My four year old has been asking a lot of questions lately about God and where he is... and how she wants to see heaven. My fiance's mother died a while ago my daughter never met her but has seen pictures of her and I dont recall telling her that his mother is in heaven but she ramndomly asked me today is daddy mother in heaven... I usually have all the answers but I need a little help. Christians/Parents please HELP!!!!
2007-05-30 15:05:56 · 24 answers · asked by ButterfliKissus 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
find a church that you are comfortable in and send her to the sunday school class. they cover subjects and ideas that you never even thought of explaining that way. also, a 4 yr old comes up with their own ideas and explanations of things they dont understand. at least my daughter did. she was told that no one can see heaven until they die, and then they go to be with Jesus. she asked where heaven is since rockets can go to the moon she knows angels arent on clouds. while i was trying to figure out what to say, she said know what mommy? i think heaven is on the sun and thats why we cant look at it too long.
2007-05-30 15:15:49 · answer #1 · answered by mom_of_2 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Take her outside - the beach, the woods, the desert, whatever you've got with fresh air. Tell her that even though we can't see or hear or touch God, that He is something beyond our understanding, we can still feel Him in our hearts, and He is all around us, all the, time, in everything he's created in the universe and beyond.
Focus on the good things, of course, with a four-year-old: family, friends, pets, flowers, butterflies. If she asks, as children do, if that means God made bad people or people die, simply reassure her that while God is something we can't always understand, He has our best interests at heart.
By all means, reassure her that her daddy's mama is in heaven, and she will get to see it eventually, but first she has to grow up, get really, really, old, and then just go on for a minute with whatever you can think of: go to college, get married, learn to roller skate ... The sillier you get, the faster you will change the subject.
You may be able to expain what God is in simple terms, but I think if you really want her to know the Christian religion, you should send her to Sunday School. I agree there are a lot of great books and videos out there you can use at home.
I think some people have gotten past the fact that we are talking about a four-year-old - a baby. You've gotta keep it really simple, and by all means, tell her the truth. The great thing about religion is, the truth is whatever you believe it to be.
2007-05-30 22:30:54 · answer #2 · answered by trai 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That subject is just a bit too deep for a 4 yr old however I would recommend to begin reading her a biblical story book designed for children that age (go to a good bookstore or Christian bookstore)and as far as death goes tell her everyone dies at some point its a fact of life. But can live again if they have faith in God. Maybe read John 11- the story of Lazarus. Teach her to remember the shortest verse in the Bible "Jesus wept" John 11:35
That verse remind us that Jesus has feelings too and death make him sad but right after he cried..he raised Lazarus from the dead! So we may cry now but we are promise joy later..if we believe. I'll be praying for you and your family. God Bless You
2007-05-30 22:18:27 · answer #3 · answered by aizzle 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What a precious age, and what an awesome responsibility entrusted to you. I have yet to see a small child argue that there is no God, perhaps why Jesus said to come to Him as little children. Maybe you would be more comfortable with a book to guide you through this time. Christian book stores are usually very organized specific to spiritual guidance. In the children's section will be a book age appropriate for your daughter. She has obviously overheard more than you realized and you are wise to give her the answers she seeks before the world seeks to harden her little heart.
2007-05-30 22:20:10 · answer #4 · answered by One Wing Eagle Woman 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Answer her questions. Keep it simple. You don't need to tell her more than what she can understand at this time. if she asks if daddy mother in heaven and you believe that then just say yes she is. If she wants to know what heaven is like give her a description that is in line with what you believe. Children are naturally curios if you don't tell them they will find someone who will. We went through something like this with my nephew his grampa died and was cremated. My nephew was there when they sent his grampa's ashes out on to the lake. He would probably tell you that his grampa is in the lake one day or in heaven the next. Just keep it simple. Or find some childrens books that you can read together on the subjects. Don't worry its normal!
2007-05-30 22:19:10 · answer #5 · answered by Lil'witch 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Here is an excerpt from our "Bible teach book"
Available to you free and delivered to you at no charge.
Chapter One
What Is the Truth About God?
Does God really care about you?
What is God like? Does he have a name?
Is it possible to get close to God?
HAVE you ever noticed the way children ask questions? Many start asking as soon as they learn to speak. With wide, eager eyes, they look up at you and ask such things as: Why is the sky blue? What are the stars made of? Who taught the birds to sing? You may try hard to answer, but it is not always easy. Even your best answer may lead to yet another question: Why?
2 Children are not the only ones who ask questions. As we grow up, we keep asking. We do this in order to find our way, to learn of dangers that we need to avoid, or to satisfy our curiosity. But many people seem to stop asking questions, especially the most important ones. At least, they stop searching for the answers.
2007-05-30 22:39:37 · answer #6 · answered by Wisdom 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What are your beliefs? Start with that. What do you believe about death/Heaven/God...DO you believe? Maybe you need to do some self-examination and figure out what it is that you believe in. And then you'll be able to teach your girl.
I have a 4 yr old too, and since we are religious and Christ is constantly mentioned in our home, this has never been an issue. We talk about death and life and Jesus and everything! My son knows that Grandma-Great is in Heaven and he knows that Jesus loves him and he loves Jesus too.
2007-05-30 22:47:03 · answer #7 · answered by Fotomama 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It brought joy when you told me this :)
Explain how God had created the Earth and how he made beautiful and pretty things like the flowers , oceans , and animals . You can tell her that our past mothers and father were Adam and Eve . Then tell us how God made the Ten Commandments as set of rules to follow so we can be good to each other .
Then tell her about Jesus and how he loves everyone even her !
2007-05-30 22:45:20 · answer #8 · answered by Rizal 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I was raised on those picture book bibles that have the introductory stories about God.
They really helped me in my faith, and I still see some of those pictures when I imagine Noah and the Ark or Moses and the Ten Commandments.
They're really a good investment and pretty cheap at Wal-Mart! It opens a great door for more conversation and wets the little ones curiousity!
Hope that helps.
2007-05-30 22:11:11 · answer #9 · answered by AshJ 3 · 5⤊ 1⤋
i think it is fine to tell her of how god wants her to have good values and morals, but i believe teaching children off the bat what to believe in is not good. people have the right to make their own decisions. as she grows older she can look to you and thank you for your caring and for teaching her right from wrong and kindness from harshness. you might find that she gravitates to christianity herself and you can know that your god drew her to god. if you do enforce such beliefs on her now, it could cause resentment and a closed mind beginning at such a young age. do what you think is right. i am hoping that you leave her room to explore and think. everyone deserves that. i am a 13 year old girl and am so thankful my parents let me do that. i consider mysefl to be a good person who has never caused harm to anyone and trys to do good. you seem to be a mother that cares about her mind and wellbeing, and either way she will end up as a good person. good luck.
2007-05-30 22:50:00 · answer #10 · answered by Caitlyn 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