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I have been thinking about teaching my little one about the pagan holidays. It's going to be hard because she has a big mouth and she will run it around the other kids at school. So my question is when is the right age to start teaching kids about these things? Please give examples of how you dealt with the issues that came with it. Thanks.

I think if you have something you believe in then your children should be exposed to your beliefs from birth. This way there is really nothing for them to think is unusual in your belief, thus what is there for them to speak of. If you believe that your belief is "normal" so will they.

I wish that I had started when she was born. But I was unable to for many reasons. Oh and here is another question. If you are no longer with the person that you had a child with, and that person do not follow your ways. What then? Do you teach your child both ways?

My wife is vegetarian. We have chosen to raise our children vegetarian. One of the largest obstacles to overcome was getting them to understand that not everyone eats like that. Once they got into school, my daughter more especially, they would try to preach to others about the "negativity" of eating meat. This of course caused conflicts with the other children. We simply reiterated over and over again to let it be. "To each his own" sort of theory.

I think we need to wait until they start to ask questions and then teaching them slowly the basics and then as they porsper upgrade there teaching

BloodAngel - traditionally the child should follow the mother's religion.

Thank you wolfbohn, my thoughts exactly, however maybe to speak with the ex to ask then their thoughts and if he choses to teach her his beliefs when she is with him to make sure he doesn't denigrate the mothers beliefs to the child! Create open communication to help the child.

I am kinda teaching them my ways but in a sense it is fun for them to learn..Doesnt mean i am talking satanism in the way as we learn..but they are learning different things..Dont get me wrong but when they say they want to go to church, we let them..But we dont push any religion down their throats

teach your child your way but also inform them of the other different ways so they may choose there own path.

I have no plan on making my kids do anything they don't want to do. If they ended up not following the same path I do I will still love them just the same. I will teach them respect for all religions and let them do their own thing when they are adults.

I think teaching your child your beliefs should be primary, and also allow her to discover other different customs, that way there is no real bias towards any one belief.

You ned to teach your child as soon as possible. Just let them know that theer are differemnt religions out there. If they understand that there are different religions they would be less prone to tlak about it

I think that openness to other religions is essential, but if your belief system is so important to you that you want your child to have the same core values, I say concentrate primarily on those core values. She'll need a base platform to jump off from. What she chooses to do with it later is up to her.

i agree with You Wolfsbohne..which is what we do in our home..They see more Vampisim and Goth than Satanism..Sure the Black Candles and such but they think they are plain candles..They are exposed in a way but..It will be entirely up to them when they get old enough

I don't know what the pagen holidays are exactly, being a Christian, but I think that if you want your children to know your beliefs that you should start when they're young. Teach them how you believe and then teach them to have an open mind. That not every one believes the same as you do. Kinda like what Wolfsbohne said he did earlier. "To each their own."

Hey, just teach them to shower and wipe their butts! That will be enough for awhile

I'm Wiccan and my daughter is 9. She's been asking questions aout when I'm going to teach her. I have raised her from birth in my ways, from natural birth, to herbal remedys. She knows not everybody is like that. Just keep telling your child that people have differant beliefs. I'm sure she'll begin to understand.

Teach her all ways then let her decide. I had religion forced on me and rejected it because it felt so forced.

lol @ LordFangor. Both of my kids can do that all ready. lol

I believe the right age is when you feel and they feel ready to learn and understand

I think you should teach your children about All holidays and let them decide what is right for them. i showed as well as taught my kids both pagan and christian ways.. now i have 3 pagans and 1 church goer

My family is not religious per say, but they do have their beliefs. They are not church goers, nor anything else.

When I was about 6 years old, they took me to as many different religious places we could find in our area. I remember a Catholic church, Presbyterian, Baptist, Unitarian, and a Synagogue amongst others. They wanted me to see for myself how different everything was, and after each service they took me to they would explain that specific faith's ideals and laws.

It worked well for me. Opening them up to it at an early age will undoubtably take away that sense of confusion.

