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Spiritual Direction with
Children
If you and your child are curious whether experiencing Spiritual Direction would be something for your child, I'd love to hear from you and discuss the possibilities.
A Spiritual Direction session with a child or teenager might look very different from the one with an adult. We will use illustrated images, movement, music, process art, toys, and other manipulatives, such as prayer beads, a lot more than typically with adults.
However different the form might look like, the core remains the same, which is to help the child notice the hand, eye, and voice of God in their lives and respond back to Him. These moments of sacred, unrushed listening, playing, and pondering will nurture a child’s life with God now and help him or her to give meaning to it still in the years to come.
With children and teenagers (under 18 year-olds) each session lasts typically 20 - 45 minutes (this is determined by the child).
I only meet with a minor with a parent’s consent and in a public space where we can be seen but yet have a sense of privacy (e.g. public library study room, school or church classroom with an open door) or via online video chat.
Also, if you are a teacher, youth worker or a children's pastor and are interested in exploring ways of working together in the caring for the souls of the young people that have been entrusted to your leadership, let's connect!
Browse the site for information about my offerings for groups, learn about the prayer tools that I make for families, and read reflections on children's spirituality in my blog.
Find more information on spiritual direction with children in the resources below.
In their words
*Children’s names have been changed to respect their privacy.
9 years old
*Emily
“I can tell Kaisa anything – all my secrets. We get to talk about God and like how he's living in our lives.”
8 and 5 years old
*Levi and Annie
Meeting with Kaisa has been helpful because "it helps us know our feelings, feel closer to God, feel safe and loved." Their favorite parts of meeting with Kaisa are.. "talking about Jesus, answering good questions, and the blessing".
5 years old
*Fiona
"I just talk about God and I like how Kaisa puts special oil on me that smells good. I got to play with play dough and talk about ways to see God."
12 years old
*Alexander
"Spiritual Direction helps me with my problems – like not being scared at night. It's good to express my feelings comfortably in a private setting where no one judges them."
9 years old
*Sophia
“I like that I can tell Kaisa stuff, stuff that I usually don’t remember. And she sorta points me in the right direction.”
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Below are some other opportunities for holy listening and spiritual conversations with children.
The group offerings for children and their families are online gatherings.
Spiritual Direction with Children Course
This 12-week online course is for spiritual directors who would like to learn the ministry of spiritual direction with children.
Praying Hands
Circles
Praying Hands Circles are creative, contemplative prayer and listening experiences for all ages. Children 6-years and under are welcome to participate with their parents.
Handheld Prayer
Tools & Guides
Our handmade imaginative tactile tools and prayer guides are designed to nurture playful prayerfulness in all ages.