How do we encourage a spiritual life in our kids?

[glitterfairy]

I have thought about this quite abit as I am nto religious but would like the kids to be open to experience and to the wonders of things. I am a humanist if anything and would like them to value the magical qulaities which people possess. What do you all think?

how did you explain it

I want my kids to know that my beliefs are not based on a whole list of do's and dont's but are based on something far more exciting than that.

If you are passionate about you r belief then they will pick up on that which is nice - I still feel very undecided about it all myself

I agree soxwasher. We have two different sunday school teachers for the 3-6 age range and one is brill with the kids, has them singing and eating stuff. The other is po faced and the kids ask who's taking it before they go to church! The latter was helping me make cards with a group of kids one day and started shouting at her son, he was mortified bless him. I had to tell her not to, not that I don't shout but sunday school isn't the place for it. her son is forever hounding me to come to mine but I have to say no at times when we're busy and i do feel guilty.

In answer to earlier question gothicmama it took a long time a whole walk through the woods. First we explored what is bad and wrong to do so we talked about being horrid to people and spiteful. Then I talked about global bad things that people do like war (note these are my personal beliefs and some people wont agree). My dh is a documentary fim maker and broadcaster and has worked alot with people who survived concentration camps and so we talked a bit about that as being my epitome of evil. I talked also about my sisted in law who is chilean and the military regime in chile under pinochet. We talked about causing intentional pain and suffering and that it was worse than bad. Hope this sort of answers your question. I know that some people I work with think I talk to my kids about things whihc will upset them and in too grown up a way but they seem to be ok and actually like really exploring topics. Kids to me can be very surprising firstly in their take on a subject they can see things in novel and creative ways and secondly in their compassion which we often forget.

Oh we also talked about good as opposed to evil and what that meant and being kind! Why one seemed better than the other. As I said it took an hour and we were on our own walking the dog in a wood.

glitterfairy I think your explanation sounds lovely. I sometimes worry that I tell DS too much, but on the other hand I think if he is asking the question it is hard for me to lie. I know that sometimes other parents think I should 'lie'. Like the issue with ghosts, I believe I have seen and heard spirits, this started as a child when I was told - 'don't be silly' which scared me, so don't want to tell DS that they don't exist or don't be silly. I think there is a distinct difference between scaring your child and being honest with them at a level they can hopefully take on board.

that sound s good GF Iam at the differnce between good and bad and some people can be bad or o bad things

Glad you liked it. I agree being honest is important and doing it in a way which they understand. I also think that kids need to know about real life issues and history and be grounded in the world. It is sometimes difficult to deal with really horrible things but they need to know and beeter from you than from someone with no tact or discretion.

absolutely

I have been reading through these and am impressed maybe we all do this anyway just through communicating our beliefs and ideas to our kids and giving them love. I also think by talking clearly to them and not treating them as lesser beings who cant understand complex stuff. If we find the world wonderful unique and amazing perhaps they will too.

Yes Gtitterfairy, I read it all this morning and was very inspired by the comments. I agree about giving alot of love and reassurance - to me this is very earthy and spiritual. I was always interested in the earth as a child and remember looking out the car window thinking.. why is that hill like that etc.

dd is just 6 months old but the wanting to touch phase is just beginning and it is a joy to watch her eyes wander and want.
Dh and my approach will be to be open about life, try and not allow negativity about world issue be all consuming and show that spirituality is a broad arena with many different beliefs and ideas. That none are right or wrong, just different and to question ideals.

I read something this morning in a wee notepad of mine that I had written down from a book afew years ago... it seems appropriate to reflect how I will show spirituality dd.

Religions and magical faith often seems to coexist with skepticism, suggesting that such faith may even require skepticism usually involving some physical substance or object that exists in relation to the insides of the human body (e.g. ritual). The mystery is heightened not dissipated by unmasking.

Oh pap that is fantastic! I am copying and pasting it because I have recently been so negative about spirituality but recognise that it is an essential part of me which when I get sceptical seems to emerge stronger but different in the end. Lovely to speak to you as ever!

To Encourage a "Spiritual" life in your children-YOU must LIVE as you Believe.
Actions speak Louder than Words.Live it.They will Believe it.Jill.