"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.

Includes index.

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 -- 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.