Children develop in so many ways - physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Story is just one of the ways to foster and support a child's faith development. They can find role models in the positive characters in literature, and develop empathy for others when they see a different point of view presented. Children's Books that Nurture the Spirit is an introduction to quality children's literature for spiritual development. The most current and readily available children's literature is reviewed by the author. In addition, Granahan suggests ways for leaders to use and extend the literature.

Locating worthwhile books for kids can be a challenge in our contemporary culture. How can a teacher, catechist, or parent find reading material these days that reflects moral values and/or teaches something about God? In Really Good Books For Kids, catechist and author Janaan Manternach meets that need head on by providing an invaluable reference that presents an outstanding selection of children's books, along with valuable reviews of their entertainment and educational value. She has organized this guide to help readers locate books by subject matter (e.g., Books That Raise Moral Consciousness, Bible Storybooks, and Poetry) or by religious theme (e.g., Resurrection Stories, Christmas Stories). This unique reference is an ideal resource for parents and for anyone else entrusted with the care and upbringing of kids--especially teachers and catechists looking for the right books to read to their pupils and add to their fibraries. And Really Good Books For Kids is a perfect Baptism or First Communion gift for parents.

Nurturing the Human Spirit through Character Development in Adolescents was designed to discover and develop the spiritual nature of our adolescents by assisting them in discerning and constructing positive character-building skills. By familiarizing them to their own and other religious beliefs and practices, the adolescents will be able to more easily accommodate themselves to their diverse neighborhoods and schools. By understanding their peers’ religious and social practices, a common underlying tension is removed from their daily lives, enabling them to better learn in an educational setting.

A Spiritual Home explores congregational life inside British and American Reformed churches between 1830 and 1915. At a time when scholars have become interested in the day-to-day experience of local congregations, this book reaches back into the nineteenth century, a critically formative period in Anglo-American religious life, to examine the historical roots of congregational life.Taking the perspective of the laity, Cashdollar ranges widely from worship and music to fund-raising and administration, from pastoral care to social work, from prayer meetings to strawberry festivals, from the sanctuary to the kitchen. Firmly rooted in broader currents of gender, class, notions of middle-class respectability, increasing expectations for personal privacy, and patterns of professionalization, he finds that there was a gradual shift in emphasis during these years from piety to fellowship. Based on records, publications, and memorabilia from about 150 congregations representing eight denominations, A Spiritual Home gives us a comprehensive, composite portrait of religious life in Victorian Britain and America.

Real children need real experiences with real people to grow up happy, healthy, strong, kind and resilient. In the second edition of this bestselling book from one of Australia’s favourite parenting authors and educators Maggie Dent, Maggie explores the 10 essential building blocks that help children build resilience and self-esteem in our chaotic, uncertain world. We can’t change the world, however we can help our children to develop emotional buoyancy and competence by experiencing life's joys and successes, as well as its challenges and setbacks. When this is done within the safety of supportive relationships—especially in families and communities—one building block at a time from birth to 12, children can grow into being the capable, independent adults we all yearn to meet one day. About Maggie:Commonly known as the ‘queen of common sense’, Maggie Dent has become one of Australia's favourite parenting authors and educators, with a particular interest in the early years, adolescence and resilience. Maggie’s experience includes teaching, counselling, and working in palliative care/funeral services and suicide prevention. She is a dedicated advocate to quietly changing lives in our families and communities. She is the mother of four sons and a very grateful grandmother. Maggie is the author of 11 books including her 2018 release Mothering Our Boys which is already a bestseller.

With The Wonder of Girls and The Wonder of Boys, bestselling author Michael Gurian presented his groundbreaking views of parenting. Now, with the same breadth of vision and depth of commitment, he combines accessible analysis of cutting-edge science with the study of spiritual texts to explore the divine side of childhood, and to put forth a practical design for the care of our children's souls. A revolutionary vision for parents and educators alike -- indeed, for all who love children -- The Soul of the Child is a deft blend of inspiring stories, common sense, and scientific observations that demonstrates what the soul is and how it works. This insightful and groundbreaking book urges its readers to become aware of our children's divine inheritance, and learn how to nurture that divinity. Sensible and informed, it shows how to protect childhood from the complexities of our age, and provides, as no book ever has, the means for bestowing upon our children the gifts of compassion, security, discipline, humility, and enlightenment. The Soul of the Child is a passionate and practical book that puts forth a finely wrought argument for greater attention to the spiritual side of childhood, to the very life of the human soul. And it couldn't have come at a better time.

Principle-Centered Parenting is not about controlling, manipulating or changing childrens external behavior. It is about starting healthy spiritually based thinking that changes behavior from the inside out. Focusing on controlling or changing external behaviors is like trying to change a picture projected on a screen without changing the film in the camera. As children learn to love good, their behavior reflects their thinking and bad behavior dissolves like darkness when we turn on a light. We cannot teach a drowning person how to swim. Similarly, we cannot teach healthy behavior to an out of control child. It is necessary to stop destructive or harmful behavior with temporary measures, but long-term learning takes time, repetition, creative insight and willingness to listen to our inner spiritual parenting guide. Teaching behavior principles is similar to teaching math or reading. It takes loving patience and faith in a childs ability to learn. When children understand correct principles, their mistakes disappear. Parables like the Wheat and Tares explain the spiritual law of growth and development. The scriptures contain powerful stories that make spiritual laws practical and effective in parenting and daily family life. Principle-Centered Parenting is a guide for parents to tap into their own and their childrens infinite spiritual resources.

How important is childhood in the spiritual formation of a person? How do children experience God in the context of their lives as they grow? What does God do in the lives of children to draw them to himself and help them grow into a vital relationship with him? How can adults who care about children better support their spiritual growth and direct it toward relationship with God through Jesus Christ? These are critical questions that church leaders face as they consider how best to nurture the faith of the children God brings into our lives. In this book, over two dozen Christian scholars and ministry leaders explore important issues about the spiritual life of children and ways parents, church leaders, and others who care about children can promote their spiritual formation.