Raising Children in Faith
PATRICK MCCLEARY
I believe that faith is more important than religion. I also believe that faith is missing from the world as a general rule. And since it is up to parents to instill the appropriate values in their children, how does one begin to teach children to have faith?
To begin to answer this, we should first define it; Faith is the belief in something greater then ourselves. So to teach faith to our children, we should teach them about Divinity and a respect and honoring for that Divinity. To have faith, children must find a belief in the Gods.
To instill this belief there are many things that you can do. From something as complex as daily devotions and prayers to something as simple as taking time with your children to appreciate the beauty of nature.
For example I take my oldest child on nature walks so that she can get a sense of respect for the wonders that surround us. In the suburban lifestyles that so many of us lead, we are almost completely cut off from the natural world. And as Pagans this should be of utmost concern to us. For how can we truly honor the Earth if we do not know Her and haven't connected to Her?
But let us not leave out the idea of leading by example. The faith I have in and for the Gods is my strength and my motivation and my children see this. It is my hope that they will learn to have faith from the activities that I do.
So as the weather turns cooler and, if you are lucky, the leaves begin to change color take the time with your children to experience the awe that nature can inspire. Also pray with your children and show them the strength that faith can bring someone.
Blessed Be!
