Spiritual Parenting
Teaching Tolerance
By Mimi Doe, a Concord resident and co-founder of Pink Bubble Productions. Starting this issue, we will offer Mimi's column on spiritual parenting every other month. Send your questions to her here (sorry, she may not be able to answer all questions and personal replies will not be possible).
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Question:
Mimi, my son is 20 months and I wonder what we will teach him about spirituality, we are undecided ourselves. Is the best way to explore different religions and just teach tolerance?Mimi's Answer:
Teaching tolerance and exploring different religions is a great way to begin your family's spiritual journey. I encourage you to read books rich in spiritual meaning to your son. You might find your own soul is fed by these lovely messages. A few to get you started:- Bea, Hollym H.J. Kramer Where Does God Live? Starseed Press
- Berger, Barbara (any of her books) Grandfather Twilight Philomel Books
- Bowen, Connie I Believe In Me Unity Books
- Chanin, Michael, H.J. Kramer Grandfather Four Winds and Rising Moon Starseed Press
- Curtis, Chara All I See Is Part Of Me Illumination Arts
- Doe, Mimi, Waller, Garland Drawing Angels Near Pocket Books
- Garth, Maureen Starbright: Meditations For Children Harper San Francisco
- Hamanaka, Sheila All the Colors of the Earth William Morrow & Co.
- Jeffers, Susan Brother Eagle, Sister Sky Dial Books
- Loomans, Diane, H.J. Kramer The Lovables: In the Kingdom of Self-esteem Starseed Press
- Payne, Lauren Just Because I Am Free Spirit Publishing
- Sasso, Sandy In God's Name Jewish Lights Publishing
Perhaps you and your partner can set aside some time and write down your "basic rules for living." These are your core beliefs about how you live your lives. Your list might include: being kind to others, setting a good example, telling the truth, helping those in need. Once you are clear on your basic structure for living you can better model and emphasis those behaviors for your son. That's "spiritual parenting."
Keep a journal, jot in it before going to bed or while sitting at a traffic light on the way to work so you can chronicle this magnificent journey you are taking with your son.
Children have a magical, extraordinary sense of the "spiritual." A seven-year- old girl said to me "Sometimes I'll just be sitting there and a light will flash by me. It's not the sun light, but more like spirit light. " So, listen to what your son has to say. Honor his intuition for that is what will keep him connected to his inner wisdom. A spiritual parent is a loving parent who is guided by his/her own inner wisdom. Spiritual parenting is a moment by moment way of being with our children.
Begin rituals, celebrations and traditions that will enrich all of you.
Celebrate the ordinary surprises, a lost tooth, first haircut, the fattest
snowflake. Have fun, stay open to the moment and enjoy this sacred commitment
of parenting.
Watch for Mimi Doe's upcoming book, Ten Principals for Spiritual Parenting (Harper Collins) in June, 1998. Excerpts from the book will appear in July's Ladies Home Journal. Mimi is the Moms Online's "Ask The Pro" expert on family spirituality.
© Mimi Doe
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Tips for Concord Area Families: A Trip to the North Bridge
Help your child
pull on her red rubber rain boots and trek over to the magical Old North
Bridge. Park in the lot on Monument Street and hike across the bridge --
remaining watchful for our earth's signals of spring. Don't forget to bring a
few bread crumbs for the hungry ducks swimming below.
Watch for the beautiful
ancient Beech trees along the path up to the Buttrick House. Perhaps your
child would like to wrap her arms around the sturdy trunk and feel the energy
from this wise old sage. Ask her to close her eyes and describe what the tree
is telling her. Chances are it's something along the lines of "Please don't
carve your name into my skin as so many others have." Then move over to a
younger tree and ask your child to place her hands on it's limb. Any
difference? Try it yourself. Don't worry about what people think just allow
yourself to find magic in the moment with your child.
Before reaching the Buttrick House you'll see a little cave-like entrance on
the left, behind the Beech tree. What a joyful discovery for your child:
his own little tunnel. You can spend a long time creating all sorts of
stories about this special place. Feed your young one's imagination and be
receptive to her stories and feelings about this place.
Once you are at the Buttrick House wander around the secret gardens and take
the path down to the river. Sit on the bench and listen. What sounds do you
hear? Maybe you want to bring a notebook along on your journey and jot down
poems, stories, prayers, as they come to you and your child. This bench is a
perfect writing spot.
Dance together on the patio overlooking the river and imagine there are
fabulous lanterns swaying in the breeze and even a trio playing in the corner.
A spring day spent at this enchanting spot can nourish your soul and become an
ongoing family tradition.
Enjoy your precious child -- get out and explore life together! |
