The Spiritual Child: The New Science on Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving

In The Spiritual Child, psychologist Lisa Miller presents a new avenue in psychology: the science and the power of spirituality. Combining more than a decade of cutting-edge scientific research with broad anecdotal evidence from her work as a clinical psychologist, Miller illustrates just how invaluable spirituality--a personal relationship to a higher power such as nature, God, spirit, or the universe that is loving and guiding-- is to a child's mental and physical health. The research shows that children who have a positive, active relationship to spirituality:

• are 40% less likely to use and abuse substances
• are 60% less likely to be depressed as teenagers
• are 80% less likely to have dangerous or unprotected sex
• have significantly more positive markers for thriving including an increased sense of meaning and purpose, and high levels of academic success.

The Spiritual Child translates these findings into practical advice for parents, giving concrete ways to develop and encourage their children's―as well as their own―well-being. The Spiritual Child is a provocative, conversation-starting book, and a pioneering new way to think about parenting our modern children and youth.

Includes Reading, Discussion, Education and Parenting Guide.