Book Review: Spiritual Growth of Childrenby Valerie Nelson | More from this Blogger 27 Jun 2006 10:20 AM Many times when trying to help our children grow we think primarily of meeting their physical, emotional and intellectual needs. In many cases we forget that we are also spiritual beings that need nourishment for spiritual growth. In order to focus on my children's spiritual needs, several years ago I purchased a book from Focus on the Family titled the "Parent's Guide To The Spiritual Growth of Children-Helping Your Child Develop a Personal Faith". This book is a wonderful resource that I often go back to for practical ideas. The authors state that the book is "Designed to help parents build a family of faith by equipping those with children 12 and under to make an active, intentional plan for directing their children's spiritual growth." The book is broken down in to four main sections: 1.Part one gives an overview of the what, why and how of spiritual training and helps parents start a basic plan for spiritual growth. 2.Part two assists parents in designing a more detailed plan. 3.Parts three and four are reference sections I especially like the fact that a portion of the book has sections divided by age group that offers practical topics such as "Learning to share" in the 0-4 age category-Wow this is a tough one for a two year old. Each age category has three sections-Knowing, Loving and Living. The Knowing section covers the ideas of who God is and what He has done. Loving explains how to have a personal relationship with God, and Living gives parents very practical tips in helping our children be all and do all that God wants. The "Ideas and Methods" section offers ideas for activities to help reinforce biblical principles in a realistic way. In addition the reference section gives a plethora of information about other books, magazines and audiocassettes to further help us in this adventure of parenthood. To purchase this book go to Focus on the Family. The cost is currently $17 for a paperback, and is well worth the investment. If that does not fit into your budget, try Half.com, where I saw the book listed for as low as $12. Learn more about Valerie Nelson  Valerie is a Families.com blogger, freelance writer and small business owner. Valerie helps non-profit organizations with fundraising through grant development for their programs and projects. Relevantsingle parenting tags User Comments PDeverit (283) 07 Jul 2008 06:41 PM"Punishing the Devil Out of Them" I recently heard, while listening to a Catholic radio station, a most disturbing position taken by a religious "expert". I often enjoy listening to this station (KBVM), but on this particular occasion, I was quite alarmed by what I heard. I have read other Catholics' work on the subject (notably Father Gregory Popcack) who are not at all on the same page with this religious "expert". Now, I believe firmly that children are innocent. That they need good examples, love, and definite boundaries with constructive discipline that Father Popcack suggests. This man, however, was suggesting something to the effect that they were carnal, demon-possessed little monsters who needed to be exorsised by heavy-handed "discipline" (i.e. hitting them into automotonous obedience and submission ) and that a movement of catholics should be started to promote this. Things like this scare me. It harks back to the time of the Crusades. ("Deus Vult" was a rallying cry of the Crusades which meant "God wills it"). Or when a witch was tortured by good people until she confessed and was then burned. Or when good pedophile preists were transferred from one parish to another. Scary stuff! Interesting. People can do some pretty sick stuff because "God told them". Community Tags child development, christianity, family, spiritual growth Discuss this article
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