In early childhood, children are introduced to the religious beliefs and practices of their families, and when care, love and attention are given to them, they also develop their religiosity and spirituality. Prayer and contemplation can take place in different ways according to each tradition. Developing spirituality through prayer and contemplation helps children ground themselves in their sense of self and helps them connect with God. Prayer and contemplation can strengthen children's gratitude, improve focus and self-reflection, and make children less reactive to negative emotions and less angry. Doing this together strengthens the bond between parent/caregiver and child and teaches children the importance of faith and hope.
What it says to your child: It is important to create spaces and time to connect with ourselves, with God; Finding reverence in the universe and all that has been created, taking a break, finding wisdom within ourselves and calming down.
How you can do it: You can start each morning, or each week, with a time for children and parents and caregivers to connect with themselves and prepare their minds for the day or week. You can also create spaces during or at the end of the day through meditation, prayer, or a moment of silence. You can use poems, stories and songs from your religious and spiritual traditions and, where appropriate, interfaith prayers.
With younger children: You can sing, pray and tell stories that are culturally and religiously relevant. Babies and toddlers may not be able to sing along, but they may enjoy the rhythm by making sounds with objects, clapping and dancing along to the music. You can also sometimes be silent as they will absorb and feel the calm you convey and in doing so you strengthen their connection with you as a caregiver and therefore their spiritual development.
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- Praying and contemplating together