Jun 22, 2020 | Security
The very idea of allowing children to develop their own spirituality can be anxiety-producing, whether a family is religious or not (after all, no one wants them joining a cult). Yet attending to things of eternal significance is a wide-open field of exploration for children– one in which they want their caregivers to allow them room to explore while also providing enough security and boundaries to keep them safe.
A child’s repeated experience of exploring in safe surroundings teaches toddlers that they are not likely to get hurt, that they can trust their caregivers to keep them safe, and that new experiences are enjoyable.
Picture it this way…
Educator Janet Gonzalez-Mena wrote, “Imagine driving over a bridge in the dark. If the bridge has no railings we will drive across it slowly and tentatively. But if we see railings on either side of us, we can drive over the bridge with easy confidence.
This is good news.
Children’s curiosity and desire to explore eternity is revealed by their questions: What happens when people die? Why do bad things happen? Yet those same questions also reveal a desire for adult engagement in that exploration. That adult engagement provides the safety rails.
We allow children room to explore while also providing enough boundaries to keep them safe. We dialogue with them and allow them to ask questions… no matter what kinds of questions those might be. And we give God as much time as God needs to bring wisdom and guidance to them.
Jun 8, 2020 | Security
Help children build a spiritual vocabulary, using the same methods as when you taught them basic vocabulary words. When they learned animal names, you had picture books of animals, “Where’s the bird? What does the bird say?” And when you went outdoors, “See the bird? Hear the bird?“
Spiritual vocabulary in kid lit
Use children’s literature in the same way. It’s packed with stories about the human spirit developing and prevailing. When you read to children, emphasize and repeat age-appropriate spiritual vocabulary words such as right, wrong, conscience, character, wise, forgive, as these concepts come up in the book.
Spiritual vocabulary in your conversation
Use these vocabulary words in normal everyday conversations. As children get older, you can move on to words like mindful, ethics, purpose, presence, worship, spirit, soul, self and reason.
When they know words like these, they’ll be equipped with a vocabulary to express themselves as they begin to work out the complexities of life. With greater self-assurance, they might talk freely and listen non-judgmentally to others, thus understanding how normal and widespread is the spiritual dimension of life.
Apr 27, 2020 | Attachment
Family photos reveal much about us and the people who shaped our early years. Why not take time with your children to learn something new from them? Dig a little deeper into scenes from previous generations. With photos on the screen before you, or with photo album in hand, here are a few ideas.
Conversation starters
- Vocabulary words associated with family religious ceremonies (for example, kaddish, sanctification); and words that are no longer used by your family, and why.
- Words of wisdom: favorite expressions or words to live by used by people in the photo.
- Holiday decorations used in the photo and what they symbolize.
- Event pictured in the photo that triggered a change of heart or changed the relationship between people.
Have fun!
Feb 3, 2020 | Nurture
Sometimes our good intention to let children form their own spirituality can result in misunderstanding. When they don’t hear us talk about our own faith, they may think we aren’t interested in the topic. Consider taking your turn to answer the questions below.
Main idea: A lot of kids keep silent about their tough questions. If you talk with trusted family members, friends or spiritual leaders about your questions, you usually find these conversations help you.
Meditation: “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtains guidance.” Proverbs 1:5 “In an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14,
Let’s talk: Who do you turn to in your life if you have questions or doubts about God? How have these people helped you in the past?
Dec 9, 2019 | Nurture
Today we celebrate the 6th anniversary of the Child-Centered Spirituality website.
Thank you….
With gratitude to you who read us on Facebook, in your email box, and on the blogsite. Some of you find us on Pinterest and share with others the beautiful posters made by Alisha Ule.
Two highlights of my own year
A move back to Southern California heads my list of highlights and a close second is all that I gained in two years living in Northern California. While there, I found enjoyment through working in the hospitality business for the first time, and in living close to family.
Workshop offered — Book published
We now offer a workshop to your group, faith community or organization: “Spiritual Styles: How does a child most naturally connect with God?” Especially valuable for Sunday School teachers and family members. Contact me at janet@childcenteredspirituality.com.
In addition to the bimonthly blog, we’ve seen publication of the book: Child-Centered Spirituality: Helping Children Develop Their Own Spirituality.
Coming — for schools and churches
Several years ago, the Barna Group published an incredible statistic. It found that less than 10% of families have spiritual conversations in the home. This includes families who are a regular part of a faith community!
Recently I’ve been working on a series called Kids & God @Home. When I gather 52 short (<150 words) entries, I will make them available to parochial schools and churches. The purpose is to use them in the school newsletter or church program/bulletin so that families can more easily make spirituality part of their home life.
Best wishes for your holiday season!
