In response to Katrina’s inquiry about teaching spirituality to children….
I don’t actually think you need to teach children to be “spiritual.” I think most of them already are. However, as a culture, we’re pretty quick to squash day dreaming, walking barefoot, and swimming naked in favor of watching TV. Because what needs aren’t addressed on the small screen (or the big screen)? That was sarcasm.
That said, it seems like there are practices worth emphasizing with your kids (and your favorite adults too). They include being outside, appreciating the world around you (which is a form of prayer), being kind, eating together, sharing joys and concerns with one another, helping the greater community, understanding the greater good. Those are all non-religious-centric practices, yet quite spiritual in their own right. Also, here are some resources.
Check out Ten Tips for a Spiritual Summer (almost all of which you can do with your kids) on Beliefnet.
Check out Susan Kramer’s site devoted to prayer and meditation with kids as well as teaching values such as fairness and honesty.
Browse through the books on spirituality and children on Amazon.
Here’s an article on spirituality and children from the UUs, which mentions a big UU practice of Joys and Concerns (big with the kiddies).