Topic

It takes a community to raise a child

It takes a community to raise a child!

Taking care of young children and, consequently, their spirituality, is not just the role of parents, caregivers or educators, nor should it be thought of only as a role for women.

Community involvement in children's education, along with children's involvement in community life, produces long-term benefits in children's lives, helping them to develop their sense of belonging and build a strong sense of identity.

Religious and spiritual communities can significantly contribute to child development.

They are spaces where children are exposed to religious and spiritual practices and rituals, as well as social and cultural norms accepted by their communities, which shape their identities in relation to others.

When young children are welcomed, accepted and respected in their faith and spiritual community, and are known, cared for and loved by their members, they develop a sense of belonging and identity that helps them to grow socially, emotionally and spiritually.

Religious and spiritual traditions promote their spirituality, among others, through community life, religious practices and service to others.

Community religious participation in rituals and practices, reinforced by social ties and norms, contributes to people's development.

There is evidence to show that participation in religious services is associated with many aspects of life, including happiness and satisfaction, mental and physical health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, and meaningful social relationships.


Source: VanderWeele, T. (2017). Religious Communities and Human Flourishing. Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Program on Integrative Knowledge and Human Flourishing, Harvard University. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 26(5) 476–481.

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