I barely learned to read, I received from my grandfather as a gift unusual for those times a book - biblical stories for children. The book was small, with very beautiful illustrations. One of her readings turned out to be enough to go to adults and declare: "I want to be baptized!" This desire was very surprised, because none of my relatives was baptized. Apparently, the seeds fell on the prepared ground: first the mother was baptized, then I. At first, we observed posts, I read the children's Bible and diligently prompted the bored texts from Prayer. For me, girls, all this was like a ritual, the game is nothing more. After many years, Vera came to me herself. Just sincere conviction and prayer. And a minimum of external manifestations.
I brought my daughter to church when she was fulfilled a year and a half. Probably, it would have done it before, but a husband to religion Buddhist. And I wanted the desire to baptize the child was common. We do not make an accent on spiritual education, each of us remains in our tradition. If questions arise, I talk about Christianity in my words.
How to convey to a child in a simple form?
If the family does not give an impulse of spiritual development, his explanation of the concept of "God", then with a huge chance, the child will affect the influence of religious views of educators, coaches, teachers and friends (more precisely, their parents). You can not pay attention to the question of a three-year-old baby or switch his attention to something else. And what about the 16-year-old teenager, which will be much more persistent, and not in words, but in practice?
By the way: The need to search for the Absolute led to the formation of the ITSism flow (from Dutch IETS - something). This is a faith of people who, on the one hand, believe that there is something or someone "the highest between heaven and land", but, on the other hand, do not accept and do not support any particular religion, doubt In dogmas and the opportunity to learn anything about God. Therefore, it makes sense to raise a child in the tradition that exists in your family. Or establish it, as it turned out in my case.
First I would like to warn from possible incorrect steps:
If you are going to share information, remember that parents should always know more than the child.
Self-limits in a religious family lead to rejection.
The child should not read the scriptures, it will give him the illusion that he is "in the know".
Information should be given only when there is confidence that it is needed. It is better than hunger than gluttony or push.
How to create a nutrient medium:
No matter what faith you belong to, the best will retell the parables accessible to the child. Especially on the road, when there is nothing to do, and the head is free.
Periodically include the spiritual music at home (go to such concerts, listen to the organ in the church, the bell ringing at least five minutes a day). And scientists, and preachers agree that these vibrations purify the soul, the space around, they have been beneficial at home.
Painting, icons, sculpture, architecture - the perception of art dedicated to God in any spiritual tradition.
Your example. If you keep the icons at home not just for beauty, go to the temple not for a tick, the child will understand without unnecessary words.
By the way: If you are not sure that you can answer all the children's questions or are used to contacting professionals, go to Sunday school, talk to the priest - perhaps it will be the best choice for your child.
Is there a choice?
At the parents, this step is not always conscious. Dedicate, because "Vera ancestors", "so accepted in society" to protect a painful child or protect him from the evil eye. Also a new status is a "social role" to purchase.
Today, parents decide on what spiritual tradition to raise their child. In our state there is no official religion or ideology. Some prefer to stay at the position of atheism, and sometimes it is better than to demonstrate the ostentatious religiosity, because they are sincere in our beliefs.
There is always a choice and everyone. It is important to remember your responsibility, that you are an example for children, which means your future in your hands. What purpose will their forces focus on? Will the place of spiritual life on their way?
Children are a mirror of parents, so what your confidence, approach to faith, will be the fruits that she will give your child.
Important! It is impossible to come to faith just like this click. If a person has not matured or dragged him to the Church of the Silk, the danger arises to roll into false, pharyce, external special effects.
Moms say ...
Daria Zarina, Son Plato, 8 years
"I started coming almost from birth, immediately after baptism. The first questions appeared for about a year, during the trips to the temple: where are we going, why, who is God? It was very difficult to explain, and he understood somehow completely in his own way, not as adults.
He told her son in the context of Orthodoxy, but he despoupled to metaphysical things rather than in the history of the church. When he became older, another thing. I bring up my child in Orthodoxy, I try to give him as much positive moments as possible in it, but if in adulthood he will choose another traditional religion or practice, it will have to accept it. Right aggressively will only against the sect. "
Olga Queen, Mikael daughter, 2 years 9 months
"Personalized God does not recognize, call him higher forces. Misha still does not ask anything. And when it starts, I will try to stick to the neutral position. And science is not everyone can explain, and religion is far from full speed. Let Misha choose the religion herself when it grows and discern. However, and the athe system can also be. For compliance with moral norms, faith is not needed. "
Maria Malysheva, Daughter Varya, 5 years
"I did not tell my daughter with my daughter. Grandma showed on the icon and said it was God. I believe in the fact that there are divine powers, there is an angel keeper. But there is no unconditional faith in God. "
Anastasia M., daughter Olya, 7 years
"We have such a conversation with my daughter for the first time when Ole was 5 years old. In art galleries and museums, it is necessary to explain what is depicted and what significance these images are in the culture of this nation. There is no specifically of one God, each religion is special, all of his beliefs. Now for her Divine - as an aliens and Santa Claus. If he wants, it will start to believe what is closer to her. It is important for me that the child will not scoring his head with empty things. A deeply believer person for me is the one who is trying to cover holes in its psychological vulnerability. "
Tatyana Tikhonov