Examen 3: Emotional Awareness as a Family with Debby DeBernardi

In this episode of the Beginner's Apprenticeship Podcast, we dive deep into the world of spiritual formation for children with our guest, Debbie DiBernardi. Debbie, an expert in Christian Formation and Spiritual Direction, shares her insights on the crucial role of emotional awareness in children's spiritual growth. She emphasizes the foundational years from birth to twelve, highlighting the importance of nurturing children's innate spirituality and guiding them in understanding and processing their emotions. The discussion also explores the Prayer of Examen, focusing on its impact on family and children, and how recognizing and expressing emotions can enhance a life with God. Through Debbie's profound understanding and experience, listeners gain valuable perspectives on guiding children in their spiritual journey and understanding the deep connection between emotions, spirituality, and personal growth.

Book Suggestions from Debby DeBernardi for Families and All Who Love Children: 

Hardwired to Connect: The New Case for Authoritative Communities: a Report to the Nation from the Commission on Children at Risk. Dartmouth Medical School, YMCA of the USA, and Institute for the American Values. 

Can be obtained at little to no cost on Amazon. It is based on scholarly papers and commentaries on a conference that explored “hardwired connections” of brain, behavioral, genetics, biochemistry, and other sciences. 

 It is also in the first chapter in the book: 

Authoritative Communities: The Scientific Case for Nurturing the Whole Child, edited by Kathleen Konner Kline. Springer, pp. 3-85. 

 (The book is a bit pricey but much research continues to affirm and build from this.). 

Allen, Holly Catterton, Christine Lawton, et al. Intergenerational Christian Formation: Bringing the Whole Church Together in Ministry, Community and Worship. IVP, 2023.

Allen, Holly Catterton, Nurturing Children’s Spirituality: Christian Perspectives and Best Practices. IVP, 2022.

Allen, Holly Catterton, (forward by Catherine Stonehouse). Forming Resilient Children: The Role of Spiritual Formation for Healthy Development, 2021.

Lacy Borgo, Spiritual Conversations with Children: Listening to Gpd Together. IVP ,2020. (Available on Amazon or at gooddirtministries.org)

Lacy Borgo, Faith Like a Child: Embracing Our Lives as Children of God. IVP, 2023. ()Available on Amazon or at gooddirtministries.org)

Miller, Lisa with Teresa Barker. The Spiritual Child: The New Science on Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving. Picador/St. Martins Press, 2016. 

*Pages 87-88 has the study regrading shared spirituality that reduced incidences of depression by 80% that was so impressive for protection of depression and other mental illness that are prominent today.  

The book is very ecumenical but the research findings and what she is reporting definitely supports the findings and thoughts of many Christian Formation scholars.