This is the ninth page in the “Online Introduction to Radiant Hearts” series, focusing on sharing a few examples of how families may wish to use Radiant Hearts based on different aged children. These are simply ideas of what Radiant Hearts might look like in action and not specific suggestions (for example, your family may gather in the evening instead of the morning). This section is meant to help you envision what using the program might look like.
Family with a baby
When you have a young baby, you are setting the foundation for praying together and teaching your child that they have spiritual qualities to develop. Your child is learning language and can feel the spirit and energy of what you say. Here are some ideas for using Radiant Hearts with a baby:
- At the beginning of the month choose a spiritual quality to study.
- Each morning upon waking or before morning nap sing the prayer and quotation.
- Practice using the language of virtues with your baby, saying things such as “Let’s be gentle to kitty,” “That was a friendly smile!” or “You are being very patient waiting for our dinner to cook.”
- Each evening as part of their bedtime routine, sing the prayer and quotation.
Family with a one or two-year-old
When babies are becoming toddlers, they are beginning to say words and may even be able to sing along to prayers and quotations. They are also learning about acceptable behavior and will be able to begin understanding virtues in terms of actions such as “let’s clean up” for cleanliness or “let’s use our courteous words” for courtesy. Here are some ideas for using Radiant Hearts with a toddler:
- At the beginning of the month choose a spiritual quality to study.
- Each morning, sit down to sing the monthly prayer and quotation after breakfast.
- Make the booklet for your child and read it together several times a week.
- Learn and sing the songs at morning play time every Wednesday. (Choosing a specific day will help you remember to add the singing to your routine.)
- Choose one day a week (for example, Saturdays when the whole family is at home) to do one of the Daily Activities together.
- Sing the prayer and quotation as part of your bedtime routine.
Family with a three-year old
When your child turns three, you will be able to add more elements to your spiritual education routine. Your child will likely have the capacity to memorize a few prayers and will probably be able to understand and identify the names of several virtues, such as what it means to “be obedient” or “be patient.” Here are some ideas for what you may like to do:
- At the beginning of the month choose a spiritual quality to study.
- Each morning, sing the prayer and quotation, plus one or two from previous months.
- Choose two days of the week (for example, Wednesdays and Saturdays) to do one or two of the Daily Activities together.
- At dinner, share how you saw your child exhibit the spiritual quality of the month.
- Sing the prayer and quotation as part of your bedtime routine.
- You may wish to check out or purchase the books from the Virtue Library, or search for titles of your own choosing.
- Create a Crown of Virtues to add a jewel to each month.
- Your family may like to offer an “Act of Service.” See this page for more details.
Family with a four-year old
When your child turns four years old they will probably be able to engage with all the elements of the Radiant Hearts program, with help from a grown-up. However, depending on your schedule and the other children in your household, you may not be able to dedicate that much time to Radiant Hearts activities. Do not feel pressure to do everything offered in the program, just choose the parts that work for you. You will find schedules and routines change due to life circumstances so sometimes you may be able to do a lot, and other times you will not be able to do much. Stay flexible and just be assured that praying and learning the quotations with your child is the most important part. When you can add other elements, it’s an added bonus. Here are some ideas for what you may like to do:
- At the beginning of the month choose a spiritual quality to study.
- Each morning, sing the prayer and quotation, plus one or two from previous months.
- Three times a week (specify times and days such as Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday after lunch) sing one of the two songs and then do one or two of the Daily Activities together. Or you may like to follow the Daily Activities to complete one each day of the month.
- At dinner, discuss as a family how each of you exhibited the virtue of the month.
- Add a jewel to the Crown of Virtues at the end of each month.
- Your family may like to offer an “Act of Service.” See this page for more details.
>>>>>> Go to the next and last page in the “Online Introduction to Radiant Hearts” series: A Word of Encouragement
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