How do I tell my niece about my beliefs?

[Ashendant]

I don't think she's ever heard of the stork. When she asked my sister where babies came from and how they get there, my sister was very frank and honest in telling her how it happens. But she does believe in the easter bunny. She already understands that different people believe different things - she has friends who are Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, etc. - and she understands that her parents like Obama but her grandparents like McCain. What I'm worried about is the inevitable "why" that follows when I tell her I don't believe. She is all about asking why. When she asked me why my tummy was bigger than my sister's, I told her honestly it was partly because people are built differently (tall, short, thin, fat) and partly because I eat more than her mom does. That was easy. But I'm worried that my reasons for not believing in god will come off as more condescending or confusing.

Well if she asks why, i think you can tell her is because you don't see any proof in the existence of god and that religion has been about controlling people.

[krazedkat]

It is best to keep it as simple as possible and not give too much away. Don't be forceful just be... straightforward.

[Skipper]

Keep it simple. My little brother a few years back when he was about 7 or 8 asked about religion. I told him simply I don't believe in god, but some people do and it's up to him whether he does or not and that it makes no difference to me which he decides.

[Strappado]

But I'm worried that my reasons for not believing in god will come off as more condescending or confusing.

I remember when I was four or five or something, my grandmother had instilled in me the belief in God. So I told my father that I believed in God. He replied that he didn't but it was all right if I did. I then realized that God's existance was not settled once and for all, and stopped believing.
So for me it was a positive experience that my father said he didn't believe.

[Ubermensch]

"Do you believe in god?"
"No I don't"
"Why?"
Because it doesn't make sense to me."

[Edwardo Piet]

It doesn't make sense but I don't know why.

[The Omnissiunt One]

Shout at her, 'Your god is a lie, little girl!' and laugh dementedly as she runs off crying.

Or you could go for the softly-softly approach, it's up to you.

[GANIMEDE]

Explain to her why religions exist in the first place; as social clubs and community hubs. They are a service industry, providing advice for married couples who are getting into arguments. They console the grieving with promises of an after-life. They do all kinds of communiy service and do so under the expectation that they will be financed for all their work. Atheists must teach by example. Point out all the michief and hated and wars the worlds religions have provided the world, all because of the tendancy of so many "believers" to become fanatics. Just give fair and honest warning and set a good example.