| Christian parents face the tremendous challenge of raising children who love God, themselves, and others. A critical part of learning to love deals with children internalizing the truth that God created them in His image and likeness. Culture, peers, and even other adults bombard children with negative messages related to their identity. When children know God loves them and views them as His masterpiece, they gain the freedom to be who they truly are rather than trying to conform to what others think.;This project partnered with families at Oak Hills Church in Eagan, Minnesota, to raise emotionally and spiritually healthy children. A parents' training session introduced the components of emotionally healthy spirituality based on Peter Scazzero's book, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, followed by a four-week curriculum series taught to elementary-aged children.;Results indicated that all participants increased their knowledge in the components of emotionally healthy spirituality. Children revealed a greater understanding of their true identity and recognition of the freedom God wants them to experience as His sons and daughters. 1 Peter Scazzero, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: Unleash a Revolution in Your Life in Christ (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2006). |
