All My Children

Your child needs to feel the love and support of you and of God. For most children, parental involvement is the ultimate way to develop spiritually and to feel good about themselves. Talk with your child face-to-face, not with condescension or distance. You should laugh and play with your child when discussing religion as well as other aspects of his or her life. And be there for serious talks too, because that is what parents are for. Teach your child about a God who is versatile too—a Being that is a Parent to all of us.

Be sure that you include “everyday” situations when you discuss how God participates in our lives so that the concept can be meaningful to your child. God is to be found in songs, laughter, play, work, hurts, celebrations, and so on. Most important, no matter what your religion or your child’s may be, God is at work in your child’s life, and he or she should have a sense of that. Continue Reading »

Throughout your conversations with your child, you will discover that the panorama of images and ideas about God that you can discuss are endless. In the terms that we often associate with God, the spiritual awareness that can develop in your child is infinite—it can grow as deep as his or her imagination. Because there are so many possibilities, you should always keep in mind a few essential ideas. Remember to concentrate upon God’s role in the life of your child, in your child’s silent moments as well as his or her episodes of animated conversation. That means taking stock of your child’s key spiritual issues. Here is a list of fifteen questions that children commonly ask about God. As you talk to your child, keep in mind that his or her questions are of great concern and your answers will be taken very seriously. Continue Reading »