The Spiritual Child
The New Science on Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving
In The Spiritual Child, psychologist Lisa Miller presents the next big idea in psychology: the science and the power of spirituality. She explains the clear, scientific link between spirituality and health and shows that children who have a positive, active relationship to spirituality:
are 40% less likely to use and abuse substances
are 60% less likely to be depressed as teenagers
are 80% less likely to have dangerous or unprotected sex
have significantly more positive markers for thriving including an increased sense of meaning and purpose, and high levels of academic success.
Combining cutting-edge research with broad anecdotal evidence from her work as a clinical psychologist to illustrate just how invaluable spirituality is to a child's mental and physical health, Miller translates these findings into practical advice for parents, giving them concrete ways to develop and encourage their children's—as well as their own—well-being. In this provocative, conversation-starting book, Dr. Miller presents us with a pioneering new way to think about parenting our modern youth.
Carol Dweck, PhD, Lewis & Virginia Eaton Professor of Psychology, Stanford University, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
“Who can take the elusive subject of spirituality, subject it to rigorous scientific inquiry, and teach us more about it than we ever imagined? The answer is Lisa Miller. While honoring its depth and complexity, she shows in this important book how and why spirituality nourishes our children's well being. And most important of all, she shows parents how to help this happen.”
Gretchen Rubin, #1 NYT best selling author of The Happiness Project
“Hundreds of books discuss parenting issues, but The Spiritual Child is a special resource with a focus on fostering children’s spiritual lives. Perceptive, thought-provoking, and heavily researched, this is a valuable book for anyone interested in spiritual development in children, adolescents, and families.”
Martin E. P. Seligman, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, bestselling author of Authentic Happiness and Learned Optimism
“Lisa Miller is the leading psychologist of her generation on the benefits of religion and spirituality. She asks, ‘What makes life worth living’ and finds evidence-based answers.”
Andrew Newberg, M.D., author of How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist
“A masterpiece. The Spiritual Child is an outstanding blend of science, psychology, and spirituality. Essential reading for anyone raising a child or helping others take care of their own children. This practical, complete, and easy-to-read book changes the landscape on raising children to be happy, healthy, and flourishing.”
Wendy Mogel, author of the New York Times bestseller, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children
“Startlingly fresh scientific research and beautiful teachings about the many ways children can lead parents to deeper spirituality and fulfillment. The Spiritual Child is a fascinating, ground-breaking and important work.”
Harvey Karp, M.D., bestselling author of The Happiest Baby on the Block
“Wonderful and thought-provoking . . . a warm, hopeful, and encouraging call for parents to nurture their children’s spirits as well as their bodies and minds. Thank you Dr. Miller!”
Words of Praise
The Awakened Brain
The new science of spirituality and our quest for an inspired life