, I received a small percentage, but it costs you nothing:)
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4