Different ways that Our Kids Connect to Nature-Spirit-God
As I delve deeper into myself and my faith (I was raised Jewish, but consider myself a BuJew - Buddhist Jew), I’ve learned that the inner connection we can all feel to source is there, but different children connect to it in totally different ways.
This inner connection can go by many names, if you’re agnostic, you can call it your inner light, Buddists call it Buddha Nature, and the rest probably call it God. But, basically this is a source of energy we can access inside that we can feel if our mind is trained. That said, it helps a LOT to know how our minds naturally connect to this source already and build from there.
I was kind of surprised to find an amazing description written up by Focus on the Family, which is also in Colorado. This lets me appreciate how similar all of our faiths are, and I hope we can help bring more practical teachings to our kids around the world, so they can live in a world where they understand where their true happiness comes from.
The title of their post is 7 ways Your Kids can Connect with God . Please even if you don’t believe in God, keep reading! The article works for everyone, below is a short summary that will work for atheists and religious parents.
The Naturalist - Some children are wired to connect to source through nature. Find extra time to get them outdoors. (Personally, growing up this was how my family approached spirituality, using the term “Mother Earth”)
The Traditionalist - Most children begin life with a need for routine. Traditionalists not only thrive in this environment, but as they grow, they continue needing structure. Consistent times to be allowed to tap into their inner light, and reliable celebrations benefit these young children. For these children, you can create special celebrations or reach into your tradition and look for less celebrated holidays.
The Sensate - Children are incredibly responsive to sensory input. Some however are truly moved by it. Music, Touch, Smell, and dance, etc, can trigger joyful states of mind.
The Caregiver - Not every child will enjoy serving food to the homeless. To a child who likes to give, it may feel like pure joy.
The Activist - Have you ever met a child who became incredibly upset over injustice? As a parent, your job is to allow your child to witness the ills of the world, in manageable and age-appropriate chunks, to help her develop passion for the downtrodden. Most activists won’t need to be told to stand up for a cause. You will more likely need to hold her back to help her find balance.
The Intellectual - Some children have deep curiosity and find it easy to dive deep into topics that interest them. The topics may not appear to be “intellectual” as an adult sees them, though. In fact, it may look more like an obsession with dinosaurs or bacteria, but children who love to learn often connect to their inner spirit when they are doing this. (see the Montesori Parenting book, referenced in other blogs)
The Enthusiast - Your child may be enthusiastic and about their connection to spirit. Different religions will have many ways to support and reinforce their connection.
If you would to read the original version, and learn more about bringing God into your family’s life, the Focus on the Family Parenting Portal has a LOT of posts. This is a very Christian approach and it has some beautiful ideas that transcends all religions.