I feel as several people have discussed here already. Though we do not have a child yet. I will raise mine the understanding of many religions and beliefs. And when the time is right I will let them choose thier path. But my child will know more than one way.

Children can be very cruel.

Paganism is not yet fully accepted, and the child will go through hell at school until about fifth grade when people start maturing.

That was only six years ago, believe me everyone I remember.

I think any age is good enough to start teaching what 'mommy and daddy believe'. I also know that children sometimes need to be given choices as they grow and grow curious. So while I see no harm in teaching the pagan holidays, I wouldn't try to knock down the more recognized holidays or destroy their more secular meanings to the world at large (like Halloween or Santa).

My grandbabies are 3 and 6..The 3 year old has already expressed an interest in The Goth World, and Death Metal..Both has expressed interest in Vampire's...They are very smart, true smartasses also but They have a mind of Their own..If they want to be xtians, i will stand in the way...But they are free to do as they wish..

I don’t know what an appropriate age to start teaching specific beliefs to a child would be. I have decided that I will never hide my beliefs from a child but I won’t push my beliefs on a child either. I hope that when I have a child I will be able to teach open-mindedness above all else.

That is the way I feel Gaius...The only thing I do is kinda hide the altar and stuff, watch what i say in front of them...

I don't think you should be teaching kids this kind of stuff. I think it would be more appropriate to let them bump into it when they are old enough..and then answer questions they might have.

I think it is better they learn at Home than on the streets..Ppl have different views and things and I DO CENSOR WHAT I DO IN FRONT OF THEM...

I guess one of the problems with teaching children our beliefs is we might be wrong. My beliefs work for me and as far as I know only for me. I came to believe what I believe after about thirty years of life. I don’t even think I really should teach anyone my beliefs. As long as we teach open-mindedness our children will chose their own paths.

Well, in my opinion, now is the perfect time to start, however, I would suggest not telling her about being a Witch or casting spells or the like cause that is what will get her in to trouble with her peers sad as it is to say. Good luck and Blessed Be

And as far as wanting them to grow up with the lifestyle I'd think if they are to young to comprehend it the more trouble it would cause. To fully enjoy and learn they'd have to understand what things mean or at least old enough to. I'd teach my daughter about it maybe when she starts 6th grade as opposed to when she is 6. Though if these things are done from day to day living since they were young it would definetly help.

This one is quite a difficult one for me. According to pagan traditions, children are supposed to be sheltered from the ways until they are 13 and can learn responsibally.

However, my mother and father are not pagan....in fact, they know nothing about magick or the occult. They would not have ever been able to teach me if they had wanted to. These facts aside, i still developed an interest in these things when I started to question how I was able to do things that most would not have ever been able to do. This started when I was about 8 or 9 when i first got my taste of magick.

I don't think it is wise to shelter children from it, but at the same time, i don't think that young children under 11 should be taught anything at all.

That said, I am going to undermine myself by stating that I also believe teenagers between the age of 13 and 15 somewhat dangerous with any forms of magick. This is due to the chemical imbalances within their bodies and mind due to puberty.

Teenagers can often be wild and unpredictable. If that is the case without any forms of magickal influence, then I would guess that with magicks they would be a danger to themselves and others. Something that all magick users try their best to avoid.

Mener

That is true also Gaius..I did not say I was teaching them but, i am who i am..I do not flash it openly or in front of them..If they chose to live as such, then so be it..There is nothing wrong with any religion, well except one in my book

I believe in general as a mom, a parent or guardian you are raising the child, so just as any other belief you teach them, guide the and help them (especially when it comes to other kids)...be there to explain. The earlier the better, I am not saying they will lose interest, but often kids want to go their own way, so yes, do teach...while you still have them interested and willing and wanting...

ladyvamp (mummie dearest) taught me stuffs when i was like 12 sojust before i went to highschool

You should not be ashamed to teach your children your ways.
And so what if she talks about it at school?

