It can begin with a simple statement that evil exists since the fall of Mankind and has corrupted the hearts of men. The first rule is to talk to your kids in terms they understand. If your child wants to know why Muslims believe Mohammad is the true prophet and you simply don't know, look it up together and then discuss what you both learned. Children who receive affection and encouragement are more likely to continue exploring spiritual issues as they grow older. Use the term God lightly without definition. When you’re back at home, you can then pull up some photos and further discuss. Instead, I should foster his inquisitive mind and encourage him to learn and explore belief systems from around the world. Through this article, we’ll help you use the right words for them to understand correctly. There is also a variety of groups available to those still interested in finding a community of like-minded people outside a sanctuary setting, including organizations like the American Humanist Association and Parenting Beyond Belief, which provide social connection while also fighting for the spread of secularism in schools and politics. Throughout Trump’s 18-month tenure in the White House, he and other elected officials have grown increasingly hostile toward nonwhite, non-Christian groups (calling Nazi sympathizers “very fine people,” separating asylum-seeking families at the U.S. border, not condemning ongoing acts of violence toward Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims). Talk openly and honestly with your children and encourage their curiosity. As an atheist, I believe that Christianity is the wrong worldview, but simply telling my child this accomplishes nothing expect making him agree with me because he doesn't know any better. They may have advice or express interest in participating, as well. Are they questioning Santa? Award-winning journalist and bestselling author, Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost's next chapter. Explaining funerals and involving children. So, how can we teach children tolerance, love and acceptance when there’s so much judgment surrounding us? Knowing what you do or don’t believe, both as a parent and simply as a human, will help you as you navigate the world’s vibrant religious landscape with your family, Cunningham explains. A very young child or even a baby can go to a funeral with the rest of the family. Every family has their own way of celebrating holidays. If your child comes home with questions about another child’s beliefs or religious celebrations then indulge their curiosity as a learning experience. You can still explain that this other child doesn’t believe in Christmas but it shouldn’t keep your child from showing their feelings toward a … There may come a time when your kids ask you what you believe. Try These Thoughtful Good Friday Activities to Make the Holiday Meaningful for Kids, The Coolest Subscription Boxes for Kids Who Love Getting Mail, Chic Greek Baby Names Fit for Your Little God or Goddess, When (& How) to Start Your Baby on Solids, the main religious groups in the United States, Barack Obama ‘Could Not Be Prouder’ That Malia and Sasha Protested Against Police Brutality, This Nintendo Switch Bundle Is An Unreal Black Friday Deal at QVC & It Won’t Last Long, Hugh Jackman’s Wife Deborra-Lee Furness Says Her Kids Have Made Her ‘Smarter’, All The Amazon Black Friday Toy Deals We’re Snapping Up This Year. If the child is old enough you can review the history of the religion both good and bad, and address modern day issues of when groups inside the religion have done good deeds and bad. Visit different places of worship, learn about and celebrate various religious holidays at home, and explore various cultures’ art and history in museums. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. Don’t shy away from open or uncomfortable conversations, either; this is about growth, after all. My Dog has Blood in its Urine – What does it Mean? This is the same way moderate Christians differ from groups like the Westboro Baptist Church. “It’s really important to understand religions and to have an academic background that includes an understanding of the world’s religions,” Rose told SheKnows. “Think about how influential religion is in every aspect of our lives: in literature, in politics. “They’re fun, and we’re giving back,” Rose said. Much of what children do when it comes to ‘god’ is a matter of tradition rather than religion. What is the best way to explain to your child why a kid in their class cannot put his or hands together in prayer, or doesn’t celebrate his or her own birthday? Doing this encourages them to be critical of beliefs, others and their own. Teaching religion lessons is different from teaching other subject areas, because in faith formation, we do not teach a subject, we facilitate an encounter with Jesus Christ! Allow your child to celebrate their own religion. Playdate Contracts – Parenting in a Sue Happy World, War Stories Of Common First Time Parent Mistakes. Article written by Dan Arel on Danthropology. It also involves thoughtful and solid answers that the child can understand. Make this a priority. Parents should accept that teaching religion is not simply a tool to help children have a better understanding of belief. Remember, your child does NOT have to share your beliefs and exposing them to other religions is a gift that you are giving your children. Rose even said her chapter hosts an event called #ServiceSunday, in which they do various community service projects. Once you have laid a foundation for a single belief, you can build off that by showing how this belief conflicts with another, or how they align with others. If you're a parent who doesn't believe in the concept of Hell, the last thing you want to do is then put that fear in them when they are too young to realize Hell may in fact be a myth. The message to America’s youth seems clear: You can bully people for their differences because the president says so. I encourage others to be critical of all religion, but I believe criticism should be based on statements of fact, not biased misinformation, much like the information I received growing up. “We teach our children that everyone, regardless of the infinite ways of personal distinction, is loved by God and created in God’s image. Last but not least don’t leave kids with differing beliefs out of simply because you assume their family will not allow them to attend an Easter egg hunt or Christmas party. More: What to Teach Your Kids About Ramadan. You don’t have to embark on this learning adventure alone. Determining your child's ability to comprehend different subjects will have to come from your own observation, there is no magic age when your child will suddenly be capable of processing ideas critically. Explain to the class that you are demonstrating what faith is like. For instance if your daughter wants to send a Christmas card to her schoolmate, but that person doesn’t share the same beliefs how do you explain this to a 6 or 7 year old in a manner that they can understand. As an atheist I spend a lot of time defending atheism, not from its disbelief, but from others preconceived notions of what being an atheist means. The following tips are to for helping kids understand religious difference and ways to talk about religion, holidays and beliefs without discouraging tolerance and friendship among kids with differing belief systems. Of course, organized religion isn’t for everyone, as is evident by the Pew Research Center’s findings that Americans who identify as “spiritual but not religious” (27 percent) or as “religious nones” (atheists, agnostics or no religion; 23 percent) is on the rise.
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