Being Part of a Religious Community Benefits Everyone-Asset 19

Being Part of a Religious Community Benefits Everyone

Last week I outlined nine reasons why being part of a religious community benefits your child, you and the entire community. Today I want to discuss ways a parent can contribute more to the development of this important asset to your child’s development. Again, I know that, because Lincoln is a strong faith community, many of you already are doing a lot of the things I am about to mention, but hopefully you will be inspired to keep doing what you’re already doing and you may learn some other things that you haven’t considered before.

The first thing I want to suggest is to make it a point to talk to and interact with your child about your faith traditions, teachings and beliefs. Tell them stories about your experiences growing up in your religious community. Talk to them about aspects of your faith that young children would enjoy, like holiday celebrations, songs, special foods, reasons for certain decorations or objects used in celebration, such as candles or pictures. Ask them questions and always respond to and support your child’s questions about your religion. Try to answer all questions in a simple and understandable way. If you don’t have a good answer to a question, let your child know that their question is a very good question and one that you will have to think about for a time and maybe even ask some questions of your own from your minister or elders in the church you attend. Its okay to let you child see that you too are still learning and that is okay.

Another thing you can do is to support your child in building relationships with other children and families within your religious community. Make it a point to let your child know it perfectly fine with you if they want to invite a friend from your congregation over for dinner or playtime. Also, be willing to allow your child to accept invitations to do the same with their friends from the congregation. (Of course, this is assuming you know that family and feel comfortable with them).

Enrolling your child in your church’s religious education classes will not only help them to learn about faith traditions and values, but it will also allow them to meet and get to know other children. Children who have friend within faith community learn great social skills and also are more motivated to participate in services and programs.

If your family is new to a faith community, take the time to introduce your child to the minister and his or her family. Arrange for a tour of the church’s facilities and an orientation to what your child can expect from being involved with the church. Of course, your own involvement and participation in the faith community will always be one of the strongest incentives and messages to your child’s involvement.

What your child learns in a safe, caring and loving faith community will be carried with them as they venture out into life and eventually move on to adulthood. Please invest in this asset.