In many cases the spirituality of children is ignored. From Sunday school classes that are watered down to Pagan circles where children are not allowed this is seen in many faiths. One can easily get the impression from all this that children are not, or do not need, spirituality. However, children are very spiritual. Most children are very spiritual and very intune with the otherworlds. They remember their dreams better and are more likely to glimpse into other planes. Childhood, with all it's freedom from responsiblity, is one of the best times in a person's life for spirituality. Often children feel close to their gods and are more readily able to communicate with them spontaneously. When it comes to the fae, dragons, spirit guides, and other beings of the other planes our children are most likely to communicate with them daily. These entities may be "imaginary friends" with whom your child will spend many days playing with. We shouldn't ignore our children's spirituality or give it second status to adult spirituality. Include your children in spiritual activities, teach them to meditate but don't be suprised if they don't "need" it to talk to their spirit guides, let them play with faeries and imaginary friends, most importantly, don't be so quick to dismiss their play as "kids being kids."
The holidays are the best times to allow your child's spirituality to show. Many holiday traditions centre around children. When you celebrate the holidays, let your child lead the "prayers." Tell them stories about the holidays and ask what they think of that and allow them to think. Treat them as you would a partner. Let them have their own seasonal alter. Show them your alter and help them chose things for theirs; don't chose it for them, just be of assistance. When your child chooses something asky them why they chose that item. Tell your childre why certain things are on your alter, or why you use them in a ritual. Let them know why you do the things they do, and they will feel free to share the same information with you. Never put down your child's beliefe's or practices or "correct" them. If you do not agree with something, understand your chlid is a different person and has their own mind and ideas and interpretations. Should the difference of ideas really bother you just remember, children change frequently and it could very possibly be "just a phase" and while a huge part of their ideas right now, totally gone and forgotten tomorrow.
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