Parenting Guide for Spiritual Development of Children, Part I

We work hard to make sure our kids get all they need. But we often miss nurturing their spiritual development. Use this parenting guide for your kids' spiritual guidance. The lessons can be printed and bound into a parenting book which is used daily for spiritual development.

For Spiritual Development: Listening to Your Child

Children are close to their intuition. By listening to your child, you help them develop it and see it is important. To help your child's spiritual development, try this:

What did you notice today?
What feels good?
What feels bad?
Is there anything you have a question about?
Let's draw a picture of anything you want.

For Spiritual Development: Add Magic To Your Lives

Have you ever noticed how enthralled a child can be with a grasshopper or a shiny rock? Have fun with them and add magic to your life too. Try this for spiritual development:

Do you think angels live on clouds?
Did you ever see a fairy princess?
If a cowboy can ride a bucking bull, can he ride a tornado?
Do animals talk to each other in the woods?

For Spiritual Development: Find Out What's Really Going On

Many parents are shocked when other people share things their children have told them. It's important to find out what's going on inside your kids so you can help them. One parent found out her seven year old feels like she's in prison.

Another found her daughter feels she is nothing because they don't go to a church. Everyone else in class went to a church so they said they were Methodist or whatever. Try this for spiritual development:

If you could change anything, what would you do?
What do you like best at home?
What don't you like at home?
What makes you really happy?

Change Roles for Spiritual Development

You can find out how your children perceive you if you let them be mommy or daddy. Tell them it's a real game. You will get a first hand look at what they remember about you. You can dress up, cook a meal or clean the house or yard together. When you enter their world, you will probably see things you didn't realize.

Spiritual development is the core of our being. Parenting kids is a rewarding job. Use this parenting guide to help with spiritual guidance for your children.

Click here for Managing Stress in Your Family.

Sources:
The writer was a camp counselor for three summers, Sunday school teacher and majored in Family Relations and Child Development in college.
Mimi Doe, Ten Principals for Spiritual Parenting

Parenting Guide for Spiritual Development of Children copyright 2009