Wife and I are debating whether to push our kids to youth group and church camp or give them space to explore their own faith journey. Don't want to be too strict but also don't want to just hope they figure it out on their own. What's worked for your family?
Tough question. I think there's a middle ground - expose them to your faith without making it feel forced. Let them ask questions and actually answer them honestly. Kids can tell when you're just pushing tradition vs actual belief.
We're dealing with this exact debate right now. My take is you introduce them to your faith, let them participate in family activities, but don't force the youth group thing if they're resistant. Pushing too hard backfires.
We went back and forth on this too. Ended up letting them choose but we made sure they understood what we believe. Pushed youth group but didn't force camp. They're old enough now they actually want to go most weekends which surprised us.
How old are your kids? I think the answer changes depending on that. Younger, probably gently introduce it. Teenagers, respect matters more and they'll resent being forced. Lead by example mostly.
The space to choose is important. If they feel like faith is being forced down their throat, they'll resent it even if they believe.
Youth group is good for the community and friendships too, not just the faith stuff. Maybe position it less as pushing and more as 'this is something we do as a family.'
Your instinct not to force it is solid. I'd lean toward inviting them to stuff rather than requiring it. They're more likely to actually care about their faith if it feels like their choice.
I think you can do both honestly. Regular church stuff but also let them ask questions and explore on their own terms. My kid's got her own take on things even though we brought her up in faith.
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I think there's a middle ground. We do church as a family because that's our thing, but we don't make the kids sign up for extra stuff. When they're old enough to decide, they can choose. So far my oldest actually wants to go to youth events.