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.
Brownsville wedding limousine .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare"There is nothing new under the sun," states Ecclesiastes 1:9.... Read More
I wanted to share with you one of the most... Read More
A certain educator was once asked at what point should... Read More
This article on parenting is by a practicing relationship counsellor/therapist,... Read More
What is the mystery of motherhood? I know that when... Read More
The brightly colored plastic mobile dangles lazily overhead in the... Read More
The advances in science over the past century have been... Read More
The internet is a dangerous place for your children. Don't... Read More
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More
Our children are growing up bilingual in the French part... Read More
Imagine you were the principal of the school that your... Read More
Not Letting Them Think.We all implicitly know that anything questioning... Read More
In stepfamilies, big holiday expectations can lead to big disappointment--and... Read More
Do any other reality TV junkies remember a show on... Read More
I was in the life insurance sales industry for over... Read More
Ritalin has been shown through the years to be very... Read More
All babies cry, but if yours cries a lot, isn't... Read More
Q. What's the right age to start giving a Bible... Read More
Every school year parents and students dutifully trudge through the... Read More
The public school system in America has become a dismal... Read More
Learning obedience is an important part of child development. This... Read More
Here are some things that you can do to help... Read More
"Hugging is healthy: it helps the body's immunity system, it... Read More
Just the other day my oldest son asked:"Daddy, am I... Read More
I'll never forget my first lesson in a glider.I'd been... Read More
Culver prom limousines ..Many companies advertise their products as being educational. How much... Read More
Chaim Ginott was a schoolteacher whose ideas and observations helped... Read More
It's no joy to be sick. It's even less joy... Read More
If you're looking for toys that are both fun to... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Puberty can be a difficult time for children. Not quite... Read More
Not nearly as often as it should. Most child abuse... Read More
I have three children, ages 19 and 16 (yes, the... Read More
Sex has a lot to answer for ? babies usually... Read More
The Flow of WaterWater is essential for life on the... Read More
We begin forming healthy habits at a young age. With... Read More
People always ask my wife and I: "How did you... Read More
There are many parenting styles. Yours may be very different... Read More
For first time parents choosing a swing set or outdoor... Read More
What's in a name? Er?well, everything, really! Of course your... Read More
The time you will need to teach your children the... Read More
The citizens of the early Roman Republic enjoyed an education... Read More
John was a 43 year-old sales manager at a large... Read More
"Family Matters" was the headline that caught my attention in... Read More
The purpose of this article is to address some of... Read More
A number of scientific studies have shown the way a... Read More
In today's fast-paced society, many families depend on some form... Read More
What exactly makes safety glasses different from regular glasses? There... Read More
Q. We are getting to the stage with our kids... Read More
NY -- Strange as it may sound, bordom promotes happier,... Read More
Parenting |