The gleeful peals of laughter by children who delight in the simple pleasures of life...that is one of my favorite sounds. 

The easy innocence and trusting nature of our children is something to be protected, cherished, and nurtured.  Parenting is a delicate balance--one which I struggle with every day--and we all make mistakes along the way.  The best that we can do as parents is to love, protect, and educate our children...be there for them when they hurt, and to help them celebrate whenever they triumph over one of life's many challenges.

I am constantly on the lookout for good parenting books.  Since embarking on my Pagan path, the challenge seems at times overwhelming.  I know my most important job is to instill in my children a deep love of and respect for Nature, a solid sense of self and their connection to Divinity that is found in themselves, in others, and in the natural world around them, and to help them grow up to live full and satisfying lives.  No pressure, right?

As I travel--or rather skip happily like a child--down this path with you, I would like to recommend a book or two along the way as I discover them. 

Good luck and brightest blessings on your journey! --Rowan

 

Raising Witches  $12.00 - More and more Wiccan families are looking for specific advice about raising their children in the faith. Here is the first book to give parents the means to teach Wicca in a more formal fashion than just "chatting with the kids" around the kitchen table. Featuring a Wiccan curriculum for each of the five age groups, this book offers a variety of sample lessons and both a structure and a prototype for readers who want to develop "Sun Day School" or "Moon School" classes. Includes charms, spells, songs, and guided meditations in addition to practical ideas for educational activities. It includes a glossary and a recommended reading list as well. Featuring detailed discussions of how children grow and learn so that Wiccan parents can teach their tradition effectively, Raising Witches finally gives parents the means to communicate the rudiments of their faith to their children. 224 pgs.

 

Family Wicca  $15.00 - Once again, Wiccan families can take heart! Family Wicca is backrevised and expanded! More than 10 years ago, it was the first book written specifically for Wiccan parents. Now it's the 21st centurys best reference for the still growing number of neo-Pagan parents who want to introduce their children to the principles of their religion. Like Ashleens other books, it is written from her perspective as a Wiccan, but it's easy for Asatruar and Druids to translate and use, too. In Family Wicca, priestess, wife, and mother Ashleen OGaea offers encouragement, shares her own family's experiences, discusses real-life challenges and how to deal with them, and provides a wealth of simple rituals and inexpensive projects that will enhance your family's life in every way. Learn to ground your family in Wicca without devaluing other religions... explain life, sex, and, death compassionately and with calm common sense. Live mythically... and joyfully celebrate the passages in your life. Not only will you find lots of ideas to use right away, you'll also refer to this book again and again as your traditions grow with your family. It includes, for example: Answers to hard questions about the faith from children and non-Wiccan family and friends. Ways to put Charge of the Child into practice. Blessings for daily events and spells for daily problems. Tips on celebrating the Sabbats through camping and other outdoor activities. Projects to do together, such as making brooms, banners, calendars, and coloring books. Wicca's families are Wicca's future. The need for mutual support is increasing and Family Wicca is revised and expanded to answer that need for another generation. Paperback, 256 pgs.