What do you do when your charge(s) ask about religious topics?

[Anonymous]

This week, when we were taking a walk around the neighborhood, my 5 y/o charge saw one neighbors nativity scene in their yard and I was suddenly bombarded with questions about who the people are and why they're in the yard, along with why the baby was there, etc. I was kind of speechless. I know the family I work for is Christian, but they're not avid church-goers, and we don't often talk about religion.

What do you say when a kid asks these questions? He's obviously old enough that I couldn't rally change the subject too easily. I simply told him that those were some people that stand for Christmas to some people. I didn't know what else to say. What do I do when these questions come up again? I'd especially like thoughts from MBs/DBs or nannies who've experienced this.

[Anonymous]

I stay out of it.

"It's a very big topic and your parents will have better answers for you!"

[Anonymous]

For the most part I have worked for families who were active within their religion so it hasn't been an issue, particularly b/c my religious beliefs were very similar to most of theirs. I have been free to answer questions as they arise.

The family I currently work for is not particularly religious. DB is not fond of organized religion, but MB wants the kids to have background knowledge of Christian beliefs. The kids are in their third year of attendance at a religious-based school. We regularly talk about God, Jesus, and currently everything surrounding the Christian beliefs about Christmas.

At some point early on in most of my jobs I have asked the parents how they would me to handle religious questions. Are you comfortable answering religious questions? Not all nannies are. It's time to ask your employers how they would like you to answer these types of questions in the future. If your employers are ok with you answering the children's questions (and you are comfortable doing so) make sure you know what viewpoints they would like you to answer with.

[Anonymous]

Answer honestly and simply. I worked for a jewish family (the dad was a lapsed catholic, the mom a lapsed jew, both aetheist but the kids were saddled with jewish holidays). The older boy frequently asked me first thing in the morning during the holiday season if i celebrate xmas. I kept it simple and said yes its something i enjoy and look forward to all year. Sometimes he'd ask if i believe in god and i'd say yes. Often his mom was there when he asked and she seemed fine w/ my amswers. Just answe rtheir questions simply and honestly. You could say some people believe bla bla bla or whatever.

[Anonymous]

I have told families I will share just the facts if a kid asks me about religion. Like some people are Christians they are setting out a scene like this called a nativity as a remembrance of the birth of Jesus. I don't delve into faith or spirituality. Just the facts.

[Anonymous]

Are you really that moronic that you cant even answer/explain questions in these situations? Hey, not all people are believers but kids ask questions and you should know how to answer. What are you going to tell the kid when he asks about santa? ''Uhh derr Santa comes from the chimney derrr''. What are you going to say when you're asked ''where do babies come from?''

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you really that moronic that you cant even answer/explain questions in these situations? Hey, not all people are believers but kids ask questions and you should know how to answer. What are you going to tell the kid when he asks about santa? ''Uhh derr Santa comes from the chimney derrr''. What are you going to say when you're asked ''where do babies come from?''

Thanks for a useless answer.

[Anonymous]

I answer it the same I do with any other tricky questions. Give honest information, but only offer opinion if asked directly.

ie: "some people believe that a long time ago a man named Jesus was born and he did a lot of important things. Some people believe he's god or the son of god. That's him as a baby with his parents and he had lots of visitors"

Its ok to talk to kids about beliefs and culture and traditions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I answer it the same I do with any other tricky questions. Give honest information, but only offer opinion if asked directly.

ie: "some people believe that a long time ago a man named Jesus was born and he did a lot of important things. Some people believe he's god or the son of god. That's him as a baby with his parents and he had lots of visitors"

Its ok to talk to kids about beliefs and culture and traditions.

Adding... if in doubt ask the parents before you get tough questions on how they would like you to address them.