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If spirituality is worth talking about, then talk!
A New York Times op-ed notes that "many people now avoid religious and spiritual language because they don’t like the way it has been used, misused and abused by others." Maybe we can help to rekindle confidence in the vocabulary of faith so that the mis-users and...
A spiritual practice for students seeking guidance
A high school girl reads a chapter of Proverbs from the Bible every school day while she eats breakfast. She says this book helps guide her decisions and actions. Conversation starter Main point: Some students discover a worthy source of guidance within the Bible....
How a kid’s belief in God can calm fears
Trouble is here to stay, and with it, people’s right to think their own kind or cruel thoughts, feel their own hate or love, do good or bad. In our troubles, we have God who shares them with us. Conversation starter: Main idea: God stays with you in ugly situations....
Things we don’t talk about we tend to forget.
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...
Knowing what’s right moves some kids to action
The source of spiritual strength for some children lies in their focus on right and wrong. For them, knowing what’s right moves them to action. Teachers and parents can teach them safe practices for speaking up, and how to involve responsible adults as they advocate...
Candles and rituals in a child’s life
When children connect with God, they are forging their bond with a primary caregiver. They are establishing a stable relationship to God and a secure attachment pattern with God. Conversation starter Some children express their faith through a combination of sensory...
6th Anniversary: Personal note from Janet
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...
Kids & God @Home 09
There's a temptation to teach children. In the occasional adult-child conversations about our inner lives, the adult's focus is rather to continue opening space for the child to experience God's unconditional love. Conversation starter Starting in early childhood and...
Kids & God @Home 08
Not only are children’s interests different, but how they connect with other people is different. In a similar way, how they connect with God is going to be different. Conversation starter Main idea: Some kids feel closest to God when they think and think, until they...
Kids & God @Home 07
To be able to sense God’s presence in everyday life is something many people desire. One way we strengthen that way of living is to stop for a minute in the day and consciously focus on God’s goodness. Conversation starter: Main idea: God loves to care for you and...
Kids & God @Home 06
For some children, the accuracy of their beliefs is very important because, from these beliefs, he or she will stand for a cause, even at great personal expense. Main idea: When you understand the truth of a situation or a principle, you stand up for it. Meditation:...
Kids & God @Home 05
Just as no two snowflakes are alike and no two sets of fingerprints are alike, no two connections between God a human being are alike. Conversation starter Main idea: Many kids are able to experience God in the beauty of nature. They care strongly for the environment...
Kids & God @ Home 04
When children feel disappointed and upset, we listen and comfort. If the child also believes in God, how can we bring God into the situation? Their attitude might become more hopeful and calm as they trust that God’s unfailing love is one thing they can always count...
Kids & God @Home 03
A way to develop a child's spiritual life and faith is found in opening yourself up to their world, in asking them questions, sharing your views, and listening to theirs. You may discover that spiritual topics are of more importance to children and teens than many of...
Kids & God @Home 02
Assume that children have some sort of connection with God. A friend overheard an exchange between his young son and a neighbor boy. They were talking about praying. The boy said, "I pray in my bed but I don't tell my parents about it because they don't pray." There...
Kids & God @Home
Here's another idea for anyone who sees the importance of nurturing a child's spiritual development. It's short, to-the-point. And so is this post. This is the first of a series. We will offer a question that gives opportunity for an adult and child or teen to have a...
Help children learn the skill of Reflection
A university professor ended her week of instruction with reflection questions for her students: What was your significant learning this past week? What did you learn or what was reinforced about yourself? Reflection didn't happen. She asked the students to get in...
Hot and bothered in the summer
I got into my hot car after the final stop of my morning errands. A foul-up at the self-checkout was going to make me late for a lunch date. I hate being late and I lost my composure as I drove to meet my friend and her 11-year-old granddaughter for lunch and a movie....