The development of spirituality in children and youth is closely linked to their happiness. Recent programs of study indicate that greater spiritual development in children and youth promotes meaningful interpersonal relationships, greater quality of life and satisfaction, better management of emotions, stress and anxiety and, in final, greater happiness in our children and youth.

Spirituality is part of the human being from birth; it is common and natural to the person. The human being is a person, not simply a thing. The person is a being of nature, but, at the same time, he transcends. He shares with other natural beings everything that refers to his material being, but he is distinguished from them because he possesses spiritual dimensions that make him a person. Children spontaneously experience spirituality. Therefore, families, schools, the health system, the community should promote the spiritual development of children in the same way that a good physical, cognitive, social and emotional development is promoted for a healthy and happy growth.

Spirituality and religiosity are often understood as similar concepts, as they are frequently intertwined in people's lives. However, spirituality refers to an internal experience of meaning, comfort or purpose, which can occur within or outside a religious tradition. Religiosity, on the other hand, is more related to practices, beliefs and rituals shared within a religious community. Both can coexist or be lived independently, depending on each person. The expression of spirituality is done through the relationship with oneself, with others and with a God or with the search for a purpose and meaning in life. The harmony between these aspects offers spiritual well-being. Lack of meaning and purpose in life leads to feelings of despair and can have consequences on people's mental health.

Therefore, as fathers, mothers, educators, school nurses and pediatric nurses, psychologists, health professionals and community agents, we have the obligation and duty to promote and articulate actions that favor the spiritual development of children. But how is spirituality expressed in children? How can we care for/stimulate their spirituality?

Children often express their spirituality through non-verbal language, art, free play, movement or imagination. They need environments that encourage free play, wonder, awe, involving children in storytelling and imaginative play. promote quiet spaces helps children and young people to meet their inner selves and contributes to meeting their spiritual needs. Noise, chaotic spaces with excessive stimuli and screens are not conducive to children cultivating their inner space; they not only deafen, but also silence the questions that arise from wonder at the observation of reality.

contact and exhibition to nature allows the development of their sensitivity to their smallness and the existence of a world outside of themselves, allowing the development humility (knowing who one is). Children should be allowed to be in open spaces where they can run, jump, imagine and use all their senses to get to know the world. The contact with nature without any other distractions favors that they spend hours observing plants, insects, playing with mud and water. In this way, the connection with their spiritual dimension through nature is favored.

Finally, children need safe family, school, health and community contexts that offer them meaningful relationships based on love, care, respect, compassion and joy, through which children and youth discover who they are, cultivate skills to shape their own lives, and learn how to participate in and contribute to the society in which they live.

Therefore, there is a strong connection between spirituality and children's happiness. Thus, focusing on personal aspects, creating spaces where children can explore and express their spirituality freely, and fostering the capacity for wonder, gratitude and connection with others can significantly improve their happiness and well-being. If we want happier and emotionally balanced children, we must pay more attention to their spiritual dimension.