LadyNimue1 asked this question on 5/10/2000:
What is the best way to begin a Child (4 Years old) in Rituals? My son is 4 Years old and he has just begun to take an interest in my "Work area."
stargazer44_99 gave this response on 5/10/2000:
Merry Meet Lady Nimue,
It's wonderful that your young son is interested in the Craft. It's our obligation to teach our children the basics of our religion as soon as they're capable of understanding. The sooner they learn, the better they'll be at whatever gift they have (or area of interest). If everyone (even people not in the Craft) would take the time to teach their children about nature and their responsibility to the "Mother", our earth would certainly heal. It takes time to change all the things that have gone before us that have damaged this beautiful earth. If you teach your children respect for nature, other people, wildlife, and our total environment, then we can effect a change. A good start for participation in ritual for a young person, would be merely to have them BE there...they can watch and learn...eventually, they can join in by helping to place items on the alter...pick flowers...carefully light candles. They need to learn the significance of each and every gesture...they'll enjoy participating in something that's "honoring" the earth...the moon, the stars. We have so many wonderful holidays and you can make it fun for your child to celebrate with you, your friends,and your family. They will learn the closeness of family when they can join in something very special. They need to know that they belong to a very unique group of people who care about our universe and are not afraid to demonstrate it by the things that they do. You can be your childs personal teacher (as it should be) in his/her path. Children learn what they see...what they hear. They're a blank slate...teach them well so that they can teach their children and maybe..just maybe, our world will enjoy peace, harmony and productivity in the future. Blessed Be...Stargazer
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