Nurturing a child's individuality

Mildred E. Cawlfield

A Parent who has a number of children knows how individual each child is. But sometimes it appears that individuality means not enough of some qualities and too much of others. There may be some characteristics that pose difficulties for a child and for others.

Christian Science throws fresh light on this subject of individuality by explaining that identity and individuality are formed by the Father-Mother God; they are totally spiritual and totally good. Each characteristic we see in children that is good offers a glimpse of their true, God-given individuality, defined by Mind, Spirit, not by genetic or environmental influences. God's children are the loved of Love. Each has a distinct purpose in glorifying God. Of the true nature of each one of us, Science and Health states, "Man's spiritual individuality is never wrong. It is the likeness of man's Maker" (p. 491).

This truth was a mainstay when one of our sons didn't respond to the child-rearing approaches that had worked well with our other children. If he didn't clearly understand the reason for doing something, he wouldn't do it. School and this son also had difficult times with each other. He would sit before his homework every evening—not doing it—and he never passed timed mathematics tests. He often appeared to be in a world of his own, and his creativity seemed to be a detriment.

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