Your child is changing so fast—in body, mind, and emotions—that you hardly know her anymore. One day she’s as responsible and cooperative as an adult; the next day she’s more like a six-year-old. Figuring out the new rules for you behavior as a parent can be intimidating. When is it acceptable to “like” their posts […]
5th & 6th grade – the age changing attitudes & emotions
Children at this phase are like the socks they buy, with a great range of stretch. Some are still “little kids” and others are quite mature. Some are already entering puberty, with body, emotions, and attitude changes during this stage. Friends become “best friends” and peer approval is highly motivating. Don’t worry, your opinion will […]
3rd & 4th grade – the age of curiosity & fairness
What I’m Like: My curiosity and eagerness to explore new things continues to grow. Friends are more important. I enjoy playing and being with peers. I may follow you around the house just to find out how you feel and think, especially about me. This is the age of “Fairness – rules are rules, […]
1st & 2nd grade – the age of “Look at Me!”
What I’m Like: Affectionate and excited over school, I go eagerly most of the time. I am self-centered and can be quite demanding. I think of myself as a big kid now. I can be impatient, wanting my demands to be met NOW. Yet I may take forever to do ordinary things. I like to […]
Milestone Celebrations at Foothills
Naming & Dedication of Babies This is the Unitarian Universalist equivalent of baptism! Unitarian Universalists do not believe in the concept of original sin so instead we offer this meaningful ceremony of blessing for children during a Sunday church service. These ceremonies are offered twice per year, once during the winter holiday season and once […]
Creating Family Ritual
Family rituals and traditions are wonderful, and it is a special joy to celebrate a holiday or carry on a bedtime ritual just as our parents and grandparents did. But the fact is, our lives are very different now, and we need to invent new traditions for today’s families. Family ritual is pretty much anything […]
Mindfulness with Children
Sharing Mindfulness Practices with Children is a wonderful way to give them skills to manage difficult emotions and stressful situations. Silent Meditation with Children Silent meditation can be a peaceful grounding practice for children. Have the child choose a natural object that appeals to them. (Have a selection of pretty stones, attractive dried leaves or […]
Family Prayers
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Who cared if there was really any Being to pray to? What mattered was the sense of giving thanks and praise, the feeling of a humble and grateful heart. — Oliver Sacks Prayer is a constant in human experience across eras and cultures, with petitions, lamentations, gratitude and requests for intercession expressed in a great variety […]
Lighting a Chalice
The symbol of Unitarian Universalism is the Flaming Chalice. The flaming chalice is a cup holding a flame – symbolizing the light of truth, the warmth of love and the energy of positive action. The flaming chalice has become the shared symbol of Unitarians and Universalists around the world and most Unitarian Universalist churches begin their […]