agan parents have a unique
task -- that of teaching pagan values to their children in a world
hostile to alternative religions. The following pagan child-raising
ideas and values will be helpful when considering your children's
Pagan learning experiences, no matter what the tradition you
practice.
IS FOR ACTIONS. Your own actions
and deeds speak loudest of all. If you want them to learn your
chosen path, teach them about it with actions, not just words.
IS FOR BEAUTY. Show your children
the beauty in nature and the other life on this planet. Teach
them to preserve that beauty for the future.
IS FOR CONSISTENCY. Hold to the same
principles and practices. Keep your actions consistent with your words.
IS FOR DOING. Teach your children the
old ways by doing pagan projects and crafts with them. Projects such
as recycling show them that doing what they can to help the earth
is essential.
IS FOR ENTHUSIASM. Let your children see
your enthusiasm for the old ways, and they will develop it, too. Take
them on nature walks, and other places where they can learn to
understand the Goddess and her creations first hand.
IS FOR FAITH. Faith in themselves and
their abilities helps children to handle any situation they may find
themselves in. Give them suitable tasks to perform. Their completion
will boost self-esteem.
IS FOR GODDESS AND GOD. Teach your children
the deities of your tradition. Explain who they are and what function they
have in your life and rituals. Instruct them in simple chants they can
use on their own.
IS FOR HOLIDAYS. Celebrate your tradition's
holidays with rituals and appropriate decorations. Sabbats and Esbats
both show children what it means to be Pagan. They should be allowed to
participate as much as possible.
IS FOR JOY. Always approach the teaching
of your children with a joyful spirit. Show your child the joy of honoring
the Goddess and God, and following the ancient paths.
IS FOR KNOWLEDGE. Knowledge is power. If
your children are properly prepared, they will be able to answer questions
about their beliefs, and defend themselves in an educated manner against
those hostile to their beliefs.
IS FOR LISTENING. Listen to your children,
and they will learn to listen to others. Their thoughts will give you
insights into how they see the world.
IS FOR MYTHS. The myths of your tradition
will delight and entertain as well as teach. Stories are a great way of
telling the chld about your deities.
IS FOR NEVER. Never forget to tell your
children about the past. Tell them about the burning times, and other dark
times for Pagans. We must never forget these things, lest they be repeated.
IS FOR OUTDOORS. Share with your children
the splendor of the great outdoors. Perform rituals outside whenever
possible. Help them understand that all things are connected to each
other.
IS FOR POWER. Teach them to recognize the
power inherent in all things. Introduce them to personal power and divine
power. Carefully instruct them in the use of power and the responsibility
that goes with it.
IS FOR QUESTIONS. Your children will have
many questions along the way. Always answer them truthfully and to the best
of your ability. Never discourage questions from children.
IS FOR RITUAL. Rituals are an important part
of all traditions. Let your children participate as much as their age will
allow. A young child may only be able to help set up the altar. Older
ones can join the chants, drumming, or dancing.
IS FOR SHARING. Sharing is an important
lesson. Here is where you must set a prime example for your child. By
sharing the old ways, you are giving them an honorable path they can follow
all their lives.
IS FOR TOLERANCE. Teach your child tolerance
for all the others who share this planet. Remember that there is no one
right path. Tolerance, however, should have its limits. Explain that they
should never tolerate abuse for their beliefs.
IS FOR UNDERSTANDING. Be understanding when
your chld is slow to grasp something new. Their understanding of the old
ways takes time and patience.
IS FOR VISION QUEST. Vision questing is
something most older children will enjoy, especially when seeking their
personal power animals. Power animals usually become very important to
children, as something they can call on when they are alone.
IS FOR WISDOM. There is no substitute for
wisdom. It is something your children will gain from your instruction and
their experiences. Teach them wisely and you will be rewarded.
IS FOR EXAMINE. Examine your principles and
practices constantly to be sure that you are not sending mixed messages.
Confusion helps no one.
IS FOR YOU. Don't spend so much time worrying
about your children that you forget about your own spiritual and physical
needs. The way you treat yourself sets an example, good or bad.
IS FOR ZEAL. Always share your zeal for life,
nature, and the old ways. You will be rewarded with your child's eagerness
to learn all about them. Don't forget to praise children for a job well
done. You will be glad you did.