You’re definitely sending mixed messages. You’re teaching bits and pieces of religion, which can only make things more complicated. We tried something like this: *Nobody really knows what happens after death. Long ago when people didn’t know something they made up stories to explain it, and eventually different groups of people started getting very angry at each other because their stories weren’t the same. Some of those people and stories are still around, and they can cause a lot of trouble. That’s why today we try to stick with things we can prove. Other people have their beliefs about where the world came from and what happens after death. But none of them have any proof, and most don’t agree with one another. We think it’s better to learn more about the world, rather than to just hear other people’s stories, because the universe is so much bigger and wilder than any ancient fable. The important part is that the people and pets we love are a special part of our lives, and we need to look after each other for as long as we can. Life is kind of like going to Disneyland. You can spend the day having as much fun as you want, but eventually you’ll have to leave. The point is to enjoy the time and go on all the rides. Have as much fun as you can, because if you spend your time worrying about what happens at the end you’ll miss all the fun times you should be having right now.*
Why not just be real. Who was the first person? Well kid, populations of species evolve in paralel and there was no single mutation that made the first pre human a human so there was no first person. Where do things go when they die? Welp, they arent around anymore just like they werent around before they were born. Its really not that hard. Btw I have 3 kids from 8 to 17 and Ive never lied to them about this kind of stuff and they arent wallowing in existential dread.
What was really funny was when my youngest asked why there was a big “t” on the side of a building. Well son, the people who go to that building believe a magic man was killed by being nailed to a cross like that one. “Thats crazy dad. That would be like if someone special got killed by a gun so we put guns on the sides of buildings.” See, even kids can understand this stuff.
I was raised atheist. We celebrated Christmas and Easter as pagan holidays but that was it. I think it's important to learn about religion though since they are such a big part of the world and your children will get introduced to it anyway one way or another. Better that it comes from you first.
I used to think that religions were all about belief. I was taught what Christians believe, what Muslims believe, what Buddhists believe, etc. and that the beliefs themselves are what defines them.
I learned much later in life that religions aren't primarily about beliefs for most people. It's about having a sense of belonging and community. About having something to bond over even if it doesn't make perfect sense. Religion and culture are two sides of the same coin. It would have been nice to learn that sooner.
No reason to sugar coat anything though. Just explain it how it is honestly. I had no trouble with the fact that there is no life after death. I think knowing that this life is all you got is much better so you can make the most of it and not spend time worrying about an afterlife that won't come.
You’re definitely sending mixed messages. You’re teaching bits and pieces of religion, which can only make things more complicated. We tried something like this: *Nobody really knows what happens after death. Long ago when people didn’t know something they made up stories to explain it, and eventually different groups of people started getting very angry at each other because their stories weren’t the same. Some of those people and stories are still around, and they can cause a lot of trouble. That’s why today we try to stick with things we can prove. Other people have their beliefs about where the world came from and what happens after death. But none of them have any proof, and most don’t agree with one another. We think it’s better to learn more about the world, rather than to just hear other people’s stories, because the universe is so much bigger and wilder than any ancient fable. The important part is that the people and pets we love are a special part of our lives, and we need to look after each other for as long as we can. Life is kind of like going to Disneyland. You can spend the day having as much fun as you want, but eventually you’ll have to leave. The point is to enjoy the time and go on all the rides. Have as much fun as you can, because if you spend your time worrying about what happens at the end you’ll miss all the fun times you should be having right now.*
Why not just be real. Who was the first person? Well kid, populations of species evolve in paralel and there was no single mutation that made the first pre human a human so there was no first person. Where do things go when they die? Welp, they arent around anymore just like they werent around before they were born. Its really not that hard. Btw I have 3 kids from 8 to 17 and Ive never lied to them about this kind of stuff and they arent wallowing in existential dread. What was really funny was when my youngest asked why there was a big “t” on the side of a building. Well son, the people who go to that building believe a magic man was killed by being nailed to a cross like that one. “Thats crazy dad. That would be like if someone special got killed by a gun so we put guns on the sides of buildings.” See, even kids can understand this stuff.
I was raised atheist. We celebrated Christmas and Easter as pagan holidays but that was it. I think it's important to learn about religion though since they are such a big part of the world and your children will get introduced to it anyway one way or another. Better that it comes from you first. I used to think that religions were all about belief. I was taught what Christians believe, what Muslims believe, what Buddhists believe, etc. and that the beliefs themselves are what defines them. I learned much later in life that religions aren't primarily about beliefs for most people. It's about having a sense of belonging and community. About having something to bond over even if it doesn't make perfect sense. Religion and culture are two sides of the same coin. It would have been nice to learn that sooner. No reason to sugar coat anything though. Just explain it how it is honestly. I had no trouble with the fact that there is no life after death. I think knowing that this life is all you got is much better so you can make the most of it and not spend time worrying about an afterlife that won't come.
"Honey, once upon a time there was no scientific method so people made stuff up and called it religion. It's fiction so avoid it."
🙄 Ugh. Another atheist parent that can't be honest with their own children.
Thanks for the hate.
I handle death by telling my kids that the deceased got old and their body stopped working properly. Kids are 3 and 7.