Starters That Support Well-Being
“Can’t I just be 10 minutes late?” pleaded my daughter. We were driving to her Brownie troop meeting and I could…
MorePosts tagged: Practice
How Gratitude Builds Community
We hear a lot about supply chain ‘issues’ right now. Store shelves are emptier than in pre-pandemic days. Online…
MoreExercising Attention
It’s the usual afterschool chaos in my house. Classic rock plays loudly and all three kids are gyrating in an…
MorePlease Don’t Praise the Kids
“You’re so smart!” These three words come easily to mind when children do or say something that demonstrates…
MoreModeling Gratitude
“Thank you.” Two simple words we teach children when they’re small and hope they will use often. Giving thanks…
MoreDaily Intentions
Setting small spiritual goals each day is one way that children can take responsibility for their own moral and ethical…
MoreSetting Spiritual Goals
A few years ago, I taught a child who struggled with managing his emotions in group settings. He was unhappy about his…
MoreTaking Flight with The Year We Learned to Fly
Cultural and spiritual heritages are often passed on to new generations through stories and teachings by elders.…
MoreEmoji Spirituality
Kids love emojis. As fun visual substitutes for words, they help children share how they’re feeling and communicate…
MoreMindful Art
Self-awareness and emotional regulation are spiritual skills that every child needs. Research shows that art activities…
MoreTaming Anxiety
One of my children goes quiet when she’s anxious. Another talks incessantly and blows up when he gets overwhelmed.…
MoreA 5E Model of Spiritual Education
One of my eldest child’s favorite memories is a series of 5th grade class sessions where they explored scientific…
MoreFinding Our Calm
When my middle child was in third grade, she was very anxious about taking tests. Her stomach would hurt and she would…
MoreSpiritual Reflection with Turning Red
Pixar’s newest release is a coming-of-age story about a Chinese Canadian girl accepting both her changing body and…
MoreSharing Personal Spiritual Practices
Children’s group leaders often wonder how much to share about their personal lives with young people. We…
MoreNew Year’s Examen
Examen is a reflective practice that originated in the 15th century. It’s purpose is to help children and adults…
MoreExpressing Gratitude
An American celebration of Thanksgiving generally involves liberal helpings of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and…
MoreGuided Meditation for Peacefulness
Stress and anxiety are common occurrences in contemporary family life. Parents and children have a lot to do each day,…
MoreCreating a Mindfulness Space
Mindfulness practices help children to become more self-aware. When they spend time being present with themselves, they…
MoreColoring as a Mindfulness Practice
As children return to in-person gatherings, they may feel anxious and stressed. An art-based mindfulness practice can…
MoreTeaching Hope
I’ll admit that I have generally thought of hope as an emotional state: an optimistic feeling of possibilities…
MoreSpiritual Mirrors, Windows & Doors
“But mom,” my eldest complained, “why do I have to go to church school? They never talk about anything…
MoreManaging Big Emotions with Mindfulness
When my children were little and dealing with sibling arguments, I taught them a quick mindfulness practice to help…
MoreFamily Spiritual Rules
Family spiritual rules are a little like superhero codes of conduct: they outline our values and the activities we…
MoreExamining Our Conscience
Many cultural and religious traditions have some kind of spiritual practice that involves reflecting on one’s…
MoreFamily Hospitality
“Look at what I made,” says my son, holding up to me his newest drawing. I respond, “Just one more second,…
MoreStimulating Spiritual Curiosity
When my children were younger, they regularly asked deep spiritual questions. Preschool drop-off conversations were…
MoreGuided Meditation for Justice Seekers
Children and adults often use guided meditation to help them relax or fall asleep. A soothing voice inviting you to…
MoreA Lament How-To
When life gets tough, a spiritual practice that deals with anxiety can make the difference between a whiny child and…
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