My husband says my child is innocent and teaching him to make a prayer takes his innocence?

Question

He says that he doesn't know right from wrong ... and i think a prayer is fine, because I believe in God... he told me to let him grow up .. this has me confused, it's true he is innocent and i dont understand how im taking his innocence, by the way my son is 16 months old. What do you think ?

by the way when we pray i thank him for everyday and for the food we're eating and to bless us each day. I dont talk about sins or anything like that, just thanking out heavenly father

Answer 1

Sounds like your husband has an issue with your religious beliefs. You two should talk.

He is correct about one thing, the child doesn't have the ability to distinguish right from wrong and won't truely understand cause and effect until around three or so. But none of this has anything to so with what your husband seems to imply.

Answer 2

Teaching a child to pray does not take away a child's innocence. It adds to the innocence. All children need to know about God and thank Him for all the wonderous things he gives us each day. Your husband has the wrong idea. If he goes to church with you, you could ask the pastor (or priest) to talk with him about prayer. It might also help you to understand that what you are doing is good. You are giving your child a faith that will last him a lifetime.

Answer 3

I think your husband is wrong. It like waiting until the kid is 18 and letting him make up his own mind about going to school. Even though he is innocent at this age, he still needs to be taught aobut God. Prayer is one way to do this as he is so young. Just because he is innocent you still potty train, teach him to eat with a fork and spoon, drink from a cup ect, right? This is no different. You can't have it both ways. If you turn out the lights, it is dark. You are eihter in light or dark. No in between. The Bible says "whoever is not of the light (meaning God) is in darkness (meaning Satan)
And when he is grown and out of your home and able to make his own decisions, he will do that, regardless of what you have taught him. But if you don't teach him right now, it is more that much more likey he will choose the wrong way later.

Answer 4

ok.. well.. it seems as if your husband doesn't believe in God... that's going to be a rough thing, if you want to raise your son to be a christian. yes.. children are innocent- to a point. but in the bible it says "all have sinned," and that's the truth. even a 16 month old can do things that are wrong. do you ever have to tell him no or discipline him? if so- then he is sinning. it's fine to teach your little boy to pray, and i do hope you keep on with it and not let your husband tell you what to do in this. teach your little boy about jesus and how He is there for him, how much Jesus loves him and that he should want to be a child of God. hope this helps out some... pray for help for youself too.. i'll be praying as well... fight the good fight...

Answer 5

Teaching your child to use some time of his day to say a little thanks is a positive thing. Just something simple to get him in the practice of it (if this is something you would like him to continue later in life) is great. It could be a little poem (God is great, God is good, let us thank him for our food) or (Thank you for the food we eat, thank you for the world so sweet, thank you for the birds that sing, Thank you God for everything) or just a little daily prayer like: Thank you for this day and continue to bless our family. Saying a simple prayer like this has nothing to do with taking away a child's innocence... it just teaches him to be thankful for what he has and understand that there is a higher power in the universe. Of course, at 16 months, he won't understand any of this yet, but getting into the habit of prayer will not hurt!

Answer 6

I think your husband is confusing "prayer" with "confession". Prayer is just talking with God. We talk to each other without losing innocence, or feeling guilt. The same with prayer.

Children have a great deal of curiosity, and prayer can be an outlet for his questions. Ask God, and see. God should become a friend and not something to be feared.

I'm afraid your husband's concept of God includes fear and guilt and that's not what you what your son to have.

Answer 7

What does your prayer involve? Are you praying about sin or just talking simply to your son's heavenly Father?

I live with my daughter, her husband and their 9 month old son. Since the beginning of his life I've been singing my variation of Jesus Loves Me each day. I start with Jesus loves Caleb then Jesus loves Mommy then Jesus loves Daddy and then Jesus loves Grandma. I often would sing this when he was fussy and it would bring a smile to his face.

Keep it simple and ask God to show you how to pray with your son so your husband won't be offended.

God bless your efforts.

Answer 8

Sound like your husband is jealous. GOD is important to teach to our children and it is our job to do it until they can do it themselves. I think you are right in what you are doing. Every child has instilled in him or her the sins from the beginnings even in the innocence of a child, we are all full of sin. Let your child grow up with GOD. The bible says Jesus blesses the children in Mark 10. Keep doing what your doing! :)

Answer 9

I don't think it's takes away his innocence. That's nonsense. Prayer will actually make him feel safe and close to you when he says a prayer.

Answer 10

there is power in innocence, as well as weakness.i beleive children can bring great joy to God with their innocent faith,as well as prove to us what faith can do., and what better thing for them to have faith in,then God? start early introducing your child to God & you will more then likely teach yourselves along the way . impress good on them before evil can sneak in .