Spirituality as a Transformational Dimension of Family Life: Using Literature for Supporting Families' Spiritual Needs

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: Spirituality & Education Roundtable Session

Abstract

Families have a diverse, array of needs that need to be met to manage their daily role demands. This qualitative study addresses how using literature, focusing on spirituality, and listening to others’ spiritual stories can be a strategy for supporting families’ spiritual needs and growth. Before an educator can recognize and cultivate empathy and compassion with creating positive relationships with families, they should reflect on the challenges that can interfere with the capacity of care and compassion. By reflecting about personal spiritual stories each family shares through literature selections, educators may develop and nurture dispositions to teach and support families to parent with empowerment by appreciating the spiritual journey of parenting with more presence, love, learning, and joy.

Author

• Kathleen I. Harris, Seton Hill University