WWYD: Talking to kids about religion?

[chandni3]

I think have the mom there, then she knows what exactly you've said to the daughter (in case the child misunderstands) and she now has more answers ready. I'd also suggest the mom bring her daughter to talk to the Rabbi too to get answers from her own religion. Also, be open to the child thinking of answers, don't just automatically give an answer. Ask the child if she has any thoughts or answers to her own question. You might also want to look up any books for children on answering questions about religion which pertain to Judaism. I know there are lots of books out there for Christian kids, so there must be some for Jewish kids. Also, be sure what type of answers the mom is looking for. Is she looking for you to affirm thieir religion, to affirm all religions or no religion or just explain what other religions believe? Maybe the mother doesn't really understand how complex the issue can be or maybe she does want her daughter to have a more worldly view.

[L J]

I think it would be awesome of you to answer this child's questions. If I were to ask another mother with a degree such as yours to answer my child's questions about religion (and oh boy, I wish I could! No chance you are in Alabama? ) it would be because I trusted them.

It doesn't sound like she wants you to reinforce any ideas that they are raising their children with. If that were what she was after she would probably seek assistance from a religious leader.

I want my children to have a comprehensive, worldly view of religion. We have no personal religion of our own. So it's not a far fetched idea to me, to allow or ask someone to speak openly to my child on the topic.

[bdhutier]

I wouldn't do it. If the child has questions about Judaism they could be answered by a Rabbi but giving an 8 year old child an overview of religions seems like a recipe for confusion. My parents (who are atheists) tried to do the same thing and it caused all kinds of confusion. I think learning about other religions is great but at 8 you are still trying to sort out the faith you are being raised in (assuming you have one). If the child was 14 I think my answer would be different. My suggestion would be to have coffee with the mother and THE MOTHER can ask you her dd's questions and you and the mother can talk about the answers ,then MOM can talk to her dd about it as she sees fit.

[chandni3]

Originally Posted by bdhutier I wouldn't do it. If the child has questions about Judaism they could be answered by a Rabbi but giving an 8 year old child an overview of religions seems like a recipe for confusion. My parents (who are atheists) tried to do the same thing and it caused all kinds of confusion. I think learning about other religions is great but at 8 you are still trying to sort out the faith you are being raised in (assuming you have one). If the child was 14 I think my answer would be different. My suggestion would be to have coffee with the mother and THE MOTHER can ask you her dd's questions and you and the mother can talk about the answers ,then MOM can talk to her dd about it as she sees fit.

Yes, the child is a little young, I'd be more comfortable with it if the child was in their early teens. Perhaps you could recommend some resources for the mom to read to answer the questions herself.

[songbird516]

I would totally do it. REcently a friend of mine has had some really nice conversations with a lady and she goes to see her every Wednesday. The lady is agnostic but would like her son (who is 8) to learn about the Bible, so we go and discuss any questions he has about a Bible story book that we left. I think that it's nice that the parents want their kids to learn about things that they themselves aren't familiar with, and are humble enough to admit that someone else can help.

[MsGiggles]

Originally Posted by danner Yes! If her mom is trusting you, then honor her trust and share what you know. If you want to, of course.

Sounds like this kid's family is supportive of her learning about other religions. My parents did something similar for me around age 10. I think they were just thrilled to have a daughter interested in exploring religion(s), even if it wasn't limited to the one I was raised with!

[JennTheMomma]

I would talk to the mom beforehand and keep the answers "short and sweet".

[need some diaps!]

Originally Posted by L J I think it would be awesome of you to answer this child's questions. If I were to ask another mother with a degree such as yours to answer my child's questions about religion (and oh boy, I wish I could! No chance you are in Alabama? ) it would be because I trusted them. It doesn't sound like she wants you to reinforce any ideas that they are raising their children with. If that were what she was after she would probably seek assistance from a religious leader. I want my children to have a comprehensive, worldly view of religion. We have no personal religion of our own. So it's not a far fetched idea to me, to allow or ask someone to speak openly to my child on the topic.

This exactly....except not Alabama You aren't farther north are you