A Pagan Parenting Tip: Your Child's First Altar

For parents all over the world, sharing their faith with their children is a wonderful thing. It allows parents to delve back into the innocence and purity at the heart of their beliefs. For pagan parents this is no different, and helping to create their child's first altar can be one of those inspiring moments that recall childhood wonder. There are few places in the home as important as your personal altar, so it is important to create one that is right for your child.

One of the first things to determine is where you are going to place the altar. As they say in real estate "location, location, location"; and finding the perfect place in your home is no different. You may have a family altar that you keep personal altars near, or you may want to set your child's altar up in their own room for privacy. Depending on your tradition direction may be important, or you may follow the flow of the home over all. No matter where you plan to place the altar, be certain that it is set up in an area that your child feels comfortable. No matter how sacred the area may seem to you, if your child is not happy there then it will be fruitless to try and place it there.

With regards to location you should also think about whom else is in your house. Are there younger children who could disturb the altar and the things on it? Do you have pets that might unsettle the altar space? Also think about visitors. You child might not want their altar out where friends and other family members can see it, or they might want it displayed for everyone who comes in. Be sure to take into account all the possibilities when deciding on where you want to place the altar.

Once you have a good location it will be time to set up. For some parents it can be difficult to let their children have freedom in this step. Often, as adults they have a clear sense of what they feel should go where. But we have to step back and respect the child to create their own sacred place. They might choose rocks that they found at the park, feathers from the front yard, or a strip of cloth with a beloved cartoon character on it. Let you child's creativity rein free, no matter how mish-mashed it may seem to you it is how they feel about the altar that truly matters.

While your child creates their own personal spot keep safety in mind still. They may want candles, or an athame, or heavy statue on their altar. Use your best judgment on what they can and cannot handle, and try to find ways to come to an agreement. Perhaps instead of candles you could find glow sticks, or only allow them to use the candles supervised. Go with what feels right for you and your child.

Once you have the altar set up and in the perfect place you can step back and smile at the newest milestone your child has reached. Passing on your traditions and beliefs is a truly rewarding experience for all involved. With an altar of their own you are opening them up into a deeper level and taking them through.