Parents frequently hope that their kids will have a similar tendency toward their own spiritual journey. Teenagers, however, may have a distinct perspective on spirituality and its notion as they form their own sense of identity and uniqueness.
Sometimes, even as parents, we fail to distinguish between spiritual and religious rituals. Even though they both highlight compassion as a fundamental virtue, there is a small difference. To put it simply, spirituality is a path of self-discovery that results in a relationship with a higher power via self-awareness and self-evaluation. In contrast, religion entails customs and rites that make people feel committed to and satisfied in their quest for a knowledge of deity.
Religion and spirituality are both important but individual. Every person is free to select and design their own individualized, subjective path toward fulfilment and self-discovery.
Here are some pointers for parents to assist their teenagers in better understanding this abstract idea."
Hear their story: Give your teenagers the freedom to talk about spirituality and how they plan to apply what they have learned to their life. Even if their viewpoints diverge from yours, respect them nonetheless.
Give them freedom in their actions: Although your opinions could affect your kids' thinking, their surroundings and energy might affect their actions. Encourage them to engage in inner-grounding activities like mindfulness meditation or time spent in nature. Self-awareness and self-worth are fostered by autonomy.
Establish a climate of change: In the digital world of today, when silence is considered a luxury, parents can aid in their child's spiritual development by fostering a change-friendly atmosphere. Urge them to explore new things and venture outside of their comfort zones. Provide them a place to ask questions and find calm in a nonjudgmental environment.
Set an example for others to follow: Show kindness, compassion, empathy, and a love of the natural world to both yourself and other people. Parents who model these attributes for their teenagers might encourage them to embrace similar principles. However, it's crucial to avoid pressuring the matter if their attempts don't click with their child right away. Permit them to reach the emotional and cognitive maturity needed to pursue spirituality at their own pace.
