‘If there is anything that we wish to change in the child, we should first examine it and see whether it is not something that could better be changed in ourselves’. ~C.G. Jung, Integration of the Personality, 1939

As spiritual beings experiencing a human lifetime, we strive to understand the human condition as the soul explores boundaries, challenges and pleasures of being in the human form and living on the earth plane. As conscious creators, we strive in each moment, thought, action and deed to express our passions, loves and desires. There are as I say on the Explore Your Spirit show, ‘many paths, one destination’ and we have the free will to choose how we live in each lifetime, with the exception of a little destiny and karma thrown into the mix along the way.

For many people, an important part of this expression is the choice to have children. Perhaps there is no quicker way to learn who you are and test the boundaries of your patience, competence, wisdom, compassion and unconditional love, than through raising a child. The act of parenthood is a sacred undertaking and when done with love and care, the parent and child enter into a relationship which endures the test of time, providing tremendous benefit to them both along the way. I have often said that my son has been my greatest teacher, for out of the mouth of babes comes the wisdom of the ages. The goal I have always believed, is not to raise the child in a manner of how we think they should be, but rather in the manner of allowing them the safety and encouragement to explore and discover over time, who they are at the soul level. This in turn, allows them to express fully who they are meant to be in this lifetime, providing encouragement as a parent, rather than directives.

In her book, Soul to Soul Parenting, author Annie Burnside provides a guide to raising a family in a spiritually conscious fashion. A mother of three, Annie encourages parents to become ‘…active participants in their children’s awakening as conscious global citizens’. The book advises parents that a multitude of positive messages can be communicated to children helping them discover and reinforce life-afirming attributes within themselves.

In this forthcoming age of Aquarius, humanity is evolving at a rapid pace and the new souls coming through each day require new techniques and guidance in creating their future. In Soul to Soul Parenting, Burnside shares 22 methods for integrating spirituality into daily family life, encompassing a range of techniques including music, spirit mobiles, connecting with nature and specific tools and applications available to parents.

I recommend the book for parents with children of all ages including teens, as it’s packed full of wonderful ideas to bring families closer together to explore their highest potential.