I don’t raise my children as Buddhists or Atheists. We just don’t raise them as anything “religious.” They are free to explore religion on their own and come to their own conclusions. As they get older, they will be more inquisitive and I will help them find the proper sources for the answers they seek.
This is a tender age for them now. I must be very calculating in what I say and how I say it, as I don’t want to shape their opinions surrounding religious topics.
Today, during homeschool, we were reading “Little House in the Big Woods.” The family was celebrating Christmas, and read their Bible around the fire. My children wanted to know what “The Bible” was, and why the children weren’t allowed to talk or play on Sundays.
So began the delicate dance of giving them just-enough information. It went something like this:
“Well, Christians read the Bible. They go to church to be with other Christians and to listen to stories from the Bible. The Bible tells stories about God and Jesus. Christians believe that God and Jesus can do powerful and magical things.”
My middle child asked, “Like superheroes?”
Me, trying to hide a smile, “Yes, just like superheroes. And some people don’t believe that superheroes are real, right? Well, some people don’t believe that God is real either, but some people do.”
Then he got very serious and said, “Well mama, policemen and firefighters are the REAL superheroes.”
So much wisdom for someone so small.
The Journey of a Thousand Sticks 
It’s a delicate balance offering up spirituality and protecting them from indoctrination. I’m still not sure how I’m going to handle it. My plan so far is to amass as many spiritual texts as possible and offer Religious studies when my kiddos are old enough. Hopefully, it will encourage a lifetime seeking enlightenment. In the end, that is my intention for my kids. Fingers crossed.
That’s a lovely plan Deidre. Thank you for sharing.
It is a tight rope walk. I admire how you raise them to be this independent! Your son really does have so much wisdom! I loved this story!
Thank you Corrinebjacob!