Spiritual Parenting Tips

Here's what Beliefnet parents do to keep the faith with kids.

Parents are the real child-rearing experts. So when we wanted advice on raising spiritual kids, we turned to Beliefnet's family of contributors and bloggers to find out what they believe is most important. Although they come from a variety of religious traditions, their ideas can apply to any faith. Click on the arrow to "meet the parents."

Amy Cunningham

Let them see you doing your practice, whether it's yoga, meditation, teaching Sunday School, or attending a spiritual parents circle.

Point out the beauty of nature, the sounds of the birds, the angle of the sun's rays, the wonderful characteristics of parents, friends, and other children. Expose them to quality media--beautiful books, music, movies, artwork.

Don't turn their earliest mistakes into character flaws. This can kill a child's soul faster than anything. And let them see you shape your reality moment by moment, never assuming that if a morning had a bad start, the rest of the day is shot.

Amy Cunningham, the mom of two, writes the Beliefnet blog Chattering Mind.

Sharon Linnea

Have a family dinner at least three times a week, and when you talk about "how your day was," explain to the kids not only what you did but why you did it, and how your spiritual worldview guides your actions.

Watch your attitude in the car and elsewhere. Yelling at road hogs or the waitress speaks volumes to your children about your TRUE attitude toward those around you.

Pray with your kids one-on-one before bed. Pass along your love for them, and your love for God. Invite them to ask questions about their faith, give them room to doubt and explore. Tell them of times you've seen God work in your life.

Sharon Linnea, the mom of two, reviews family movies in the Beliefnet column Reel Inspirational.

Frederica Mathewes-Green

Keep a blank book or journal handy in the kitchen to write down all the funny and wonderful things the children say; it will be a treasure when they're grown.

Use the magic words "Stop stop stop" if anything is getting to be too much (tickling, teasing, anything scary). All siblings and parents agree to stop the behavior immediately. Everyone keeps this rule because they all might need to use it some time.

Dirt is good for kids. Clothing is replaceable, childhood isn't. If, at the end of the day, the children are muddy, sweaty, and exhausted, it was a good day.

Frederica Mathewes-Green writes the Beliefnet column Ancient Faith, Modern Life. She is the mother of three and grandmother of (nearly) nine.

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