Should You Choose a Religion for Your Child?

Should you choose a religion for your child or let them make their own choices? I may be a little biased in my opinion. I was raised Catholic, but I'm not a Catholic. As soon as I was given a choice, I stopped attending Sunday services. Why? My beliefs simply didn't coincide with my parents. I think it's fine to instill moral character in your child. I don't think it's fine to force your religious beliefs on them. After all, they are perfectly capable of making their own decisions on such matters as adults (if you did a good job raising them).

Deep routed family beliefs may not leave you a choice. What if your family values are based on a particular religion (as mine were)? Young people raised by devoutly religious parents attend church services from an early age. Should you choose a religion for your child while they live under your roof? There's nothing wrong with that. It exposes them to their parents faith so they can make an informed decision when the time comes. I do think it's unrealistic of parents to assume their child will share their religious beliefs throughout life.

Should you choose a religion for your child, talk to them first about your beliefs. Explain why you feel the way you do. Give them all the details you can. Go ahead and send them to Sunday school. Indoctrinate them into the church by baptism and other ceremonies. However, as your child ages, don't force religion on them. Make it their choice in the end. You had a choice concerning your faith. So should they.

Educate your child on the alternatives. Your faith is strong. You know in your heart that what you believe is right. You should also have faith that your child will make the right choice. It will mean more if they are exposed to different beliefs along the way. Talk to your child about why you agree or disagree with other teachings. Don't be afraid of the influence of other faiths on your children. A variety of religious exposure will help them become tolerant adults.

Don't be hurt or resentful if your child chooses another religion. In the end, these are your childs beliefs, not your own. They have a right to choose another faith once they come of age. Don't teach your children to be lemmings. They are human beings with minds of their own. It's OK if they don't choose to follow your faith as long as they are morally conscious individuals. Should you choose a religion for your child, don't expect them to stick with it for life.

Should you force your religion on your child? Not in the strictest sense. Forcing your faith on some children can cause them to run screaming in the other direction. Think how you feel when forced to do something that isn't in line with your beliefs. Talk to your child about your beliefs. Bring them to church with you. Expose them to other religions and explain why you disagree with other teachings. Allow your child to choose their own informed beliefs. You may be pleasantly surprised.

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Why You Should Let Your Toddler Cry

Does Your Child Own Their Mess or Do You?

Having a Baby? Why You Shouldn't Look at It That Way

Source:

Personal experience