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In forming a good child's personality, in addition to instilling moral education, parents also often apply religious values. The belief teachings applied to children are expected to make them practice a sense of responsibility in their behavior. Religious parenting can also help a person to live a calmer life.
In 2018, a study conducted by a group of researchers from Harvard also showed that religious parenting plays an important role in children's mental health. How is the explanation?
Religious parenting is good for children's health
In fact, religious parenting that is applied during childhood and adolescence can help them to live healthier and more prosperous when they enter adulthood.
These results were obtained from research published in journals American Journal of Epidemiology. In the study, it was found that people who regularly attended weekly religious activities as children and adolescents reported higher life satisfaction.
In addition, they were less likely to stick to less healthy habits and engage in drug use less frequently than people without religious education.
The study was conducted by analyzing data from participants who were a pair of mother and child. The participants, which consisted of more than 5,000 youths, were followed by their development for 8-14 years.
In order to draw final conclusions, the researchers also considered a variety of other factors. Some of these include maternal health, socioeconomic status, presence or absence of a history of drug abuse and symptoms of depression.
As a result, youths who regularly attend religious services report higher levels of happiness when entering adulthood.
Meanwhile, those who worship or meditate almost every day feel life satisfaction as much as 16% higher than those who do not.
In addition, youth who followed religious parenting were less likely to engage in underage sexual behavior. Because of this, they have a lower risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases.
How can beliefs affect children's health?
Regardless of what religion is followed, having a belief has been proven to be beneficial for many people, both in terms of physical health and mental health.
One example, going to a place of worship regularly will bring you in a community that can provide moral, emotional, and social support. This can make mental health better.
Many people go to places of worship when they are having a hard time. The goal is to pray and ask God for help or just to find a place to complain.
Seeing this at least will help make you feel better because you know that in fact you are not the only one having problems.
Religious practices at home such as congregational worship can also enhance togetherness and can be a moment to reconnect your relationship with loved ones, be it your spouse, parents, or children.
Moreover, religious participation can improve psychological health through increased self-esteem. In addition, it can reduce anxiety about the future and help a person find meaning in life.
Good religious parenting will make children understand and obey all these recommendations. So that when they grow up, they will stay away from these things which will also help maintain their health.
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