when raising a child, is it better to instil them with your beliefs or let them find their own?

Answer 1

its ok to show them your beliefs but never force them

Answer 2

I think no matter how you raise a child, they will still come to a point in their life where they make their own choice.

I did. My parents "instilled" their beliefs in me. I grew up and abandoned both religions I was raised with, and found my own way of thinking.

It would probably be best to let them find their own beliefs, but giving them some sort of guidance throughout the formative years (0-18) is also a must.

Answer 3

When raising a child it is better to instill your beliefs in the child...how else will a child know and grow?? If nothing is instilled, what does the child have? But with a parent's guidance and unconditional love they will flourish into loving and nurturing adults. The parents ultimate goal. Of course as they mature, they will form their version of your beliefs. They won't say/do just as you would of, but, yet your teachings will still be visible in the ending results.

Answer 4

I think it is important to begin by instilling some basic beliefs....there needs to be a foundation for them to start with. Then as they get older we've encouraged them to ask questions and to get to know people from other religions and cultures. We have also told them it is important to investigate different religions and compare them to what they believe.
We hope that when they become adults they will know that they can develop their own sense of spirituality. After all, everyone is on their own spiritual journey.

Answer 5

I don`t have children but, when I do, I want to show them the world and allow them to find their place in it. I`ll try to instil some of my values which I believe are important such as respect for themselves and others. As for other sort of values, I think I`ll let them make their own mind about it.
For example, if my child chose to drift away from Christianity I wouldn´t stop him/her. I would accept his/her choice.

Answer 6

At a young age, children should be guided that's why we have to instill in them our good values which later as they grow old let them decide whether the values we taught them is right or wrong. At a matured age, our children should be encouraged to think on their own, to carve their own destiny so as to survive our ever changing world.

Answer 7

I have heard, from pastors and psychologists both, that it is best to teach your children your beliefs. However, if later in life -- as a teen or young adult -- they come to you and say they have found a religion or organized group that they truly believe in and it's different than what you taught them, it is wise to learn as much as you can about their new religion/group - if it seems dangerous for them or teaches them to work against the laws of society and sets them up for trouble, you should explain to them why you do not agree. If it is something that will not result in harm to themselves or others and even parallels your own beliefs in many ways, then you are wise to support them in their efforts to commit themselves to something healthy and offering self-improvement and growth.

Answer 8

I raised my son by the 10 commandments because I wanted him to grow up and be a good person. My husband and I are of two different religious backgrounds and we showed him the good in all religions, but we never forced anything on him, I think religion should be private between God and you.

Answer 9

Instill your beliefs, when they are older and question them, explain to them why you believe what you do. If that doesnt satisfy them let them do their research and find their own.

Answer 10

I think you should raise them with your beliefs, however, don't force it on them. If they want to check out other faiths or something then encourage them to do so. But if they seem to be getting involved in something that obviously isn't healthy then it's a good time to intervene. Just my thoughts...

Answer 11

I try to set a good example...let her know how I feel, but that it is okay for her to make her own decisions about her life. For example, when I was growing up, my parents made me go to Church...made me be Catholic. I am Catholic now, and happy being so, but there was about ten years where I didn't go to Church or anything..I think partly because it was pushed on me, and I didn't "own" my decision.
I take my daughter to Church weekly, and tell her why we are going...why I think it's important. She is five, and goes willingly. If someday she wants to stop, I hope that I will be understanding, and let her "own" her decisions about the important things in life...I think it's essential to establishing their self confidence, which is such an important part of life.