Had a moment last night where my 9 year old asked me straight up why he should believe in God when bad things happen and he can't see Him. I gave him some answers but I'm not sure they were good enough. He's starting to ask real questions and I want to give him real answers rooted in faith, not just platitudes. How have you guys handled faith questions from your kids?
Heavy question for a 9 year old to drop on you. At that age I think it's okay to say 'I believe, and here's why for me,' without needing to convince him he has to believe the exact same way right now.
That's a tough but important question. Honesty goes a long way here - I've found that telling my kids faith is something you experience and feel rather than just see helps more than trying to answer every 'why' logically.
Those are the conversations that matter most though. I'd ask him back - why does HE think people believe? Let him work through it. Your job isn't to convince him but to help him think critically about what he actually believes.
My 9 year old did the same thing last year and honestly it was one of the best conversations we've had. I told him belief is actually a choice and that's okay. He doesn't have to have it all figured out right now. Gave him permission to keep asking questions.
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This is the age where they start thinking for themselves which is actually a good sign. Don't panic. A simple honest answer like 'I believe because...' and then sharing YOUR actual reasons is better than anything rehearsed.