Our society is changing rapidly and the traditional spiritual traditions that were once standard are increasingly disappearing from daily life. For our family, we have chosen to be intentional about spiritual practices and I have found them to have great value. Each of our kids knows that it is part of our family culture and identity.
Tradition is a large part of what connect family members together and bridges the span of one generation to another. The larger community of faith who gather in churches, community groups and classes provide the village we seek when raising a new generation. The extra support found by including a spiritual dimension to your parenting brings benefits to your child that will shape their outlook into adulthood.
Children, kids and teens (along with parents) all gain mental health benefits of shared experiences. The communal experiences of working toward a goal, saving for project and serving together create a family culture of togetherness. Whatever my kids face in the future, I want them to know we are going to face it together and I've got their back. I want them to know there is a community of fellow families who will show up when the hard days come.
Spirituality provides a more grounded sense of self as part of larger story, minimizing the impact of social media, popularity and the ups and downs of a good vs. bad day. Children who possess spiritual aspects in their life adopt greater meaning as part of their identity. The principles that we provide become a scaffold for their own emerging morality.
Finally, research demonstrates that children raised with spiritual traditions describe themselves as happier, have a more positive outlook on life and handle trauma with greater resilience. Spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, giving, serving and learning or worshiping together add predictability and structure in our ever-changing culture.
A Few Practices for Any Day:
- Keep a gratitude journal as a family. You can write each day, or as you identify experience for which a family member is grateful. Mom, you can help your little ones learn to be thankful and write it down for them. As kids get older, let them have access to write their own gratitude thoughts.
- Attend church together, and find a place to serve. Volunteer to deliver meals or work at shelter.
- Let your children see you give away something you value to another. This could be time, clothing, money, etc. When they are old enough, encourage your child to give, as well.
- Attend a traditional sedar meal or participate in communion as a family.
- Read together about spiritual matters. My personal favorite has bee "The Jesus Storybook Bible," and we usually read it together at mealtime (it was the only time I could get all the kiddos together and quiet).
There are many ways to communicate what is important and to create family traditions. Help shape your child's identity for a lifetime with timely values that remain relevant. Spiritual practices are a way that continues to keep your children connected and provide a constant source truth in our changing world.
How does your family include spiritual traditions in your family life?
Extra Reading -
From Forbes: Science Says Religion is Good For Your Health
Institute for Family Studies: Religious Upbringing and Adolescence