It's no different than Christians or Jews or Islamic people talking about their religion and practices at school.

i see nothing wrong with your child knowing of your own religion i just wouldnt drown them in it, maybe they will choose no path or the total oposite of what your exspecting ...

while i dont have children yet i do believe that they should know of there religion early andthan when theyareoldenough to make up there own mindaboutwhat religion they should learn and lead life with

I live in a very close minded area and I have raised my kids to look at and understand others and what they believe as just that, what they believe and who they are.

Now in that I have tried to teach them to look at religions and faith or beliefs in a way that they learn what it is they believe and why. Not to believe it but yet to know what it is they believe.

Now I have watched my 13 year old move from this and that. Taking parts of all that she has learned about and watched her set her own path to what she believes. She has looked at Christian faith and likes a great deal about it and has a lot of friends that are christian. She also has some friends that are goth and emo that she has started to hang around. She has now started asking about Wicca. She wants books and she wants to learn and read about it.

I am not afraid, even in the great state of Utah to allow her to persue this and quite possibly pick up on the beliefs. I know who she is and no matter what her faith is I think she is going to be a great kid and adult.

I have shown her to open to all that is around her. Not just what I believe. And you can be damn sure I do not hide from her what I believe. But I will not impose my will or my beliefs on her just because she is my child. Nor will I syand back and allow anyone else to do it because they believe that is the only way to be.

We are here to learn and live.

I would start when young or even at birth. by following the pagan lifestyle with you. as the child grows you teach further. There are several good books on raising children the pagan way. I have 4. my 2 older 24 & 22 are pagan and 9 and 12 I'm raising them with pagan views and the lifestyle etc. Since they where young I told them everyone is different. Their biological father ( all children) are from my first marriage - is Catholic. The children are open to both views as well as other religions.
let your ex teach, if he wants to about his views and beliefs. I would just say daddy has different views on religion and leave it at that, until they get older and ask morequestions.
BTW. none of my children have or had a problem in school being open to all that they are pagan. They even wear pentagrams out .

my children will make their own informed decisions when they are capable of making those choices... only time will reveal when that will happen...

I know my grandkids are only 3 and 6 but they are very smart and knows what they like..i just dont flaunt it in front of them nor others..I am not ashamed of who and what i am either..when time comes they will know..My Daughter Deann knows all about it, even though she hasnt converted, she understands and respects my decision..

i feel that they should know are way of life...for i think it make's them stronger.

My son has been given the option of what he would like to believe, and i will teach him what ever he would like to beleive to the best of my ability

choices are always good exspecially for kids

I'm not a parent but I believe that its better to expose someone to a belief than expect them to follow it. Show them many different ways and let them choose for themselves. Whats the rush?

I'm in my mid 20s and I'm still sorting out certain beliefs. There are many years ahead and many things to learn (be it either the easy way or the hard way). No need to force anything if you ask me.

I started teaching my son from just before he went to school that people all around the world have different beliefs.

However I mostly talk to him about my beliefs when he comes to me with spiritual questions. Then we have a little disussion while we are coloring in or playing with toys.

I have told him and will always tell him that it is his choice what he believes and what he wants in life. I can show him my beliefs so he can understand me better, but in the long term it will be his choice.

I make sure I don't run down other religions, and I make sure if he asks a question that I give him as informed and answer as I possibly can. As a parent that is the best I can do.

Agrees with All...I didnt find out exactly what i was til recentyl..Knew i had different beliefs and such...Like I said i dont flaunt it but doesnt really hide the fact..If my Daughter wishes to change then so be it..The babies ask questions and we do try to answer...Long as they are taken care of and is taught.,..who cares

As an added note, as 'pagan parents' I think we have a better opportunity than most to teach our children religious tolerance and understanding.

Here in Australia all religion in the schools are christian based, so straight away the children are taught on a bias system.

But as parents ourselves I think its important that children learn there are other religions out there and to accept that they are different. Its in our children we will bring about a peaceful change in the world. So if we train their minds to be open and accepting of others differences we are fostering that future peace.

