every night when they themselves don't? Also, as children become older they stop praying cause it is uncool obviously. Would you tell your children to pray before they go to bed? How many grown ups pray every day? I ve heard that praying is asking from God and meditating is like listening to the answer. If so shouldn't we teach our children to meditate as well?
2007-10-23 08:44:04 · 14 answers · asked by miss D 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I believe in practice what you preach. If you as a parent dont pray, why are you teaching your kid to. I completely agree with you. I dont even think parents should push religion on their kids. Let them decide for themselves when they are old enough what they want to believe.
2007-10-23 09:31:45 · answer #1 · answered by Brianna'sMomma 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I pray with my 4 year old son every night. We also pray as a family at dinner, and I pray randomly during the day by myself. I don't think children stop praying because it is uncool. I prayed as a child, in my teenage years, and now as an adult.
When I pray I spend more time thanking God for the good in my life (my family, health, home and so on). I do ask God for guidance and strength, but I don't sit and pray for new clothes or a cooler car.
2007-10-23 16:06:31 · answer #2 · answered by arobe80 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Meditating doesn't really have anything to do with it. Just because you don't want to pray doesn't mean don't teach your kids not to...even though it's being hyprocritical...and for the record I don't know who told you wrong but PRAYING IS NOT UNCOOL! U needs Jesus lol. I pray everyday and my children will too.
PS people have so many problems and hangups because they're worried about what other people are doing and won't mind their own business
2007-10-23 15:48:29 · answer #3 · answered by Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄ƷAℓεx & Aаяöи have my ♥ 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Praying isn't just about getting on your knees at night and asking for something...lol
I pray everyday...and it's more of a constant communicating with my God. He is someone we can consult with, and confess to, when we slip anytime of the day.
I think you make this assumption based on you more then others. Just because you can't see their thoughts it doesn't mean it's not happening. The majority of people that do pray have many years going to some sort of church or groups that will help them strengthen their faith. You don't sound like you would be surrounded by anyone that would fit that description.
2007-10-23 16:04:05 · answer #4 · answered by Xena77 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Praying is teaching them to care about others and admitting that there is a higher power than yourself in the world.
It helps you reflect on the day and be thankful for what you have.
When praying I ask God to lead me in the right direction and guide me through my life. I also thank him for what I have and tell him that I love him.
Meditation is good too, but I don't know how to do it.
2007-10-23 16:29:05 · answer #5 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think I understand your frustration. I am a "Free" thinker and respect others that have different "spiritual beliefs" from my own. I do not impose MY beliefs on them at all. Nor my children as well. With that said, here is my reality.
I feel we should "lead by example". As a teacher in a private christian school, it my "job" to teach child to pray, literally.
Based on the doctrine of the religion of that church. The parents that send their child to that school, expect that as part of their education. So that's that- there. They pay someone to teach their child to pray.
As a mother, it is my job to show my child and lead the other children to the way to find the "peace of their spirit" by sharing that knowledge. We learn simple prayers or moments of silence/ reflection, journal our thoughts, volunteer our time to others to teach us life lessons. Care for our family, friends as true, loyal, spirtal people. I do not "push" GOD on people, yet if you ask me.... I tell you the truth- My truth.
As a spiritual person, living in a "reflective and compassionate" way can be difficult in a modern society that finds "fault" faster than the "positives" in certain parts of life. Its a daily "renewal of my personal faith" to DO unto others in a positive way and release the others as they DO unto me.
We are blessed to have "free will" to choose the way we wish to contact our "divine spirit" and interpret the meaning of our lives, choices and faults.
Depending on the age of the child and the relgious/cultural beliefs of the parents, many DO lead by example.
To validate your statement: I have found in the last 15 years, its more and more -very common NOW that many adults, don't have a "spiritual centering" ( call it what you like- prayer, meditation) themselves. You really can't teach "what" you don't know.
Perhaps we need to start with ME first, then move to the children, just like the oxygen on a airplane. Learning to breath -it comes natural right? Ask a woman in labor that question-she was just taught to breathe "through" the pain? So is learning to pray.... someone will show you the way or you need to find direction on your own. Again- the joy of being human. We are only human! We live and learn.
2007-10-23 16:21:50 · answer #6 · answered by Denise W 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I kinda figure that parents are going to parent the way they want regardless of what you or other people think. I mean, it could be worse. I honestly can't think why parents that don't pray would make their kids pray. That doesn't really make sense.
2007-10-23 16:34:58 · answer #7 · answered by Jenn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I plan to teach my children to pray~ for the record, I do pray everyday:)
Why are you so concerned about what other people are doing??
2007-10-23 15:47:21 · answer #8 · answered by Proud mother! 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I let my children know its OK to or not to pray there choice .I myself pray many times aday if i feel the need to .I do want my kids to know that praying is a good thing though
2007-10-23 15:52:18 · answer #9 · answered by SAHM and proud of it 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
People teach their children to pray, but they don't?
I'm with you, why would they do it? But then I don't know anyone who does. Everyone I know who teaches their children to pray, prays themself.
2007-10-23 15:53:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