Growing (Up) In Faith

By Liana Eisenman-Wolford

Are you looking for ideas for how to keep Christ in Christmas? Are you unsure how to share your faith with your littlest ones? Do you want practical suggestions for incorporating faith into daily life? Look no further!

Growing (Up) in Faith: A Guide for Catholic Parents of Young Children is written from a Catholic perspective, but has many ideas that will appeal to Christians of all denominations. Drawing on her knowledge as a parent, Sunday school teacher, and psychologist, Liana Eisenman-Wolford has written realistic, age-appropriate ways to help your child grow, and grow up, in faith. Also, each chapter ends with a reflection for parents to use for their own spiritual growth.

10% of the author's royalties for this book will go to Angel Care, a ministry of the Rush-Henrietta Catholic Community that provides baby items like car seats and cribs to families in need in and around Rochester, NY. Learn more at facebook.com/AngelCareMinistry.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Liana Eisenman-Wolford
• Release date: Nov 18, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465800206

Liana Eisenman-Wolford

Liana Eisenman-Wolford is a third grade catechist, mother of a toddler, and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She has also worked with children as a coach, social worker, and counselor. Liana was raised Catholic and continually discovers new areas in which to grow in faith. You can read more about Liana’s faith, family, and natural parenting choices by visiting her blog, Working to be Worthy, where she writes as CatholicMommy.

Book preview

Growing (Up) in Faith

A Guide for Catholic Parents of Young Children

Liana Eisenman-Wolford, NCSP

Copyright 2011 Liana Eisenman-Wolford

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Cover design by Matthew Baker Thompson

This book is lovingly dedicated to Mom and Dad, my first catechists,

and Aileen and Jim, whose faith continually inspires me.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Advent

Christmas

Ordinary Time I – Back to Basics

Lent

Easter

Ordinary Time II – Going Deeper

Appendix A: Memory Verses

Appendix B: Common Prayers

About the Author

Introduction

There are many books, websites, and other sources of information for monitoring and encouraging physical and cognitive growth in the early years, but surprisingly few resources for Christian parents on spiritual growth. Parents are often unsure of what is age-appropriate to teach their children and how to include faith as part of daily living. Once children reach Kindergarten age, churches begin offering faith formation programs through Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and other fun activities. But what is a parent to do in those first four or five years? This book provides an overview of what a child can learn in infancy and through the toddler and preschool years to encourage spiritual growth.

The Liturgical Year

The chapters of this book correspond with the seasons of the liturgical year of the Catholic Church. Each chapter begins with a summary of the season and an explanation of the liturgical colors used. While it is appropriate to read each chapter as that season approaches, there are ideas throughout the book that can be used year-round. You may decide to read through the book once and make note of ideas you want to use with your children before setting the book aside for an entire season. Also, memory verses and common prayers to use with your family are included in the appendices at the back of the book.

Age Profiles

It can be helpful to know what to expect from your child as she grows. The following age profiles highlight some characteristics of children from birth through age five. These also include recommendations for teaching faith to a child at each age.

The first year. After many months of waiting, your precious baby has finally arrived. She is so tiny and fragile, depending on you for everything. Through this first year, she will learn to recognize people and places and find comfort in what is familiar. Every day she will become more aware of her surroundings. She wants to be warm, dry, and fed. She wants to be cuddled and hear your voice. She wants to be loved. Shower her with your love and show her the love of God.

One year old. Your baby is growing every day. His language abilities continue to expand, he is interested in playing with other children, and is constantly exploring and evaluating his environment. He is making sense of his world, discovering consequences, and beginning to participate in taking care of himself (washing his hands, brushing his teeth). As his parent, what can you do to help him grow spiritually as well? Continue positive habits developed in the first year, including regular prayer with and for your child, Mass attendance, and Christian reading. These practices should continue throughout a lifetime.

Two years old. Your toddler is getting increasingly active and social. She is developing a sense of self. She needs structure and routine, but may be defiant when you provide them! Her vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds as she learns about her world. As your child continues to master language, you can provide words to explain what is happening during Mass. She will begin to understand prayers and can sing songs with you. She is loving and sweet, but can sorely try your patience some days. You and your child may enjoy a Christian playgroup where she can socialize and you can get support and ideas from other parents. If such a group does not exist at your parish, you may be the one to get things started!

Three years old. Your child loves to play make-believe. His interest in props and puppets makes religious play sets particularly appealing at this