Until about the age of six, children do not generally have the aptitude to think in abstract terms. But they do have an imagination, and they do fantasize... it is just that they reduce or compare the fantasy to something real that they can comprehend. If they fantasize about a "universal mind" or a "universal being" or God then they usually conjure up an image that is real to them.
Then, until about twelve, it is the family traditions and their observations of family faith that are the motivations for their spiritual thinking. This is the age... from about six to twelve... that family values of Right Action and moral behavior have the most profound influence on spiritual values. That is why it is so difficult for children from dysfunctional homes or broken marriages to craft their adult belief systems easily.
By the teenage years, spirituality has been established, sometimes unbeknownst to the teen! For those from well grounded homes, spirituality is evident... through both words and behaviors. But many teens that are not subject to daily demonstrations of faith do, never the less, manage to evolve as spiritual beings. It is, after all, an inherent legacy in us all.
So, empowering children with Spirit is an adult quest to which we should all aspire. It means recognizing that children at an early age, when they are only able to think in concrete terms, be empowered with the real visions that they can comprehend. It means answering questions and allowing them to express their ideas. It mean encouraging good thoughts and discouraging mean spirited ideas and actions.
Abstracted from the book "Empowering Children." If you want to read more, see:
http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/description.asp?isbn=0-7414-2331-6< /p>
Dr. Malkin holds a B.Sc. in Business and a Masters and Ph.D. in Religion. He has made hundreds of visits to schools with a moving and effective motivational presentation, urging teens to do their personal best. His mentoring programs have empowered many, many children. His quest for years has been to teach the power of Right Action, working towards the goal of a better world.
detailed home cleaning Lake Forest .."Setting the alarm on Sunday mornings is inhuman?..God should know... Read More
Public-school teaching is structured in such a way that it... Read More
Your child's leadership skills begin at the family dinner table.... Read More
Parents looking for a quick fix usually choose troubled teen... Read More
In the first premise, some films and video tapes which... Read More
As a mother of two sets of fraternal boy/girl twins,... Read More
Several similar terms describe the central attribute of a character... Read More
This year alone, 1,600 teenagers aged 15 to 19 will... Read More
Being consistent when children are less than perfect can make... Read More
Sometimes a change of perspective can make a huge difference... Read More
If you are like most people today, you do not... Read More
The advances in science over the past century have been... Read More
There is little doubt that reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic are... Read More
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More
It used to strike me as odd - but really,... Read More
Self esteem in an important quality for all children to... Read More
I used to have a really challenging job. It was... Read More
Lets face it becoming a mum is a bit of... Read More
1 "Law of Belonging": The greatest need of teenagers (after... Read More
Ah, potty training! Go to a local bookseller and you... Read More
Having been a parent educator and a PBS consultant for... Read More
Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children... Read More
Most teens go into the work world ill-prepared to manage... Read More
Most of us really don't like it when someone is... Read More
My wife and I have been working on a video... Read More
trusted cleaning company Des Plaines ..It has been a long day. Home from work, you... Read More
You may think once your child has gone off to... Read More
Here we will come to know who are the most... Read More
All too often, children with learning disabilities are seen through... Read More
Vouchers, which give tax money to parents to pay for... Read More
Our children are our most important legacy to the world.... Read More
Vacations are fun ! Weekends with the family are nice.... Read More
Information is gold when you are adopted. Every tiny piece... Read More
Until about the age of six, children do not generally... Read More
Start some gardening traditions with your kids. Give them their... Read More
All children will likely have many different health problems during... Read More
What makes parenting so challenging at times? One widespread research... Read More
Most day cares are non-profit organizations that must operate within... Read More
Some years ago when touring the Scottish Highlands, a man... Read More
Every children in the world whishes to have toys and... Read More
The girl's jaw dropped in horror as the police officer... Read More
Vinegar or honey, what do kids really want? "Toys, candy,... Read More
How bad is the illegal drug problem here in the... Read More
1. You reheated the same cup of coffee three times... Read More
'I felt great until I walked into the classroom -... Read More
While on a recent trip to the grocery store, I... Read More
One of the biggest milestones in our children's education is... Read More
There are many useful jogger stroller accessories out on the... Read More
We are all aware of the child obesity epidemic that... Read More
1 "Law of Belonging": The greatest need of teenagers (after... Read More
Parenting |