"The Spiritual Child" Book Review

Another Dimension The Spiritual Child: The New Science on Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving, by Lisa Miller  That spirituality serves as a source of encouragement, support and protection has been known for centuries, but in this eloquent book, Lisa Miller, professor of psychology and education at Teachers College, Columbia University, argues that spirituality is ever, if not more, relevant today. Combining both scientific and anecdotal evidence, Miller posits that the innate, biological spirituality in children, once nurtured in the first two decades of their lives, can serve as a reliable protector from depression, substance abuse and other risky behaviors in adolescence. Moreover, spirituality provides a lifelong source of purpose, compassion, satisfaction, success, and happiness. In addition to one's relationship with God (manifested differently in different religions and cultures), according to Miller, spirituality can also grow from one's transcendent relationship with nature or another person who loves us unconditionally. This inclusive definition of spirituality - and Miller's practical recommendations about how to preserve and encourage it in children - not only gives parents and educators language to guide children's spiritual development, but also leads us to reflect on our own inner lives and spirituality. Challenged by the press and challenging for the parent or educator who would pick up its thread, Miller's angle on resiliency is not a bad place to begin another school year in light of all that schools ask of those who spend their days in them. Meng Lusardi, Riverdale Country School, NY

See also: http://www.klingenstein.org/klingbrief/klingbrief_September_15.html