Where your child begins her education matters. Many parents look for options to begin their…
5 Ways to Encourage Spiritual Growth in Your Child
If you’re a parent with a faith of your own, chances are it’s important to you to instill solid, character-building, faith-growing practices in the daily habits of your children. Children enter this world with a tremendous capacity for faith. And the best way to teach them faith skills is to practice them in your own lives and help to be their guide.
By teaching them to practice these activities, you can help them grow closer to the Lord every day!
- Pray together.
Allow children to hear you talk about God and pray daily. Pray for requests together as a family and discuss how God has answered previous prayers. Attend church together and celebrate God.
- Show your gratitude.
One way you can help children grow spiritually is by opening their eyes to everything God has provided for them. A heart of gratitude sees issues in your life more like opportunities. Opportunities to boast in what God has done for us and what He has blessed us with.
- Serve together.
One of the best and most fun ways to get children to understand God is by letting them serve. Even at young ages children can make gifts, visit others, and make cards as thoughtful gestures of love and care. As children grow, they can serve and help more in the community by working with local food banks and shelters. As a family, you can teach them how to have compassion for others and serve those in need.
- Learn together.
As you attempt to answer your child’s tougher questions, you may find that your own faith gets challenged. But in the end, you will hopefully gain a clearer understanding of exactly what you believe and why. And remember, when there seems to be no answer, don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.”
- Be an example.
The most important thing you can do for your child is to be a living example of who you want them to become. Show them kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and allow them to see your struggles too, apologizing when you are wrong. Tell your child what you believe about God. It is important to remember that our children really do believe and take to heart what we tell them.
We hope you’ve found 5 ways to encourage spiritual growth in your child helpful. Another way to help encourage spiritual growth in your child is by enrolling your child in a Catholic school like Villa Maria Academy Lower School. Catholic education is a lifelong gift that shapes young women and men as servant leaders for the future.
For over 145 years, Villa has continued our commitment of sharing the mission of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary – providing spiritual formation and excellence in education to young girls. Villa blends spirituality with academics in a nurturing learning environment for students, with a focus on leadership and service. We invite you to learn more about Villa Maria Academy Lower School. Contact our Admissions Director with any questions you may have at (610) 644-4864 or at admissions@villamaria.org.
