Family and parenting

Worship What's new Who we are Where we are Music Families Kids' page Away from home Looking for God Text-only page		Past notes -- Families from earlier "Family and parenting" pages.
		Birth to age 2 Infants have an idea of God by age eight months. Instead of memorizing commercial tunes and product logos, what if our children could sing songs of love, joy, and faith and wanted to fold their hands before every meal? There is no such thing as letting the child grow up to decide for her/himself. From the beginning of life we are surrounded by choices in values and beliefs. Which ones will we help children make?
		"The child in our hands" - Ages 3-5 The world of 3- to 5-year-olds is growing quickly. This is an important time for language development. Have them tell you about their experience and feelings. Let their play, imagination, and exploration be filled with positive images of God's loving presence in their lives through attentive, loving adults. Things to do: Ask an adult outside the home to become personally invested in your child's growth and well-being. Stimulate intellectual, physical, and spiritual growth through play, reading, praying, singing, and laughter. Make God part of your daily conversations with your child - it is natural for them and can be for you, too.
Worship What's new Who we are Where we are Music Families Kids' page Away from home Looking for God Text-only page		Primary grades -- ages 6 to 9 Personal friendships begin about this age. Children begin to feel confident with information, and want to learn it. They can follow and remember longer stories. Fairness and self-interest guide children's thinking and relationships with others. Sharing and a sense of the needs of others begin at this age. Physical skills improve considerably. A greater sense of independence and ability marks this time of life. Encourage each child to see himself or herself as part of a larger community, through service to others and through the personal support and interest of two or three other caring adults.
		Intermediate grades -- ages 9 to 12 Children in these years especially need to be in touch with adults who matter to them. They are greatly influenced by what other people expect. Sometimes they want independence, sometimes they will want to lean on others. In these years, children are developing physically, and may start to have a new interest in the opposite sex. Social relationships are changing. Sometimes a child may be moody, but relational and verbal skills are improving. They are beginning to reason and question. Help the child explore her or her own feelings, thoughts and questions about self, others, and God. Witness to your own faith as your child explores his or her own faith with questions, trying out various ideas. Encourage a life of prayer. Children in these years can develop a growing sense of who they are, and their connection to others. Use family outings as a time to wonder about God's activity in your lives and the world around you.
Worship What's new Who we are Where we are Music Families Kids' page Away from home Looking for God Text-only page		High School / Young Adults These are years when youth give serious attention to issues affecting their future. Awareness of their new physical, mental and relational powers lead to experimentation and idealism. Choices and attitudes are constantly challenged and reviewed. Stay connected to their friends, know them by name, and include them in your prayers and concerns. Include ethical, political and environmental topics in your conversations and wonder together how God's love and presence shapes those concerns. Recall, maintain and create family and seasonal rituals and worship that keep meaning and celebration alive in your relationships.
		The child in our hands For more information about the "Child in Our Hands" project, visit the Youth and Family Institute web site.
		Family links Augustana Kids' Page Search Institute Youth and Family Institute Young Lutheran magazine Pockets