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.
disinfecting cleaning services Winnetka ..I recall somewhere in the recesses of my aging brain... Read More
The question I have for you drives right to the... Read More
Public-school teaching is structured in such a way that it... Read More
Our back-to-school buying habits do not help kids succeed in... Read More
The teenage years are a crucial time in a child's... Read More
One reason public schools get away with educational failure, year... Read More
Many parents would like to homeschool their children but are... Read More
Life is comprised of pieces of time sprinkled with pivotal... Read More
A great many parents are concerned that the electronic games... Read More
Uh oh.Your kids arrive home with their school reports and... Read More
Strollers offer a wonderful and convenient service to parents and... Read More
Article based on a friend's experienceI just wanted to share... Read More
Q. When you consult with a family with teens, what... Read More
Last night Tom's daughter, Sue, came out of her room... Read More
So you're going to become a father. Now is not... Read More
Isn't it ironic that a country whose constitution allows for... Read More
I remember watching my 18-month-old son eat a big frosted... Read More
This article on parenting is by a practicing relationship counsellor/therapist,... Read More
Anorexia nervosa is a serious medical disorder that is statistically... Read More
What is a parenting problem?Parenting is a tough job, we... Read More
Non-compliance is the family therapist's big word for your child... Read More
Why are more people, especially parents not outraged?I call it... Read More
Let's be honest! When it comes to parenting, men expect... Read More
It is so important to create an environment that promotes... Read More
Ritalin is a good medication with a bad reputation. Its... Read More
last minute cleaning help Highland Park ..I'm sure many of you have heard that old Hallmark... Read More
Several similar terms describe the central attribute of a character... Read More
I've often thought that in 6 million years, archaeologists will... Read More
One of the most difficult struggles in life for a... Read More
I hear from many parents that their child is stressed... Read More
During one "generation gap" quarrel with his parents young Michael... Read More
Are you a parent concerned about passing values on to... Read More
Managing money is one of the most critical skills we... Read More
One reason public schools get away with educational failure, year... Read More
When you think about it, probably the one thing that... Read More
The key to a successful car wash fundraiser event is... Read More
The cruel callous remarks made by our offspring can sometimes... Read More
We all scream for ice cream. Or, we don't, at... Read More
Puberty can be a difficult time for children. Not quite... Read More
1 "Law of Belonging": The greatest need of teenagers (after... Read More
Many people consider plush toys great for children. They say... Read More
The children of Baby Boomers, the Echo Generation, are entering... Read More
Learning responsibility is an ever widening and lifelong process.As thinking,... Read More
When my oldest boy was really young, he tickled my... Read More
Do you have a high maintenance child?"Thank goodness my second... Read More
As a parent, you probably know that the birthday party... Read More
Parents, when you help your children learn to read, you... Read More
We know that ancient cultures and Indians and the like... Read More
If there are any parents reading this who are thinking... Read More
4 traps to avoidTrap 1 - Parents need to realize... Read More
Parenting |