A statement from the founder of Spiritual Playdate and the creator of the Kids of PoWR program

I am often?dismayed at how many adults dismiss or diminish the importance of preparing young people?for this very tough?journey we call Life.

A great deal of time and money is spent on teaching them academics, sports, and arts, and purchasing devices to keep them "occupied.”?But where is?the investment of time into a?child's confidence and resilience?

Houses of worship have historically been tasked to fill this role for families.?They’ve done their best to serve our kids by helping them to develop strength?of character and values, but these?institutions?have suffered so many blows:?COVID has depleted the spiritual centers of their constituents; youth?sponsors lament the loss of their students to sports, travel, and even relaxation.?

But in truth, parents are leaving organized faith in droves — and not just for the reasons above.

They have left because they are afraid of having their kids indoctrinated …?because they want their kids to become critical thinkers, and not judge or hate other human beings with different ideas …?because?their kids are bored and the leaders don't seem to understand the importance of having a vibrant program for them.?

They have left because these institutions are no longer serving their families.

Our kids and teens are in crisis and?they’re experiencing a pandemic of anxiety and depression we could never have imagined.

They are?assaulted 24/7?with the terror of school shootings, racial and faith-based hate, cyberbullying, and a melting planet.?

It's time for the grownups in the room to stop wringing their hands and start righting this ship.?

We have a responsibility to our children to counter?all of this fearful noise with inspiration and tools that provide strength, hope, and understanding.

We have a responsibility to our children to give them a realistic view of our human family in all of its diverse glory.?

We have a responsibility to prepare them as early as we can for a life of both incredible joy and unbearable pain so that when trauma comes knocking, they can stand strong with an empowered heart and spirit.?We can help them know that they are resilient, and they are here for a reason — armed with unique gifts on a unique journey.?

We can?feed their bodies, minds, and souls through Social, Emotional, and Spiritual Learning to shift the consciousness of our kids (and ourselves) from Fear to Love.

To all of those Spiritual Centers whose programs are struggling, and to the teachers who already care and do so much:?Serve the kids in your community and see how the situation changes.

To all of the parents and grandparents who are terrified for their children and think that only someone else can provide a solution:?You can take the reins. When kids are?younger, they still want your?attention and are?eager to soak in your wisdom.

Start early, meet often, and don't stop!

Kids grow quickly, and you don’t want to miss your?window of opportunity to be their Personal Peace Influencer.

Let's get busy, friends, because (as Frederick Douglass said) “It is easier to build strong children?than repair broken adults!”

Edwina Cowell

Founder and CVO

Spiritual Playdate?