The best time to teach a child anything about religion (in my opinion) is

#1 When they start asking questions and generally want to learn

#2 When they can understand that not everyone believes the same things

#3 They can understand what a secret is. Not that religion is a secret but I personally do not think it appropriate to advertise my beliefs. Tolerance is in short supply nowadays and while I have tolerance for others, they may not return the same common courtesy to me.

anytime

My son is twelve and one of the things I have thought him is to think for himself. Telling your child to use their own mind is the best way to be able to open them up to new things. Your child will have to decide for themselves if they are pagan or not. They have to follow their own path eventually.

that is very true..whatever they wish to believe or follow will have my blessings and i will help as i can..i know 3 and 6 is young but they do have a mind of their own and knows what they like and dont like...

I don't think you should be teaching kids this kind of stuff. I think it would be more appropriate to let them bump into it when they are old enough..and then answer questions they might have.

I teach my children some things that are not cathloc based. I tell my son that not everything i tell him is approved of in his religious class so don't talk about it there. I sensor what i teach my children. I don't nessesarilly have to tell them that it is a pagan celebration, but i can say this is how I celebrate. My kids don't get the faith thing yet anyway. My daughter thinks December 25 is the day we celebrate toys and Santa Claus. If it was up to me I would ditch the Santa thng all together. I'm lying to my children! The Fake Santa is reality and the real diety or dieties, are secondary.
The holidays don't even feel real any more. I do them for the kids. The holiday that has felt the most real this year was holloween. What ever...

And I will say this again..I would rather my kids learn from me than anyone else..And it will be up to them to decide for they wish to follow...And a young age is good to start teaching them things and how to make up their own mind

I think that in certain cases where there are different beliefs.. try celebrating both I guess.. later on.. when they're old enough to acknowledge why you're doing it.. then you can fill them in on some things and let them decide on their own what they want to follow..

I was baptized luthern.. and was allowed to decide for myself if I wanted to follow that religion when I was old enough to understand it.. it worked for me..

hopefully it could work for you too..

My 10 year old sister goes to the same primary school that I did. It's a very strong Catholic School.

My sister knows my beliefs & that I believe in no God. & I know that she freely does believe in God, on her own free will.

I'd say judge each child on their own merit. They all have different learning ages.

Nicole isn't easily influenced & makes up her own decisions on these type of things.

& personally if you feel your child has a big mouth & it would cause trouble with other children, she isn't at the age to be told just yet, not until she learns discretion....Personally again, I wouldn't care who my child told there religion to

I have always let my children make up their own minds about religion or lack thereof, at the same time teaching them to have an open mind. When they are curious they will come to you.

No matter when you start it's going to be difficult. We live in a society that is majority christian and in most cases but not all, they can't help but have something negative to say to anyone who does not subscribe to there beliefs.

Everyone has their own ideas about what to teach their children. That is personal. Each person should know what their child can or cannot handle. Some things are off limits. No one should be intoducing their child to sex. If the poster of this thread is wanting to explain her beliefs to her child, I think that is better than the child hearing from the right wing Fundmentalist Christians who will tell her that her mother is on her way to Hades for not believing the way they do.

I was.. lucky.. or at least I see it as lucky now.. at the time I was not so sure lol. I was raised with a Christian and a pagan background from very early on. I do remember talking about some of it at school and yes it did cause a few troubles. But my dad ( the pagan half of my family) came and explained to the teacher what he was teaching me. And then the teacher actually asked if he would do the same for the class. So he came a few times a year .. the special holidays mostly... and showed the kids how we celebrated. Its helped alot for people to see we were not dancing naked with demons or running around looking for people to kill lol.

I went to a religious school. (I'll keep from revealing which religion to prevent pissing anybody off) It got to the point where every time I asked "why?" and all they had to say was "because" or some other "you just have to have faith" answer, I stopped. I hate when a child is expected to grow up with a specific belief system, just because it is that of the parents or family. To me, and if you think about it, it's true, is BRAINWASHING. To tell some one over and over again how something is and that it is the ONLY WAY is just that. They know nothing else, and by the time they realize that there is something else out there, as we all know there is, it would be foolish not to, it's too late. It is engrained in who they are so deep that even if they choose another religious path there will always be that nagging voice in the back of their head from their family and friends and the institution that they came from that they are doing something wrong.

