Parenting - Split parental views.

[Spencer]

Ok.... I dont know how to do it!

My daughter just asked me out of the blue, "How come you don't pray?" I froze, ignored her and she moved on...

My son asked to have an old bible I had laying around, I said yea of course, but now im thinking I missed another opportunity..

[TheDarkestOfAngels]

Children sometimes go into an imaginary friend phase. As long as they have equal access to facts and rational people, they'll grow out of it. Just watch them so it doesn't go out of hand.

Unlike most irrational beliefs and imaginary friends, there are a lot of irrational people who may attempt to enforce those beliefs, still, they're your children, I'm sure they can recognize crazy when they see it.

[Autumnlicious]

NOW.

Start educating them in critical thinking. Look around.

Camp Quest (http://www.camp-quest.org/) is an excellent suggestion for sending your offspring to for learning how to examine the world critically around them.

[Rhage]

Ok.... I dont know how to do it!

My daughter just asked me out of the blue, "How come you don't pray?" I froze, ignored her and she moved on...

My son asked to have an old bible I had laying around, I said yea of course, but now im thinking I missed another opportunity..

You may have missed this opportunity, but there will be plenty others.

I am instilling basics in my daughter now, such as there are no monsters in the closet, no such things as ghosts, no fairies, no leprechauns and so on. Kids are innately curious, foster that curiosity and who the hell knows what questions they may ask next.

The best you can do, Spencer, is be as honest as you can with them. When my daughter asks my why I don't believe in Allah, I just tell her that I have never seen any reason to. I also teach her, on a daily basis, that there are many different types of people in the world and, as humans, it is our job to accept the differences in people, not shun them. I think it helps her to have a strong foundation.

[Spencer]

I agree. I think if I had replied and said because I don't believe in god because there is no god, I would feel like I was lying to her about Santa Clause and the tooth fairy and such, which is sill I know. I need to be better prepared for that question next time thats for sure!

Thanks Rhage.