Pagan Parenting for the Under 5's

I would like to say hello to the readers and thanks to Pagan Pages for publishing my articles. The goal for this column is to give Pagan Parenting advice, hints and ideas to those with children who are 5 and under. I'm sure some people either do not or are not planning on teaching any sort of Paganism until their child is older, however I firmly believe that with any religion, we should start as soon as possible. Even if our children choose not to follow our religion when they are older, the basic morals and ideals will be ingrained into who they are.

Here is a little introduction so that you know who is behind this column. I'm a mother of 2 girls, ages two and a half and one. I live in Canada with my husband who is also Pagan. I look forward to doing what I can to help you raise your little ones in the Pagan way. If you want to know more about me, check out my bio.

So what part of Paganism is suitable to teach the under 5's? When your child is 18 months or younger, the most you can do is show your child that you love her and that you always will. A baby needs to feel safe and secure; to know that you will do everything you can to provide for her needs. By going to your child when he cries or feeding him when he's hungry, you are showing him that he is your world. Also during this time you may wish to perform a rite of passage ceremony. There are different kinds for babies to celebrate different milestones. You could do a ceremony to celebrate her birth, her name or her dedication to Paganism. I'll talk about this more next month.

Between 18 months and 5 years your focus should be on the seasons and Mother Earth. This is the time to introduce the seasons and any holidays you celebrate. Show him the changing leaves and cool breeze in autumn, the snow (if you get it) and evergreens during winter, the warmth of the sun and the beach during summer and the flowers and dew in spring. Have him help you decorate for the seasons and go for walks and talk about what you see. Go a few times each season so that your child begins to identify the signs of the seasons and then you can create a collage (see below).

Also between 2 and 5 years you can begin teaching basic concepts of magic by helping your child learn what is real and what is not. Also how things can be real but not necessarily seen. For example love is real but you can't see it as a physical thing. If you do rituals and feel comfortable, you could either bring your child into circle with you during a simple and short ritual or do a special ritual with your child. I will be sharing some rituals I've done with Morgan in later months.

Next month I'll touch on ceremonies for babies.

How to Make a Season Collage

Needed:

* Large piece of paper or piece of white Bristol board

* Washable markers

* Magazines, old ripped books, computer printouts and items from nature (the best option)

* Non-toxic white glue

* Hot glue gun for large items (to be used by adults)

First collect items that remind you of the four seasons. Natural items would be best but remember not to collect anything that is alive. Use only dead leaves and twigs from the ground and shells abandoned by creatures. If you can't find a natural item for something you want (like snow, water, fire, etc…) then use artificial pictures.

Draw a large circle on your paper or board and then make an even armed cross in the middle of it so that your circle is divided into four equal parts. Label each one a different season and then glue corresponding items into sections. Let it dry and then hang it up!

author: Kaylana Anaya