I have a 5 yo little girl. We do not teach her any ways. Not even our own. When she starts to ask questions or comes home with something she hears from her pre-school, we tell her what it means why it matters to some people and how people should make their own decisions.
Same goes with politics or any thoughts.
We decided a long time ago we were not going to raise a robot.

Only my opinion, no need to take offense.

Well. We live in a free country... at the moment.

My view on this is that children should never be told what to believe.

I know that's not what your suggesting either.

As long as its made clear that other people think differently, and they're not bad or wrong because of it.

The reason Catholic Schools produce rebels isn't because catholisism is stupid. Its because they teach only one way. Everyone who doesn't think the way they do is wrong.

So my advice to anyone who wants to teach a child your beliefs. Do it in front of them, they'll want to do it. Make it look like an obligation and you'll guarantee that they wont, and they'll hate you for it.

well said

Here i go again..I am not forcing my beliefs down their throat nor will I..They are old enough to understand things and that we do teach them..I an a Satanist and my Daughter is old enough to learn about it..There is no way i will not let my kids like Vampires, Lycans or even Goth..If they wish to go to church then they go..This is about my religion, i dont force it down your throat or anyone elses..I was raised baptist but over the years i changed and now i am who i am and very happy...If they wish to follow, Pagan, Satanism or even Xtian ways...then so be it..

i have always told my sons about my ways but told them i want them to find their own ways. they both went to church for a while but they have both stopped now for reasons only known to them. i was forced to go to church when i a small child and i wouldnt do that to my kids or grandchildren if and when i have them.

AND I AM NOT TEACHING THEM SATANISM..THEY HAVE A MIND OF THEIR OWN AND IF THEY WISH TO BE WHATEVER, THEN SO BE IT...I DO NOT FLAUNT SHIT IN FRONT OF THEM AT ALL

Alrighty then, simmer down just a tad and try to lay off the caps.

It has been my theory that my kids would learn as i did, growing up and experiencing all religions to suit the one they would like. I never forced them to learn my ways and would never expect them too, yet at their younger years they went to church with me, but at sometimes they must spread their own wings and make their life, which they have done.

sorry..didnt realize there was caps involved

if you are catholic/christan ect ect and your child decides to practice something darker, is this going to be alright with you ?

I would..Would help them anyway i can..

I would support my child's spirituality whatever is was as long as it was POSITIVE. I wouldn't support a negative spirituality as much as I wouldn't support a drug habit or crime. I want my son to be a happy, productive member of society that leads by example.

Each to their own I say, all kids are different, so it's a hard question to answer, especially with all the different views & the friction starting already.

Im not worried about it. Im in England, were not very religious people at all were I live. It's quite easy to become your own person here. Im not worried about what anyone thinks, as it's not a big deal here

Teaching them your beliefs is up to you and if anyone questions this well to hell with them. I know many over in the UK that have taught there beliefs to their kids and it has been excepted. No one has the right to tell you what you should believe in or teach the kids.

my two cents... ok i have raised abunch of children in my life time but for my believe .. i have given my son his right to chose what he want.. but i still teach him my way to.. i just give him the rights to go my path or his own


in religion ways i mean..

To answer the original question, I think you should wait a little bit longer before teaching your daughter about your specific beliefs. Younger children are very impressionable, and the last thing you want is to 'force' her into a religion she might not really be comfortable with. No matter how gently you expose them to it, children will often want to follow the beliefs and practices of authority figures in order to gain acceptance, rather than out of true belief.

However, if you look at most children's programming (Blue's Clues, Dora the Explorer, that sort of thing) and many school's, you will notice that they are making a concerted effort to teach children about all different cultures and belief structures. I believe that this is what's best for children.

