(17th April 2026)

When I left the church, the biggest question that kept plaguing me was, how am I going to teach my kids the things I do love about church... without taking them?

Easy answer... just take them. Difficulty... but I don't want to go to church! And I don't feel like it brings me any sense of fulfillment anymore. 

A workshop changed my perspective

A few years ago, I attended a workshop specifically geared towards guiding children on their spiritual journey. But guess what? It was at a Christian church filled with Christian leadership! I felt so scared to go. I felt like everyone would think I was a fraud. Someone would see me and shout... Get her out of here! She does mediumship and uses tarot cards! She's evil! And they'd all chant something hurtful and throw me out. 

But guess what? They were so lovely! Everyone I spoke to was kind and friendly and welcoming! Sure, they didn't know my background, but they embraced me all the same.

The workshop taught many things, but what stood out to me was the similarities to Play Therapy and giving children a voice in their own spirituality. Allowing them to create meaning and find a relationship with God for themselves. She spoke about them experiencing the 'ping'; that moment when you feel God! While watching a sunset, while reading a beautiful poem, while talking to a loving friend. The 'ping' that I had felt so many times but not been given the space to express it. The real relationship with God.

So what do we actually do to teach children about God?

I can only explain it the way I do to my kids; I talk about my own 'pings'. We call them 'God moments'. I told them sometimes I feel God, and have no other explanation for it. And they have told me about their own 'pings' over the years.

I also read them loads of different accounts. We read the Bible. But I also talk about Mary Magdalene and her Bible. We talk about Hindu beliefs and read stories from other religions. I tell them that many people have loved God and many religions in the world see God differently - because that's what God is for them. I have built a framework for them around my Catholic beliefs, without taking them to church much. And somehow that has given them space to speak, and ask questions and think about their own ideas.

My 9 year old daughter has chosen to go to the Catholic church anyway! She is keen to learn more and wants to make her First Communion. I am fully supportive, although I find it quite scary. I don't want her learning the things that hurt me, that made me feel shame and doubt and fear. Luckily, the open space to speak freely has been created and she tells me that while she loves the Catholic Church, she is her own religion.

I share my journey with them...

My children see me meditating every day! Okay they don't always see it... unless they come inside the room and grab some socks or the brush (remember I told you it's my meditation time?) but they know I meditate daily. I make up short meditations for them at night as they fall asleep and allow them to experience imagination as a medium for connection with God. I use my Oracle cards with them and they find so much comfort in the messages. 

Earlier this year my 7 year old was really struggling with anxiety about starting a new extra mural; she had some bad experiences previously. She asked me if she could grab some cards. We sat together and I just watched and observed. She chose some cards and excitedly looked at the descriptions. She grabbed the booklet and started reading, deeply engrossed in the messages. "Ah... Mom this was exactly what I needed!" A message about peace and support made her feel seen. She didn't need me to say anything else, she felt like she had a message that spoke to her heart.

A few weeks after that I found her meditating in her room, a chance to reflect that I didn't impose or tell her to do. She said she had felt a bit stressed and thought maybe what I do would help. "I don't really know what meditation is, but I just gave it a try!" 

Instead of telling her how I meditate I asked. "Well... what did meditation mean for you?" And she said it meant breathing deeply and imagining beautiful things, like unicorns jumping over rainbows. And I said that sounded cool! And that if she wanted any more different meditations or prayers we could do some together if she liked. And she hasn't asked yet, but I hope that the space has been created.  

In closing...

This little write up may not tell you anything about teaching your children to find God in their lives! But maybe it planted a small seed about how to approach it? My final word would be... remember that children's relationship with God may be very different to ours! And I think I've found that even two people sitting in the same church, on the same bench, listening to the same words... will experience God differently. And I feel that that's okay!

I'd love to hear your thoughts!