My 12 year old asked me why God lets bad things happen

2w ago·1 min read

Had one of those conversations yesterday that just hit different. My son asked why God let his best friend move away and why kids get cancer if God loves us. I tried explaining free will and how God works through suffering but honestly I was winging it. How do you answer these questions without sounding like you're making excuses for God? He's at that age where he's thinking critically and I want to give him real answers not just platitudes.

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Comments(5)

SStevenRegular2w ago

That's a heavy one to process. I'm still figuring out how to talk to my son about the harder stuff, but your willingness to engage with the question instead of shutting it down is already great parenting.

BBrad N.Regular2w ago

Man, those conversations are tough. I've had similar ones with my kids and honestly there's no perfect answer, but just being present for the question matters more than having it all figured out. My 12-year-old appreciated that I was honest about not having all the answers.

TTomNew Dad2w ago

Man that's a heavy one. Sounds like you handled it right just by being honest with him. I don't have all the answers for that either, but I know my kids feel better when I'm real with them instead of giving them a Sunday school response.

BBrandonRegular2w ago

This is the hardest part of raising kids sometimes. You want to fix it and you can't. All you can do is show up and let him ask the questions. Sounds like you did exactly that.

RRicardo M.New Dad1w ago

Those conversations stick with you both. I've found that admitting I don't have all the answers actually builds more trust. Kids respect honesty way more than perfect theology. Hope his friend is okay though.