Spiritual Growth Within Your Child’s Development
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Just why do infants cry and put every toy in their mouth in the church nursery? Why do preschoolers believe that both Jesus and Peppa Pig are real? How can we know that a child’s commitment to Christ is actually understood?
I know we as parents have asked every single one of these questions. Well, maybe not the Peppa Pig character but at least some other cartoon or imaginary creature!
Last year Rick Chromey, a professor, trainer and consultant in children’s and youth ministry, addressed questions like these from the lens of a child’s general development. Understanding some of these developmental stages can help us understand the levels of spiritual growth or development in our children. The author was directing his article at ministry leaders and teachers but can easily apply to our homes and families.
Our youngest children (0–2 yrs) are in the Sensorimotor Period where their lives are mostly physical in nature-touch it, feel it, hear it, smell it and taste it. These little ones are still spiritual learners–just through the senses. Parents can create an atmosphere of trust in their home and in their relationship:
- Sing about God’s love
- Create movements that mimic the scriptures you are reading together
- Dance to the truths about God’s character.
Preoperational preschoolers (2-7 yrs) love to do it all! They are also looking for connections with others in life and that includes connection with God. They now can use symbols, numbers, cause and effect—more than just their senses to understand concepts. Preschoolers will perceive story and even myths to be facts, according to Mr. Chromey, and their perceptions can be easily manipulated. What to do:
- Model kingdom values for your children, including grace, community, love, service, worship, prayer and missions.
The concrete operations child (7–11 yrs.) is a learning machine. This child can master spatial and inductive/deductive reasoning skills. Now their spiritual ‘study’ can include maps, charts and mental aids. Their faith stage becomes mythic verses literal—it’s either fact or fiction. Children cannot choose an adult faith commitment until they no longer accept myths as reality.
- Encourage your child to create a rhyme or rap of the books of the Bible
Formal operations and Abstract ideas are saved for our older children (11 and up). At this level the kids can understand allegory, metaphor and create their own thoughts. The same applies to their faith. Abstract faith rituals have meaning and they are able to make a decision on salvation, Christian service or sacrifices of time, treasure or talent.
- Have a discussion about Communion and, perhaps, different traditions
- Share your own Baptism story with your child
Mr. Chromey concludes with a take-away thought that applies to adults as well. He states “Children crave a faith that is understandable, relevant and applicable. They want a faith that doesn’t wear out.” As parents we are able to guide our children to make this important step when they are ready as we guide them through each developmental step. Maybe Peppa Pig will learn, too!
by Dawn Schuessler, Preschool, K4 Coordinator
*introduce your child to a study Bible that has maps of Bible times
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