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Education | Parenting 17<br />
5<br />
commandments to abide by when<br />
teaching your kids about religion<br />
How do we, as modern parents, talk to our kids about God<br />
and religion?<br />
Tasfia Huda<br />
Teaching your child<br />
about religion is not an<br />
easy task. Be prepared<br />
for an onslaught of<br />
questions, but also encourage such<br />
questions – even those that question<br />
the fundamentals of your own<br />
conviction. Once you have laid a<br />
foundation for a single belief, you<br />
can develop that by showing how<br />
this belief clashes with another, or<br />
how they align with others.<br />
When we approach these<br />
discussions with empathy and<br />
open-mindedness, it is not nearly as<br />
difficult as it appears. Here are five<br />
commandments for teaching your<br />
kids about religion.<br />
EXPOSE YOUR KIDS TO MANY<br />
RELIGIONS<br />
A well-rounded religious education<br />
is the one that covers the<br />
fundamentals of many religions from<br />
a social and historical perspective.<br />
What is religion? Why did it come<br />
about? What’s more, why is it so<br />
important to people? Get a few books<br />
and teach yourself about different<br />
religions – then, tell your kids what<br />
you’re learning. Put major religious<br />
holidays on your calendar, and use<br />
them as opportunities to discuss<br />
history and tradition. You may also<br />
visit few places of worship, and take<br />
your children with you. Religious<br />
education is a gift – give it to them.<br />
A well-rounded religious education is the one<br />
that covers the fundamentals of many religions<br />
from a social and historical perspective<br />
BE RESPECTFUL TOWARDS<br />
OTHER RELIGIONS<br />
When it comes to religion, most<br />
people believe that their way is<br />
the best way – the right way. But<br />
conviction doesn’t need to be<br />
translated into being arrogant or<br />
mean. There is nothing wrong with<br />
criticising people for saying or doing<br />
hateful things. You may discuss,<br />
oppose, or even argue. However,<br />
try to do it without name-calling,<br />
generalising, or degradation. Let kids<br />
know that yours is a household that<br />
talks openly and respectfully about<br />
tough subjects – including religion.<br />
LET YOUR CHILD CHOOSE<br />
If you’re going to teach children<br />
that it’s okay for individuals to<br />
hold religious beliefs, you should<br />
give your kids a chance to hold<br />
religious convictions as well.<br />
There’s no shame in wanting your<br />
kids to believe the way you do. So<br />
guide them. Teach them the value<br />
of science. Explain the difference<br />
between fact and faith. Teach<br />
them morals and ethics. Tell them<br />
about religion from an impartial<br />
perspective, and then let them take<br />
it from there. Let them know they<br />
are free to choose what they want to<br />
believe.<br />
DON’T LIE ABOUT YOUR OWN<br />
BELIEFS<br />
Everyone has the right to his or<br />
her own thoughts and beliefs, and<br />
that includes you as well. So, don’t<br />
hide them. By doing so, not only<br />
would you be sending a message<br />
that religion is an uncomfortable<br />
or intimidating subject, but you’d<br />
be making it clear that it’s okay to<br />
be ashamed of your beliefs. Admit<br />
when you are confused or don’t<br />
have all the answers.<br />
RAISE YOUR CHILDREN TO BE<br />
CRITICAL THINKERS<br />
Parents should accept that<br />
teaching religion is not simply a<br />
tool to help children have a better<br />
understanding of belief. This way,<br />
it will encourage their critical<br />
thinking skills in all aspects of life,<br />
also helping children understand<br />
local and world conflicts between<br />
religious groups.•<br />
WEEKEND TRIBUNE | FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 2017
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