Back to school - kids, connection and caring
Back to school - kids, connection and caring
25 January 2023
Some children find themselves at home in a quiet, safe space like a library.
In the hubbub of returning to school, a child’s spiritual wellbeing (and ours!) can be put on the back-burner. We tend to swap fun for productivity, and our tolerance for play goes down. However, kids have a knack for connecting with what is sacred and true. They want to express the deepest parts of themselves when they feel safe enough to do so.
You can help them to explore this spirituality and play in three ways:
Find their ‘safe space’
Whether you have a faith or not, we all have places and activities that make us feel more connected and at home in our bodies. Getting outside in nature will help some kids re-centre, others will gravitate towards church, and some will feel at home in a quiet, safe space like a library. Encourage your child to return to their ‘safe space’ as often as they need to during the school year. It’s not a waste of time – it is restorative.
Allowing children to play and express themselves is an essential part of their healthy development.
Embrace their hobbies
Kids are naturally drawn to different activities and hobbies. Running, writing, reading, drawing, painting, dancing, collecting, exploring nature, imaginary play – these are all sacred and pivotal behaviours that help children figure out who they are. In the rush of day-to-day life and homework, make time for your child to play and express themselves. Right now, play may seem inconsequential, but this is forming the building blocks of their character, spirituality and future passions.
Let them share their story
Children love to share stories about their day and inner world! As they grow older, this can change, so empower them to share their thoughts in a way that feels meaningful to them. Talking with a parent or guardian is a great starting point. You can also pray with them, ask them to write their stories down, and encourage them to draw what they are thinking or to act it out. Through this, they learn that they don’t have to go through life alone and that what they have to say is important.
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