The third installment of Tim and Sue Muldoon’s series on “Why Children Need Ignatian Spirituality” is about the power of stories. Ignatius wanted people to use all their senses when contemplating the gospels. Stories are a powerful way for children to do this.
Don’t just teach forgiveness; tell the story of the Lost Son and then practice forgiveness—really practice it—at home. Take time when they are calm, teach the meaning of saying “I forgive you” (instead of the more bland “it’s okay”), and then walk them through the action of forgiving someone. Find ways to celebrate forgiveness in your family. The father of the lost son threw a party. Your family might celebrate by making a special dessert when you have been able to show forgiveness after a difficult conflict.