Make an effort to learn about everything you can, then teach it to her. Celebrate different holidays with her, even if they are not your own. Or combine certain holidays, and celebrate them all together. For example, during 'winter holidays' you can take elements from Christmas, Yule, Hanukkah, Kwanza, New Year's, and anything else you can think of, and make it into one big holiday.

This way, she won't be pushed to choose one thing or another. Then hopefully, by the time she starts to question you about the religion you follow, you will have already explained it to her in a satisfactory manner, as well as showing her that each religion has it's merits. I believe that the best thing is to allow her to choose her own way, just as you chose yours.

It will probably be a while before she's old enough and mature enough to really understand what religion means.And as you mentioned, she tends to talk a lot at school, this way will also decrease the likelihood of her getting teased for following a religion that she doesn't even really understand.

Excellent question.. and once again was quite thrilled with reading everyones views. Personally I waited until my daughter began to ask questions.. then I simply explained to her what I believed and helped her understand that others tend to believe differently and that she should respect that but not judging. That was many moons ago when she was the tender age of 5.. now she is 16.. by allowing her to do as I did and explore the different religions she has compiled her own beliefs. Most of which being what I believe.. especially when it comes to the goddess. With that said I think that is what you have to do.. help them understand your beliefs while at the same time allowing them to find their own path. I always say its your story you have got to write it.

Probably when they're old enough to understand what you're talking about.

My children have been taught from birth to respect all the different religions.

They have been exposed to allot of different belief systems and we have our core set values.

Exposing them to your religion is something that only you can decide.

Interestingly enough, with the posting of this topic, I have received a note from my son's school today.

"Please work with your child to create an ornament that we will use to decorate our 5th Grade Heritage/Unity Wreath. The ornament should depict your family's holiday beliefs and traditions. You may use any materials that you like for this project. We will hang the finished Projects on a paper wreath in the fifth grade hallway for everyone to see, so make sure it is creative and festive."

It is due Monday the 10th. :D We have already started on it and our's is a blended religion household.

i didnt really have 2 tell my 12yrold she kinda watched things like she would look at my books and stuff...my 8yrold she is like whatever ...my oldest is born on Beltane..

My dad told me everything growing up we would sit threw voilent movies and he would explain it to me. He told me all the dumb shit he did as a kid, drugs, getting arrested that kind of thing and since i knew what would happen from him telling me I never did it. now my cousins their dads who grew up with mine and did the same stuff didnt tell them about it and they screwed up their lifes trying it. When it comes to religion, my family is jewish but we did do xmas because i wanted a tree and I couldnt understand why i didnt get one so we did both.

If I had kids I wouldn't really teach them but if they had questions about it I would definately tell them. I rather have it to where they choose their own path freely when they're ready without having it drilled in their heads at an early age.

I feel kids have the right to know. At the younger age they are able to grasp concepts better too. And is better than keeping secrets from them.

Thank you all for your comments and thoughts. :)

I believe that you should start educating your children from day one.

Teach them your ways, but also explain to them that there are others out there that don't understand and are likely to cause trouble if they found out. Total openness and honest is what a child needs, otherwise the child could begin to think of your beliefs as bad because they are secret. Openness will allow the child to best deal with their personal beliefs.

Also allow the child to choose for themselves what they believe. Chances are more than likely, if you portray your beliefs properly, your children will realize the goodness in your beliefs and adopt them and accept them also. :)

Society is slowly changing and is more likely to accept your beliefs than it did 20 years ago.

i believe in teaching my kids everything there is to know about life and of course teaching them their education

In my opinion the most important time to teach your children bout certain things is when they being school, when they start to socialise with other children, also then they listen to other children opinions.

i have a ? in the 60's did the kids back then have a choice then like they do now with religion and such.. cause i didnt have a choice

?????????????????

My grandbabies are learning everything..i think they need to learn all and if they wish to be xtians so be it...i will not stand in their way of whatever choice they make...i will be standing right beside them..

i don't ever think one is to young or to old to start learning i believe the more they know the safer it will be in that they will be ahead of the game and know what it's about when the time comes for them to choose which path they wish to embark on.

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