Question to those who,

[downbeatplumb]

I have also had someone call child services on me. They said I was "worshipin' Satan".

So what if you did?

Isnt there freedom of religion written into the constitution?

[Heather]

Whenever my children brought up the subject of religion because they were exposd to it at school my wife and I always said "Some people believe that, mummy and daddy don't but you have to make up your own mind. " I suspect that is not a consideration allowed by religious parents. The result 10 years later is 2 well adjusted a decidedly atheist adults. (I accept this approach may not work so well in the US)

regards

pgrimes15

Ditto. That is exactly how I handle my situation (as my inlaws AND my parents, brothers, etc.. are all religious). My daughter is 6 and asked the other day if I believed in god. I said, "no, honey, i do not but many people do and everyone has the right to believe what the want." That was enough for her now but I know she'll ask more questions later.

For me, I have no desire to upset our entire family dynamic over a religious belief. It's just not THAT important to me. Family harmony is more important to me. As long as everyone is treating each other nicely and they respect me and my kiddos, I don't give a shit if they believe in unicorns. Why put added stress and drama on my kids because of something that doesn't exist anyhow? It's just not worth it IMO.

[Calmedady]

Thank you for all the replies. I also do not want to stir the pot of religeon in my family. Harmony is important to me, however my childrens development is more important. In my opinion religion hinders true and proper development of the mind (atleast those who believe). I also do not want to force her into something that she either doesnt want or is not ready for. I do like the idea of another year to mature to tell her or maybe even waiting till high school. Maybe by that time her grandparents will be gone (not that I wish that) and I wont have to have the arguement with them.

Once again thanks for all the great input!

[Pete]

My question to you is, How do I go about approaching this subject with out making it sound like Im calling my in-laws liars. I have made comments to my daughter before but my attemp always seems futile.

Any comments will help, thank you.

Just tell her that you have a different belief. Tell here why you have those beliefs and let your daughter choose. The beliefs of your daughter will likely change over the years anyway.

[The Grand Nudger]

If only religion (and specifically christianity) hadn't been refined over time to be so manipulative and pervasive you could just trust that your kids wouldn't buy snake oil. You're the parent, if you don't want your kids saddled with that garbage that's that. You aren't stirring any pot, your inlaws are. Are you seriously weighing your relative level of ease with your in-laws against the well-being of your child? There's an equation that should be easy to solve.

Pete here would like for his beliefs and your lack of beliefs to share equal footing and be valid avenues for your child. They are not on equal footing, and no respect should be afforded to those that would peddle this monstrous shit to a child. Of course the faithful are always handing the koolaid to kids, they can't help themselves. It's easier than trying to sell a full grown adult on fairy tales. I couldn't leave me kids in the care of fuckers like that without assurances that they would keep their mouths shut. This is how I've handled it with my extremely religious in-laws. No permission, no compromise, no possibility of appeal. Daddy hath spoken! lol. (they go behind my back and preach to my girls anyway, imagine that)