"In The Spiritual Child, psychologist Lisa Miller presents the next big idea in psychology: the science and the power of spirituality. She explains the clear, scientific link between spirituality and health and shows that children who have a positive, active relationship to spirituality: *are 40% less likely to use and abuse substances *are 60% less likely to be depressed as teenagers *are 80% less likely to have dangerous or unprotected sex *have significantly more positive markers for thriving including an increased sense of meaning and purpose, and high levels of academic success. Combining cutting-edge research with broad anecdotal evidence from her work as a clinical psychologist to illustrate just how invaluable spirituality is to a child's mental and physical health, Miller translates these findings into practical advice for parents, giving them concrete ways to develop and encourage their children's--as well as their own--well-being. In this provocative, conversation-starting book, Dr. Miller presents us with a pioneering new way to think about parenting our modern youth."-- Provided by publisher.

Part I: Childhood. Birthright : built for spirituality ; The science of the spiritual brain ; The nod : the intergenerational transmission of spiritual attunement ; A soul arrives ; Field of love : creating the space for spiritual parenting ; The first decade : the education of head and heart ; The six spiritual strengths -- Part II: Adolescence and beyond. Window of awakening : the science of spirituality in adolescence ; The quest : the adolescent's search for life's calling, meaning, and purpose ; Developmental depression and spiritual awakening : an epidemic of suffering among healthy teens ; Healing the severed spirit : two portraits of the adolescent struggle for spiritual wholeness ; Parenthood : the spiritual awakening ; Seven right things : opportunities for spiritual parenting,.