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The Challenge Of Raising A Spiritual Child

Raising a spiritual child in a largely secular world is not an easy task. It requires parental diligence and dedication, but helping to build a child's faith is rewarding and joyful. Here are some things to consider if you want your baby to grow up with a love of God.

-- Start early. Most religions have associated rituals that are done at home, such as lighting candles or holding daily family prayer. When your little one grows up with such events, they will fall into the habit of performing them and learn to love and look forward to them.

If a child goes to school and is exposed to other faiths or even faithlessness without having a strong foundation already in place, she will be more easily influenced by others. Teach her what your family believes early and she is more likely to remain spiritually strong.

-- Bring God into daily conversation without being preachy. When a child observes the glory of a sunset, the beautiful colors of a rainbow, or the innocence in a newborn's face, it's easy for a parent to create a spiritual teaching moment. Point out how God's hand is in all things and that it is to Him that we owe the beauties and joys contained in earthly life. Help them to develop a gratitude for God's gifts daily and to give Him thanks in all things.

-- Make spiritual stories part of your bedtime ritual with your child. Every religion has written words that are meant to strengthen faith and teach lessons. Whether it is from the Bible, Torah, or Koran, help your child feel a connectedness to the writings of your particular religion. Encourage her to ask questions, and you can draw connections between the lessons contained in the stories and your own family's life.

-- Teach her to pray in private, using her own words. There is a special communication that happens when we truly open our hearts and let God know about our worries or thank Him for our blessings. When we use our own words, instead of a rote prayer, we open a window to Heaven and feel His presence in our daily lives.

-- Participate in an organized religious community. Although it is of course possible to raise a spiritual child outside of a church setting, having a sense of belonging to a group makes it easier for your son or daughter to be strong in their faith. Let's face it: the older our children get, the less influence their parents have. Having religiously strong peers will strengthen a child's faith and help her to resist temptations such as early sex, drinking alcohol, or seeing unwholesome media.

-- Live what you preach and keep it joyful. Many teens are turned off by sternly religious parents who emphasize the letter of the Law over the spirit of it. Life should be filled with joy: help your child to see that living a spiritual life is liberating, not confining or morose. A child will spot a hypocrite a mile away: don't encourage her to live by a spiritual code you are not willing to embrace yourself.

Raising spiritual children is a challenge, but the rewards are many. Sons and daughters will find joy in living the traditions of their ancestors, and will feel a connectedness to the Almighty that will help them to better weather life's challenges.

Seed Newsvine

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