Growing Up tells the story of two children growing into adulthood as they discover more about themselves, about service to others, and about building a foundation for loving relationships.
Growing up is a wonderful read-aloud book for children aged approximately 4 to 12. The book addresses children's curiosity about their own physical changes, developing capacities, and social relationships, in an open-ended way that naturally allows for deeper conversations when needed. And it places physical, mental, emotional, and social changes in a spiritual context, showing that life is about more than just what happens as our bodies mature.
The author writes, "I created this book to show my own children how all these elements can work together in the crafting of a life of personal fulfillment and service to others. The story is inspired by the Holy Writings of the Bahá'í Faith and by Bahá'í community life. I hope that this book may also speak to those from other spiritual traditions, and to those open to exploring new cultures and diverse beliefs."
Growing Up is more than just a story. It also includes:
- Positive affirmations that can help shape a child's day
- Encouragement towards mindfulness, self-reflection, and a growth mindset
- A self-portrait and journal section to guide conversations about each life stage
- Words of wisdom to prompt deeper reflection
- A chart for setting "growing up learning goals" with suggested life skills to include
To make the story your own, see the companion resource
Growing Up: A Coloring Book!