Caring for People from Birth to Death

Here is a helpful and heartfelt resource for people who care for others. Each chapter describes a particular stage of development in the human life cycle from the preschool years to senior adulthood -- from the cradle to the rocking chair -- and offers guidelines and usable suggestions for a caring ministry that meets the needs of different age groups.

Hightower Jr, James E

Contents About the Editor Contributors Preface Chapter 1. The Preschool Years: Foundations for Life Preschool Years Are Foundational A Preschooler's Developmental Tasks Can a Preschooler Learn About God? How You Can Minister to Preschoolers Parenting Preschoolers Chapter 2. The Early School Years: Finding Acceptance Beyond the Family Focus on Ages Six Through Twelve How a Child Develops Changes from Age Six Through Twelve The Child and Spirituality Tasks to Be Accomplished A Child's Position in the Family The Family as a System Reward and Punishment Rules Childhood Stress Children and Crisis Suggestions to Share with Parents Developing Spirituality The Transition to Adolescence Chapter 3. Adolescence: Stuck in the Middle Definitions Theories Theories in Practice: Ministry Issues Spiritual Development Additional Comments Chapter 4. Young Adulthood: Starting on Their Own Wilderness and Promise: Generation X and Beyond Flowing Features of Young Adulthood Out One Era and into Another Spirituality in a Changing Culture Additional Principles of Pastoral Care Chapter 5. The Middle Years: Getting It Together! Developmental Theorists Temptations to Stagnation: Issues Along the Way Ministering in the Middle Spiritual Development Issues Conclusion Chpater 6. Senior Adulthood: Twilight or Dawn? The Developmental Tasks of Senior Adulthood Pastoral Care with Senior Adults Conclusion Chapter 7. Toward a Holistic Approach to Caring What Does It Mean to Care? Who Is Called to Care? What Skills Are Needed to Care? Preaching Is Caring Pastoral Care in Times of Crisis Spirituality: A Personal and Communal Journey Conclusion Index Reference Notes Included