What do you tell kids when mom and dad are of different religions?
By Troublegum
@Troublegum (641)
United States
December 1, 2008 9:31pm CST
I have often thought it was silly that some people won't date people outside their own religion, but I have a couple of close friends and family members who are now married and have kids that come from different faiths. The examples I am thinking of are Christians and Jews, but the same problem exists no matter what the religions. Before the kids this didn't seem like much of an issue, but as we approach the holidays I am wondering what they will tell the kids now that they are getting old enough to understad.
How do you explain Christmas when Dad thinks Christ is the messiah and Mom doesn't?
2 people like this
3 responses
@lilaclady (28206)
• Australia
2 Dec 08
Its usually the people outside of the relationship that causes the problems, I can't see where there sould be any problems, a child should be told about both religions but not forced into anything, mayne to go lightly until they are older and maybe show signs of interest in either or just respect both...I think people sometimes place too much importance on religion..
@Troublegum (641)
• United States
2 Dec 08
The problem comes if you do think religion is important. If you teach your kids that their are two conflicting view, both are valid and either is okay. The child will beleive that it is an unimportant distintion, and it may well turn out to be a very important distinction. I guess if You do hold it of high importance you are less likely to be in this situation to start with, I don't know.
@Sheepie (3112)
• United States
2 Dec 08
I think that if one parent is an atheist and one is not, it would be most practical to tell the children that it could go either way, and that when they grow up they will decide for themselves. I know that people who are Jewish and Christian celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah.
If they know the stories of both holidays, basically, I think that is all what matters. I think that the most important thing would be to remember what is the common goals and desires of both sides, and try to ignore the differences, even though I would bet this is impossible!
I really don't have an actual good answer for you; this is a tough one!
@sid556 (30953)
• United States
2 Dec 08
I am of no particular man-made religion so this would not be an issue with me. If I were say a christian and my husband were jewish, it would not be a problem at all...my kids would learn about both faiths and celebrate both faiths until they were old enough to decide for themselves. As it is , I raised all my children to accept all faiths and they know if they were to subscribe to any one in particular, they'd have my blessing.
