Youth receive many messages in today’s society; parents feel that it is crucial that they play a central role in the spiritual development of their children. Although parents agreed that they needed to be involved in their child’s spiritual development, they believe that it takes more than just their own efforts for their children to develop spiritually. Parents think that the collaboration of schools, parents, religious entities, and society is essential for the promotion of the spiritual development of youth.
When asked about what their children need to develop spiritually, parents responded:
“In order for our kids to have spirituality they need trust and friendship and guidance because sometimes they want to do things and we must explain why they are not good, why they can’t do them. Communication is crucial.”
(Peru)
“That [nurturing one’s spiritual development] cannot be done by parents, it requires school, parents and society to carry out only then this goal can be reached.” (China)
Parents worldwide, independent of their context, said that in order for the spiritual development of children to occur, children must be provided with outlets (mentors, peers, parents, and other adults) through which they can share their beliefs and ideas. Parents also consider it paramount that every entity which plays a role in a child’s life (parents, schools, religious organization, non-religious organizations) work together to ensure that children are provided with all of the necessary resources to develop spiritually.
