For the Love of Children
A Handbook
Concepts & Tools for Guiding Children
Based on the Edgar Cayce Readings

Compiled by the A.R.E. Youth and Family Staff

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4
Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7

Introduction

Over and over again, Edgar Cayce’s psychic readings provided the information that all persons are spiritual beings seeking re-connection or union with God. The readings suggested that this innate soul impulse can be particularly nurtured in children, and they gave specific ideas and recommendations to encourage such guidance from parents and other adults.

According to the readings, children are “mature souls in immature bodies.” The very possibility that a child, as a reincarnating soul, has perhaps already had a great deal of experience in the earth can enable us to view him/her in a different light and help us to think more about the potential within each individual regardless of age.

The readings also made it clear that the type and quality of the home environment and guidance a child experiences in the first 12-14 years of his/her life (and especially during the first seven-year cycle, from birth to age seven) are of primary importance to the development of the soul in that entire lifetime.

A study of the Cayce readings on child guidance quickly reveals a number of basic principles that serve as the undergirding of all the more specific techniques that follow, principles such as settings ideals and teaching by example. Digging a bit deeper, it is soon clear that we are being urged and inspired to be, say and do one primary thing: LOVE. Or, put another way, to strive for the best in every way in ourselves. Such an attitude communicates and teaches the children in our care far more than any words or tools.

This handbook is intended as the first step in a series to help you as parents and families make the Cayce concepts part of your daily life. Although it is divided into three separate sections, spiritual, mental and physical, it should be remembered that such distinctions are for clarity and simplicity only, as these aspects are totally interconnected. The body is the temple, and, if treated with care, it will aid and cleanse the mind and spirit; the mind is the builder, where bodily healing and change originates; and the spirit is the life, infusing mind and body with transforming grace and beauty. This essential oneness pervades the Cayce readings and is of utmost importance.

This book is devoted to you and your children. It incorporates many of the fundamental principles from the Cayce readings and gives you a varied set of tools for implementing them in your own home. The spiritual dimension is the foundation upon which all the suggestions rest. The Cayce readings urged that children be exposed to people, surroundings, and experiences that are inspirational and uplifting, demonstrating the fruits of the spirit in action. The readings also encouraged a sense of mystery and wonder, spoke of the value of nature and its inherent spiritual content, and made suggestions for the nourishment and development of a healthy body, imagination, and will.

Application is the true test of any principle. We will welcome any of your own insights gained from using these concepts over a period of time in guiding your children.