As a parent, you want to give your child the world! You want to show them how to find joy in life despite facing adversity. How can we help guide our children through their life’s journey? While religion may not be for everyone, a growing collection of research has shown that incorporating spirituality and religion into your home is one way you can leave a lasting positive impact on your growing family for generations to come.
WHAT IF I AM NOT RELIGIOUS?
In the United States, 75% of people follow an organized religion, but religion and spirituality are not the same thing.[1] What is spirituality exactly? Spirituality refers to “the way a person searches for meaning and purpose in life, as well as” their relationship with others, nature, and divinity.[2] It can be expressed through things like “art, poetry, and myth, as well as religious practice.”[3] Many people find this sense of connection by spending time in nature. Others practice meditation through yoga or similar practices. In general, spirituality involves removing yourself from distractions so that you can be mindful of your inner beliefs, connect with a higher power, or find more meaning in your life.
On the other hand, religion is a method of practicing spirituality that involves significant beliefs in a higher power. People can develop distinct lifestyles and practices stemming from devotion to their faith. Researchers of religion have organized it into two basic categories— private and public religiosity. Dr. Rob Whitely explained, “Public religiosity refers to active participation in a religious congregation, whereas private religiosity refers to religious belief and
practice that occurs . . . at home or simply deep in the individual mind.”[4] Religious congregations act as support groups to foster spirituality and encourage personal conversion. Encouraging private worship gives way for religious members to practice spirituality outside of the congregation through meditation, study, and prayer.
Whether you are devout or would rather go without organized religion, you have options for how to bring spirituality into your home and reap the benefits. Practicing spirituality on your own or with a faith community both have possible benefits for every member of your family. Some of the most notable effects involve better mental health, physical health, and the development of valuable character traits.
BENEFITS FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Time and time again, studies indicate that leading a spiritual lifestyle helps people have “less depression, lower stress, less anxiety, greater well-being, and more positive emotions” overall.[5] One possible reason for these changes is the impact religion has on a person’s ability to face adversity. For example, for those facing devastating chronic illness, spirituality and religious faith were important coping mechanisms for managing their stressful life events.[6] Less stress means more time to enjoy your relationships and your life. Incorporating spirituality into your home may help you and your kids to feel happier overall so you can have the confidence to tackle the battles you face every day.
Religion can be particularly impactful for teenagers’ mental health.[7] A team of researchers found that teens “who prayed or meditated every day had more life satisfaction, were better able to process emotions, and were more forgiving compared to those who never prayed/meditated.”[8] These findings are specifically referring to time spent focusing on private religiosity and personal spirituality.
Once again, your inner commitment to spiritual practices can be influential even without attending services. However, the benefits of going to services can be even greater. Adolescents who attended regular religious services had greater life satisfaction, emotional control, and forgiveness. In addition, teens became more willing to serve the community as they attended religious services regularly. Attending services was also correlated with teens having a greater sense of purpose, better psychological well-being, fewer cases of mental illness, and numerous character strengths. [9] Additionally, they were less likely to abuse drugs and have early sexual encounters.[10] Parents may want to consider exploring religious services that will support them in their efforts to raise their children with healthy values.
BENEFITS FOR PHYSICAL HEALTH
Because of the huge positive impact spirituality has on mental health, it carries into the physical realm as well. This is partially because “persons who are depressed, unmotivated, or without hope are less likely to make attempts to maintain their physical functioning.”[11] Religious people are more likely to care for their bodies. Frequent religious service attendance has been known to lower mortality risk and increase healthier behaviors.[12] Many religions include special diets which can encourage families to eat healthier and exercise or at least be more aware of healthy lifestyles.[13]
There are early positive effects that spirituality can have on young children. There is evidence that early exposure to spirituality can have a lasting positive impact on health because, “once risk factors are established, it can be difficult to restore a healthy state.”[14] Thus, while benefits can apply to people of any age, it is even more beneficial to introduce healthy habits early in life. That way, children can have a strong foundation on which to build as they grow.
