My teenage son doesn't believe what I believe anymore

3w ago1 min read

Been raising my kids in the church since they were born. Thought I was doing everything right, bringing them to youth group, praying with them at dinner, modeling servant leadership at work. My 16yo just told me he doesn't think God is real and sees Christianity as outdated. I'm heartbroken but also angry at myself. Did I fail somehow? Should I have done more? My wife says we need to keep showing him Christ's love through our actions, not arguments, but man this is hard. Looking for advice from dads who've been here.

5 comments227 views

Comments(5)

MMatteoRegular3w ago

This one hits different because you did everything right in your eyes but kids grow up and question things. It doesn't mean you failed. Sometimes it just means he's thinking for himself. The relationship matters more than agreement on belief right now.

CChristopherNew Dad3w ago

Been there. It's scary when your kids start thinking differently. But forcing it usually backfires. Maybe just keep the door open for him to ask questions.

TTrevorRegular3w ago

This is heavy. My oldest is asking questions too and I've learned I don't have to have all the answers for him. Sometimes just listening matters more than convincing.

MMarkRegular3w ago

Teenagers questioning stuff is actually healthy, even when it's hard to hear. Might be worth having real conversations instead of doubling down on what you believe.

JJakeNew Dad3w ago

That's a really tough spot and I'm sorry you're going through it. I think the hardest part of parenting is realizing that our kids become their own people with their own beliefs, and that's actually a good thing even when it hurts. Might be worth having some real conversations about what he actually thinks instead of trying to convince him back.