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.
recurring cleaning service Wilmette ..A tall, weary-looking mother with glasses, walked into my counseling... Read More
"Setting the alarm on Sunday mornings is inhuman?..God should know... Read More
Be sure to respect the intellectual changes that mark adolescence.... Read More
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I... Read More
This may come as a surprise.But despite all the advances... Read More
On a recent Saturday evening, I noticed a young teen-age... Read More
Is Homework Really That Important?Dear Friends,I no longer teach in... Read More
Last night Tom's daughter, Sue, came out of her room... Read More
Self esteem in an important quality for all children to... Read More
Night Visits From Your ChildIn the middle of the night... Read More
Joey steps away from his time out chair "I won't... Read More
"He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds... Read More
Successful families don't just happen. They take time, talent and... Read More
There are a LOT of alternative treatments for sale out... Read More
Are you feeling overwhelmed being a parent? Do you want... Read More
As the father of a toddler, I am an expert... Read More
Although many parents become frustrated as they try to maintain... Read More
So you want to be a mum? Every time you... Read More
I never dreamed that I would be in a position... Read More
As a parent, you can learn a lot about your... Read More
Each child carries a unique picture of the self, shaped... Read More
Checking accounts are an absolute necessity these days. You can... Read More
It can be hard being a parent with a teen... Read More
I recently heard a story that has literally changed the... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 31,... Read More
reliable maid service Morton Grove ..The biggest trick some child predators' are using these days... Read More
How often do you think of family life as an... Read More
Whether we realize it or not we teach our children... Read More
When kids try new things, sometimes it's a 'fit' and... Read More
For parents, keeping our kids safe is a constant top... Read More
Did you know that the number of twin births have... Read More
I know this Mom. She homeschools her 5 children, plus... Read More
Sara loves pampering. Haircuts, facials, manicures, and makeup bring smiles,... Read More
Choosing a baby name is an important job, so make... Read More
A certain educator was once asked at what point should... Read More
Strollers offer a wonderful and convenient service to parents and... Read More
The formula is pretty straightforward: energy in/energy out. This is... Read More
Back in college, I wrote for a five-day-a-week, award-winning campus... Read More
Dan Rather made a significant and tactical error and got... Read More
The least flexible character in all of the stories of... Read More
There is no doubt that mothers play an all-important leading... Read More
There are few thoughts as terrifying as the abduction of... Read More
In school, kids are encouraged to create, draw, color, paint... Read More
Is it hard to communicate with your teenager about issues... Read More
Is your baby approaching his or her first birthday and... Read More
Look around: Your kids are counting sleeps until the last... Read More
For most children, it is easy to learn to read... Read More
"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine,... Read More
Often I will hear parents say, "I just ignore Jr.... Read More
Home schooling. What is it? What does it mean to... Read More
Parenting |