SPIRITUALITY WORKING WONDERS
Thanks to my parents’ example, I’ve seen the benefits of religion and spirituality in my own life. Of course, spirituality can mean different things to different people, but whatever the meaning, spirituality can work wonders for parents and their families. Given the potential benefits, you might want to try out different methods of practicing spirituality in their homes. Parents can visit different religious services to discover what they feel a connection to, practice meditation and prayer at home, or even take up an art form to gain a sense of connection with the world around them. Whatever you decide, it can ultimately bless you and your family members throughout your lives.
HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO GET STARTED
- Start a gratitude journal by writing ten things you are grateful for each day. You can create a fun activity to help your kids do the same.
- Practice breathwork or watch a meditation video on YouTube to find balance and alignment before starting your busy day.
- Attend a local church service to learn about how others in your community are practicing religion and spirituality.
- Begin saying personal and family prayers. Think of it as a conversation between you and a higher power that cares deeply about your welfare.
- Spend time in nature by taking a morning walk or hike. It does not have to be a big excursion.
- Set a scheduled night for designated family time. Share a message about things you value and do something fun together
Kimberly McCann is an undergraduate student at Brigham Young University working towards a degree in Family and Consumer Science Education. Her research interests include sex education, mindful relationship strategies, healthy body image, and spirituality in the home. She is currently working on creating meditation videos to support postpartum women develop more confidence in their bodies.
[1] “Religious Landscape Study.” Pew Research Center, Washington, D.C. (n.d.) https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/.
[2] Moosavi, S., Rohani, C., Borhani, F., & Akbari, M. (2019). Consequences of Spiritual Care for Cancer Patients and Oncology Nurses: a Qualitative Study. Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing, 6(2), 137. https://doi.org/10.4103/apjon.apjon-37-18
[3] Dein, S; Cook, C; Powell, A; Eagger, S. (2010). Religion, spirituality, and mental health. The Psychiatrist. 2010(34), 63–64. https://doi.org/10.1192/pb.bp.109.025924
[4] Whitley, R. (2017, December 18). Religion and mental health:What is the link? Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-about-men/201712/religion-and-mental-health-what-is-the-link
[5] Koenig H. G. (2012). Religion, spirituality, and health: The research and clinical implications. ISRN Psychiatry, 2012, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.5402/2012/278730
[6] Dein, S; Cook, C; Powell, A; Eagger, S. (2010). Religion, spirituality, and mental health. The Psychiatrist. 2010(34), 63–64. https://doi.org/10.1192/pb.bp.109.025924
[7] Chen, Y., & VanderWeele, T.J. (2018). Associations of religious upbringing with subsequent health and well-being from adolescence to young adulthood: An outcome-wide analysis. American Journal of Epidemiology, 187(11), 2355-2364. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwy142
[8] Chen, Y., & VanderWeele, T.J. (2018). Associations of religious upbringing with subsequent health and well-being from adolescence to young adulthood: An outcome-wide analysis. American Journal of Epidemiology, 187(11), 2355-2364. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwy142
[9] Chen, Y., & VanderWeele, T.J. (2018). Associations of religious upbringing with subsequent health and well-being from adolescence to young adulthood: An outcome-wide analysis. American Journal of Epidemiology, 187(11), 2355-2364. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwy142
[10] Chen, Y., & VanderWeele, T.J. (2018). Associations of religious upbringing with subsequent health and well-being from adolescence to young adulthood: An outcome-wide analysis. American Journal of Epidemiology, 187(11), 2355-2364. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwy142
[11] Walton, A. (2018, September 17). Raising kids with religion or spirituality may protect their mental health: Study. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2018/09/17/raising-kids-with-religion-or-spirituality-may-protect-their-mental-health-study/?sh=47822d2a3287
[12] Chen, Y., & VanderWeele, T.J. (2018). Associations of religious upbringing with subsequent health and well-being from adolescence to young adulthood: An outcome-wide analysis. American Journal of Epidemiology, 187(11), 2355-2364. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwy142
[13] Emotional and Physical Health. (2001, September). For the Strength of Youth, p. 25.
[14] Chen, Y., & VanderWeele, T.J. (2018). Associations of religious upbringing with subsequent health and well-being from adolescence to young adulthood: An outcome-wide analysis. American Journal of Epidemiology, 187(11), 2355-2364. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwy142