At what age should parents start teaching kids about the 'unproven' supernatural/god and religion?

Question

For example, if i teach kids about Gods and Goddesses should i tell them that there is no proof of their existence and that I believe they are only symobolism or should i teach them that they are real.

Answer 1

I don't think most parents really understand a lot of what they say they believe anyway. People have a tendency in all walks of life to take a lot of things on word without actually investigating their meaning to any real degree.

The key thing here is that you should be teaching your kids about religion and theology around about the same time their peers are learning from their parents, simply so that they've been briefed on what to expect. I suspect that would be between the ages of 5 and 10, though certainly no sooner.

On the other hand, magic is a very good plot device for kids overflowing with imagination, and other supernatural ideas make for neat bedtime stories. As long as it's all light-hearted fun, I'm sure you could fit that stuff in a bit earlier.

Answer 2

When you say 'teach' it sounds really heavy ... why not just tell them stories of the Gods and Goddesses, and from the Bible and Koran and Qabbala?

'Unproven' is also a strong word - yes, I know what you mean, there is no scientific basis for them, yet stories and legends and ghosts etc have been part of the general consciousness for millenia and are part of our cultural heritage. Get the kids the stories, tell them, and eventually the children will make up their own minds - but in the meantime you will have stimulated their imagination and that's no bad thing, is it?

Answer 3

I saw something by an American Police chief which recommended that children are brought up to believe in God; that he loves them, is there for them, and wants them to be good. This man's experience was that such children were less likely to commit crimes. When they reach mid-teens they will continue to believe, or reject the teachings.

Having said that, if you're not a believer yourself, if would be difficult to teach your child. There are plenty of good books out there. Why don't you get them to look at various religious beliefs, and just tell them that there is a Great Spirit who people call different names?

Answer 4

I agree with shadowmyu. Most people repeat the things they learned from their parents without ever thinking about it and the cycle just keeps going and going...

You should definitely talk to your kids early. The best way to know what you need to teach them is by listening to the questions they ask. My kids started to ask about it in kindergarten when they started hearing about it at school.

I have not taught my kids to believe or not to believe. They know that I am an atheist, but I tell them I came to that decision after a very long journey that started with belief. I tell them that the number one thing they should do is make up their own minds (and that's with any subject, not just religion). I tell them if they have a question, they should read about it, ask other people about it, and just think about it to realize their own beliefs. The most important thing they can learn from you is how to make their own decisions.

Answer 5

Telll them the truth that there are no such things as gods, or the so called supernatural. All this has been dreamed up by religious idiots to frighten people into becoming slaves of the leaders of these religions. Telll your children to keep away from anyone who says they believe in such nonsense or they will be corrupted

Answer 6

i'm only guffawing on the "functioning stoner" being in comparison to a "functioning alcoholic". there is not any such factor. As a convalescing alcoholic, enable me enable you to comprehend - you're a decrease than the effect of alcohol. And your toddlers will comprehend and the two stick to your footsteps or think of you're pathetic. Get sober now. for each guy or woman's sake.

Answer 7

I never taught my kid`s about any god. There is no need for a religion to live a good, honest, happy, caring and fulfilled life. God`s are not tangible. Family and friends are. I havn`t missed out by not having a god, and my kid`s don`t feel they have either.

Answer 8

when i met with Jesus I shared this experience with my kids and the eldest who was 6 gave his life to Jesus after we talked it through. He has been baptised in the holy spirit so has experienced god for himself. I'm aware that one day he may go away from the faith but I trust god to keep him safe and bring him back and I won't disown him whatever he decides.
If you believe something, share it. If it's just an unproven theory, teach it as such. Like evolution.

Answer 9

give more details are you religious or do you just want your kid to know any age is fine but the younger they are th easier they learn that why kids who speak many laguages all learn like three of them when they are totlers

ok tell them what you belive but don't make it sound like it's the only truth there is if you want to teach them about everything thats GREAT but make sure your open to their opinions too

Answer 10

You don't have to. They will do what you do at the beginning and at teens they will try to find the way by themselves.I do have very religious family and their kids are from from any religion and completely usual family where child wants to be a pastor when he is grown up. Basic from new born age, everything else cannot be learnt (my opinion)