How do you handle religion with your kids?

[Anonymous]

How do you plan on sharing religion with your child? I feel that there is so much angst over religion (in politics, in pre-schools, etc.) and it is such a taboo subject (and it shouldn't be!). It seems that this is one topic that many parents feel adamantly opposed to when it comes to sharing our religious beliefs with our children. Why are parents so "nervous" about their children getting religious exposure in other settings? I feel that there are MUCH worse influencers on our children (peers, internet, tv, etc.). And, if you choose to incorporate religion into your child's upbringing, how do you do it, esp. since religion is so "uncool". I am not a religious freak by all means, but I have my own personal reasons for turning to it lately and I'd like for my children to feel comfortable turning to it when they need comfort. Why are we ok with saying we need a drink when we have had a bad day, but it is weird to say we need to pray?

These are all questions that I have in determining the best way to introduce my children to religion and to do it in a way that it is not a source of shame for them. Any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

No angst here! DS goes to a Jewish preschool, we celebrate holidays, take him to kids or kid-friendly services at temple. It's part of our lives, and we talk about others' beliefs as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why are parents so "nervous" about their children getting religious exposure in other settings? I feel that there are MUCH worse influencers on our children (peers, internet, tv, etc.). And, if you choose to incorporate religion into your child's upbringing, how do you do it, esp. since religion is so "uncool".

I'll answer, just on behalf of myself. I personally find external religious exposure to be quite a negative influence, as it very often seems to me to encourage incredible intolerance -- toward other religions, or toward lifestyles or personal choices that harm no one. It makes me cry to see my cousins' children being taught these things both in school and very much so at home too. When the religious exposure is not in the home but in a forum like school, then it gives the appearance of majority/authority endorsement which I think it also dangerous (and a lot like peer pressure). So that's why I get nervous and angsty about it. I want my son to have a balanced understanding of many diverse cultures and belief systems instead of indoctrination.

[Anonymous]

I picked a community with people who care about the earth, eachother, and those outside our (nameless faith). Going there, and following the rules of my faith keeps me honest with myself, and gives me context.

I have no problem teaching my son this. If you don't teach something, but passively let whatever happens, happen, your kids will adopt the worst part of commercial christianity without any of the good stuff.

[Anonymous]

We have no real issues - both DH and I are Catholic from traditional families- we went to Catholic schools and I certainly don't think either of us are any more intolerant of diversity. We both travel international and have a broad and diverse group of friends. DC attend church with us and we are still on the fence re: schools...have a little more time to decide.
I agree with OP - want my child to have some formal teaching in faith, prayer, morality. Certainly others may not teach things the way we would but this will happen on many subjects and so we will have to explain to DC that there are different opinions and beliefs - that is part of life.
We say grace before meals and prayers at night - celebrate holidays, read books, etc.
I have one SIL who is Lutheran, one Jewish and one Episcopalian! So we go to otehr religious events also which I think is helpful for DC to learn about and respect others