Teaching children....?

Question

I am an agnostic atheist. This is new for me and I am still learning. I want my children to educated enough to draw their own conclusions about religion. How can I go about educating them of various beliefs as well as my own without them thinking that 'Well mommy says this so it must be true'. I dont want them to think that just because I see things a certain way that automatically they should too. I want them to think things through for themselves. At what age should I start to teach them about religion? They are young, 6 & 3, and my 6 y.o. already asks questions about god and I answer them the best I know how without confusing him.
Any advice, opinions, or experiences would be helpful. Thanks!

Answer 1

Let me just say you are being a great parent for not indoctrinating your child to your beliefs or lack thereof. Indoctrination is highly psychological and a viscious cycle.

If your 6 year old is asking questions talk to him in a non-biased way about the major religious beliefs. He will not understand most of them right now, but at that age he should be on to the next thing rather quickly. As they get older share more knowledge when needed about the cultures from which these religions came and their basic tenets. This will insure when they are mature enough to make that choice for themselves, they are non-bigoted, well-rounded people.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING, especially as they get older, is to reaffirm that whatever beliefs they choose to hold about their spirituality you will always love and respect them.

Answer 2

I think you should tell them your beliefs and why you believe that way, but you also need to explain the believers side and why they think that way. Six years old is a little young to be trying to explain religious beliefs anyway. Do you celebrate Christmas, or Easter? What do you say to the kids about these Holidays? Lead by example right now, just be a good role model and show lots love towards others and this will rub off on them and that should be all they need for now. GOD BLESS & GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 3

We teach children every second by our actions! What we do teaches them more than words could ever accomplish. By being honest with them about what you believe or don't believe and letting them know it is where you are by what you have experienced, they will learn that they are free to arrive at their own conclusions by what they experience. Giving them a bit of exposure to a few different disciplines might also help them start questioning what feels best for them. Truth is within and they will find it when they are ready - as is true for you or any of us!

Answer 4

you word diverse altruistic acts from children, so this is probable effortless. children also have a tendency to imitate their instantaneous friends (mothers and fathers, instructors, acquaintances). Their mimicry means is a lot previous maximum adults, and this is regularly talked about that children study at an sped up price even as their mind is installation connections. There are literally entire fields committed to the circumstances of early progression and psychology; this is type of a sparkling frontier in technology.

Answer 5

Well it is well known that I am a born again Christian... :-)

My best advice is to take your child to various places of worship from all denominations of religion ~ mosques, temples, churches, halls etc. There are some books available that you can read her too.... or maybe write one about other peoples beliefs for them to read?? Ask your child what they think about faith and belief... you just need to lay the formwork for understanding what 'faith' is... then you would let them find where they 'fit in'. That is my best advice :-) *BTW my son has been in church since he was almost 2... my daughter since she was almost one... they are now three and a half and two and a half. They thrive and now attempt prayer and worship... they are never too young :-) *

Take care, God bless

Answer 6

Well, no matter what, your children will follow your every move (figuratively speaking) until they hit the teen years. Also, you should start teaching them as soon as they start asking questions, answer them truthfully and unbiasedly. I'm not going to tell you what to tell them, but I suggest not to bog them down with any one religion. IF you can, start teaching them about Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Deism, Buddhism, and all the others. Whichever one they want to know more about, let them know more, and if they choose to be whatever religion, there ya go! Hope this helps and best of luck!!! ^_^

Answer 7

A good question. I've pondered this myself for when I have kids. I would see if there is a place where you can take them so somebody else can teach them for you, so they don't just blindly adopt your belief, like a multi-faith Sunday school. think Unitarian Universalist congregations have stuff like this, and if they don't they should.

When your son asks those questoins, ask him what he thinks first. Then he'll not only develop better thinking skills, but think for himself.

Answer 8

agree with J.P. This is how I (atheist) approached my own child's "religious" education.

It's vitally important that he/she understand all major religions in order to understand the modern world.

It's been my experience, btw, that atheists/agnostics are far more knowledgeable about religion in general than are "believers" of any single faith.

Answer 9

I would take them to all sorts of different churches, like a buddist, hindu, etc. just to gve then some of everything. Then they will be well educated.

Answer 10

Don't teach them about religion at all.

Teach them about good morals and logical thinking.

If you taught them the thinking part right they won't be sucked in by a religion.