The Spirituality of Parenting [Speaking of Faith® from American Public Media]

April 3, 2008
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More and more people in our time are disconnected from religious institutions, at least for part of their lives. Others are religious and find themselves creating a family with a spouse from another tradition or no tradition at all. And the experience of parenting tends to raise spiritual questions anew. We sense that there is a spiritual aspect to our children's natures and wonder how to support and nurture that. The spiritual life, our guest says, begins not in abstractions, but in concrete everyday experiences. And children need our questions as much as our answers.

Program Details
» Particulars ¦ an annotated guide to the radio program with readings, images, and links
» Resources
» Books + Music
» Krista's Journal
» Transcript
» Credits

Hear the Music
» SOF Playlist ¦ hear full-length tracks of each musical segment in the radio program

Selected Texts
» Recommended Reading by Sandy Sasso
Sasso has compiled a list of books she finds helpful in understanding spirituality and children. She also includes a series of titles for children to nurture their spirituality.

Image Information
"Care" by Renata Baião

Voices of Our Audience
» Your Voices, Your Stories
We asked for your stories and the spiritual questions that parenting — or grandparenting — raises. Listen to the voices of 11 adults from across the country share their stories.

» Reflections
Tell us and other audience members what this program meant to you

Unheard Cuts
» Complete, Unedited Interview (mp3, 54:00)
Many times Krista's conversations with her guests run longer than time alotted for a radio format. Edits are made, and great audio hits the cutting room floor. Listen to the entire interview with Rabbi Sasso we resurfaced for your ears.

» Exclusive Online Interview
David Dollahite tells Krista about his conversion to the Mormon faith and family, his research on the role faith plays in family's lives, and raising a child with special needs.

Voice on the Radio

Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
Sasso is rabbi of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis and author of many children's books.

Voice on the Web

David C. Dollahite
Dollahite is professor and associate director for outreach of the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University.