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The human child is made up of three components: body, mind and spirit. Parents and guardians are entrusted with the duty and the privilege of nurturing and developing each of these elements in their son or daughter. If they fulfill the responsibility well, the adult who emerges, in time, will be a healthy, intelligent, and moral individual, a credit and a blessing to family, church and country. The obligations parents assume when their child is born are not simple or easy. Help and guidance are needed from different sources along the way.

Let us first consider the child's physical component: the body. At birth, the infant is small, weak and fragile. Parents must look after its every need. With the attention and advice of the family doctor, it gradually becomes larger, stronger and more independent. In time, it passes through the stages of childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood. However, the physical body is mortal. In time, it will age, become weak again, gradually wear out, and eventually die.

The child is also gifted with a mind. A mind is distinct from the physical brain, but dependent on it while the child lives on earth. In the early years, the child learns basic information and skills from the parents, within the context of the family. As it gets older, the school augments the parents' instruction and the student learns more and more detailed and specialized knowledge. Eventually, he or she is prepared and equipped to enter the world of work. The young adult begins to earn a living and perhaps contemplates starting a family.

The third component of every human child is a soul or spirit, a Divine spark implanted by the Creator. The spirit animates the body, including the brain, and gives it life. When the soul departs, the human will die.

The soul, as well as the body and mind, needs guidance and formation. It needs to hear about the Ultimate Good, who is God. It needs to hear the story of God's interaction with humans. It should be taught to distinguish right from wrong, and given training in choosing the right over the wrong.

These lessons and training are, in fact, the most important of all. The body is mortal and finite. The soul or spirit is eternal; it will live forever. Spiritual leaders will aid parents in teaching the faith tradition and in the character formation of their child. If the family is fortunate enough to belong to a vibrant faith community, there will be many role models for the children to emulate. The best lessons are taught through example.

Children should certainly be taught religion. Their physical and mental well-being are important for the duration of their earthly life but the spiritual development they are able to achieve will benefit them for eternity. Strong faith in God will also help them overcome difficulties in this world. When a loved one dies, when they experience distress or disappointment, a secure belief that a loving Father is in control and that he will work all things together for good, is an invaluable consolation.

Good parents will ensure that their child is given proper religious training to prepare them for life in this world and the next. Love and effective fulfillment of their parental duty will allow no less.

Learn more about this author, Carolyn Tytler.
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