Brendan Hyde

Research shows that children who feel connected thrive. This sense of connectedness-central to spirituality-fosters resilience, wellbeing, and protective factors that support lifelong growth. But how can professionals in early childhood education and care intentionally nurture this vital aspect of development? Drawing on over 20 years of groundbreaking research, this comprehensive Framework equips educators and healthcare professionals with the tools to support children's spiritual development. Authored by leading experts in early childhood spirituality, this book bridges the gap between theory and practice, presenting evidence-based strategies to nurture spirituality in children aged 0-8. Inside, you'll find: Research-Based Insights: A deep dive into the role of spirituality in young children's development and its impact on resilience and wellbeing. Practical Frameworks: Clear explanations of how children experience and express spirituality, presented through easily understood capabilities. Actionable Strategies: Simple, age-appropriate ways to foster spiritual growth for children aged 0-3 and 4-8, helping educators implement practices with confidence. Whether you're an educator, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this essential guide offers an accessible approach to nurturing the whole child. By cultivating a sense of connection, you can help children flourish spiritually, emotionally, and developmentally. About the Authors: Dr. Christine Robinson is an Associate Professor in early childhood. At the time of creating the Framework, Dr Robinson was at The University of Notre Dame Australia and is now at Edith Cowan University. Her work specialises in spirituality and play-based pedagogies. Dr. Brendan Hyde is a Senior Lecturer at Deakin University and Chair of the International Association for Children's Spirituality, with an international reputation for his contributions to the field. Dr. Megan Best, Associate Professor and researcher at the University of Notre Dame Australia, brings expertise in spirituality in healthcare and whole-person care to the Framework's interdisciplinary approach. A must-have resource for professionals passionate about nurturing the whole child.

Brendan Hyde identifies four characteristics of children's spirituality: the felt sense, integrating awareness, weaving the threads of meaning, and spiritual questing. These characteristics can be observed in children if those who work with them know what to look for and are alert to the time, place and space in which children find themselves. This book provides ways in which schoolteachers and parents can nurture and foster these particular characteristics of children's spirituality. It also considers two factors, material pursuit and trivialising, which may inhibit children's expression of their spirituality. Children and Spirituality will be of great interest to educators, policy makers, parents, and others who work with and seek to nurture the spirituality of children.