We have so many different faith traditions in our community. Muslim, Jewish and Sikh communities all find a home in our city. I have a friend who has kids a bit older than my son and she has made it her goal to visit worshipping communities over the summer with her family. They want to learn and explore alongside their kids. How cool is it that their children can learn about classmates who belong to different faith communities and experience what is important to their communities.  Being curious can be such a gift and as we learn and try new experiences alongside our kids they learn the importance of being curious too!

​My son Nate is just at the age, six, where he and his buddies talk about what church life and faith is like. And as some six years olds are wont to do things get competitive…  ‘Well my church or my god is better than yours’ Arghh ! We are learning to help our son listen and learn from his friends and share with his friends about what faith life is like for us, without putting down their experience.  We are all learning! What about inviting a friend to join you for worship or an event at church? What about after a sleepover getting the whole gang to church on Sunday morning? Who knows where the conversation might head…

​My son Nate likes to say that God makes even the molecules- Creation is such a great place to play in!  Nate’s grandparents on both sides of the family love to get our son outside- whether on hikes in the bush , playing in the dirt or fishing on the lake he is exploring God’s creation and wondering and asking a TON of questions! It’s free to play outside- if you have a green space near where you live spend part of your day there- it will be good for you and your kid! If you have a community garden in your neighbourhood consider taking a plot for the year or share one with a neighbour or new friend. 

​I’ve noticed that kids tend to take liturgy inside them and it peeks out at the most interesting times. Driving around you might hear your child peep from the back of the car a ‘holy, holy, holy’ or at home you may have peeked around the corner and watched your child play communion with their stuffies- this is GOOD! Kids learn through play – our stories and faith is transmitted in this wonderful way. Jerome Berryman (www.godlyplay.org) has done great work around what he calls godly play. Have fun exploring and playing together!