Life offers in our daily activities many teaching opportunities between adults and children, and of course this is a two way street. Children can teach us how to open our hearts and love others and to be in the present moment. We can teach children what the world means, how it works, and how what we hold in our consciousness brings it all about. Here are some ways to approach teaching children, whether it is through sitting down and participating in spiritual activities or through daily life events themselves. Of course, there is nothing that teaches children better than by the example that we set, for actions and attitudes speak far louder than any words ever could. Here are some pointers for setting a good example for children so that they learn to incorporate these concepts into their own lives.

Teaching The Spirit Day-By-Day from Teaching Spirituality: Give Your Children A Lesson They Can Follow All Year, 2004, by Nikitta A. Fostonat www.findarticles.com

1. Sharing: "It's not the big things, but the little things that mean a lot," says Dr. Comer. "Teach children about the importance of sharing their time, their money, their spirit and their talent with someone who needs it. This could be an elderly relative, a sick neighbor or simply someone in need. Let your child see you perform the art of sharing so that they can know exactly what it looks like and how good it makes the other person feel."


2. Thankfulness: Before a meal, before bedtime or in the morning are excellent times to acknowledge a higher being and to talk about the meaning of creation and the meaning of a supreme Creator.


3. Trust: Children learn trust, experts agree, when parents respond in ways that children can count on, when parents are reliable, dependable and meet a continuing need. Children, in turn, learn to be reliable and responsible to others.


4. Sacrifice: Building character includes learning to sacrifice, giving when you have little to give, but doing so because someone else is in need. Parting with something of value, giving something of meaning away, or sharing Christmas gifts with a shelter teaches children the benefits of sacrifice.


5. Honor: If you are a responsible parent, your children will want to be responsible to you and will aspire to follow your lead. Showing honor to your parents, family members and friends shows children how to treat other people.


6. Faith: Teaching children about the spirit within them and how that spirit affects other people, their environment and the happiness of others is a lesson that can be learned every day. "Teaching children to believe in themselves is the beginning of faith," says Dr. Comer. "Children must believe in their power to change the world around them."