Editorial June 15, 2015 Issue

Nurturing childhood development

Barbara Vining

Theories abound on how best to forward a child’s development from infancy to adulthood. And as the world continually changes—think from horse and buggy to the automobile, television, technology, and the Internet, as well as shifting cultural and moral values—theories regarding child-rearing also change. Thus, parents, grandparents, educators, and so many others who have responsibilities for the care and guidance of children often agonize over how best to help children mature safely into useful, happy, productive, and healthy contributors to society.

Fortunately, one thing never changes: each child’s (and everyone’s) true origin, identity, and precious worth as the spiritual and perfect reflection of God, who is Life, Truth, and Love. To seek and gain a spiritual understanding of this true identity, through the teachings of Christ Jesus, and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, helps to remove any fears we may have for our children’s welfare, and it deepens our love and respect for each child. It fosters our ability to reason clearly, make decisions, communicate helpfully with a child, and act confidently in ways that will be in the best interests of children and respected by them. If we stumble, or they do, as we strive to stay firmly on this spiritual foundation, we can rely on God to guide us back to solid ground, so we can go forward again in the right direction.

The welfare of little children was of prime importance to Christ Jesus. He put a premium value on their innocence and purity, so much so that he not only wanted the children brought to him, but said that we should become like them: “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14 and 18:3).

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