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.
express cleaning service Arlington Heights ..Just the other day my oldest son asked:"Daddy, am I... Read More
The formula is pretty straightforward: energy in/energy out. This is... Read More
You have two kids who are 14 months apart. How... Read More
As a parent is seems that the majority of your... Read More
An apology is a sign of strength, not weakness. Sometimes... Read More
What are we teaching our children about money? Hopefully something!I... Read More
One of the implications of the current trend toward smaller... Read More
"Now don't you go getting any ideas, Harold.""Don't you get... Read More
Let's face it.The job market is getting tougher every day.Computerization... Read More
We're all familiar with the over-indulgent parent. But there's another... Read More
Hey Parents! I hate to tell you, but there is... Read More
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings,... Read More
According to the American Sleep Association 70% of all babies... Read More
Teens don't learn responsibility overnight. If you haven't been working... Read More
This is one of the most common questions asked of... Read More
I hear from many parents that their child is stressed... Read More
The successful preschool idea behind many successful preschool learning centers... Read More
Did you know that you are the most important person... Read More
Because most teens have not had the experience of getting... Read More
Public-school teaching is structured in such a way that it... Read More
We want our children to do the right thing, especially... Read More
To every thing there is a season, and a time... Read More
When our oldest son was 2, my wife went out... Read More
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Results of the Spanking Poll on Rexanne.com: Voters - 233Percentage... Read More
Libraries offer more than books. They are places of learning... Read More
tidy up service Arlington Heights ..Giving with a happy heart. If you teach a child... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comParents ? Minimize Homework Hassles?It's... Read More
Though you can cover even very long distances by car... Read More
Not Letting Them Think.We all implicitly know that anything questioning... Read More
Q: Our son has been in honors classes all through... Read More
Public-school teaching is structured in such a way that it... Read More
Do you remember how you first learned the alphabet? I... Read More
School authorities continually claim that they want more parent cooperation... Read More
Because most teens have not had the experience of getting... Read More
Be aware. You may become totally overwhelmed when you get... Read More
It's been said, time and again, that for a child... Read More
Gift shops are a kid magnet and often a trip... Read More
My daughters and I went to the beach several weeks... Read More
Do you struggle to get your child to bed at... Read More
Even as a busy parent, I'm sure you've seen a... Read More
Salon visits can be scary experiences for small children: They... Read More
"Just turn the lights off and go to sleep"Do you... Read More
Tripping over the shoes and toys that seem to clutter... Read More
"Will my doubts and fears affect my child?" This father... Read More
Strattera came out around January of 2003, and is becoming... Read More
One of parents' most important duties is to protect their... Read More
Along with eating healthier we need to be more active.... Read More
Baby names are as diverse as the people to whom... Read More
The debate in many towns continues throughout this country about... Read More
Reading is the most efficient and economical way to help... Read More
Parenting |