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| Image Source: everydaylife.globalpost.com |
It is often said that the first seven years are critical in child development. Parents therefore focus on how they nurture their children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. However, not much attention is given to the child’s spiritual development.
Thus, creating a faith-based educational system has many benefits, including having the child grow as a more responsible and community-focused adult. Furthermore, it is important that these lessons start at an early stage, when the child is still receptive to difficult concepts.
Studies have suggested that teaching faith modules to adults is slightly more difficult because an older person already has a host of biases and prejudices about the world. If the faith lesson conflicts with these established biases, the individual may become less inclined to listen. Children are more open to these programs, particularly if they see their parents following and practicing the same strategies and beliefs.
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| Image Source: ucg.org |
Faith formation is also a positive parenting technique. Parents who share their faith to their offspring report having a stronger relationship with their family. This may also strengthen the parent’s personal faith. This is because by employing simple ways to explain spiritual concepts to their children, they find the underlying truth of what is written and preached. How does this work exactly? When dealing with people of the same age, individuals tend to use "big" words to explain simple ideas. However, this strategy shifts when dealing with a child. Adults will use simple words that a child can easily understand. By doing so, the core (or the truth) of the message is revealed. This benefits both the parent and the child.
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| Image Source: gracehavenhome.com |
Pastor Chad Everson of Trinity Baptist Church helps members find meaning in their lives with Christian-based sermons. Follow this Twitter feed for more gospel truths.
