Question Three   If you have children, do you teach your spirituality to them at an early age?   Do you let them find their own path?  How do you answer their questions?     Koshari: My children have been exposed to my spirituality but it's never been forced on them. They've been encouraged to follow their own heart and find their own truth. I've answered their questions by explaining my personal view and then telling them that there are an infinite number of answers and it will be up to them to find what feels right for them. Right now they are adolescents. My son (13) is the one who will engange me in conversations about spirituality, my daughter (11) just calls me a 'Spiritual Geek' LOL.... Two years ago my son went with me to my drumming circle for a year. He liked it at first then it wasn't as much fun as sports and being with his friends so he stopped coming. They will find what they need when the time is right for them and they know I'm always available to talk to if they wish.   Dreamerscloud:  I do both.  I have let them know how I "see"things and what I believe in but I also let them choose their own path in everything they do. I let them be who they are and express themselves too as long as they do it resectfully (not trying to hurt someone intentionaly).  I answer their questions to the best of my ability and like I said show them my own paths. They have never really asked about god and they have been allowed to attend churches as long as I know what they are just so that I know what it is that they are being taught. I don't disagree with any thing that they decide they want to explore unless it could be harmful to their well being.  I guess for me if i do then how can I let them figure out for themselves what is right for them and how to decide what to accept if  anything is different than what they beleive?  How can I teach uncondional love if do, or that everyone is entiled to their own beliefs and thoughts and to do what is right for them if I dictate what they should believe?   I can rememer when I was a child going with my grandparents to church and hearing their  beliefs and being forced to go. I decided not to do that to my own children.  I try to give them all the information that I have about something and let them deside for themselves. I cant make those choices for them like it was done to me, for me to do so would mean that  I live their lives not them.     Baba108:  you impose nothing when questioned about religion answer to the best of your ability if they follow your beliefs make them keep an open mind to see other's points of view with the same respect that they show their own beliefs   Kali Mata Ki Jai     Strider:  Guide them by suggesting to seek Truth in all they do. For Truth cannot be taught...it must be experienced.   There is a wonderful quote from the Shakespeare play of Hamlet: "This above all, to thine own self be true."      Kundaviper:  When my children were young I was very active with the Jehovah's Witnesses so I took them with me everywhere. I wanted them to learn to have spiritual values and a moral code but I always taught them to respect other people's beliefs as well. I also told them that they were always free to chose their own spiritual path.   As my own beliefs shifted to Hinduism and they grew into adulthood their own beliefs solidified. My daughter, who is 21, has a very open mind and a interest in looking into all paths. My son at 18 has found Buddism to be the most appealing path to him personally.   Duffyzolo:  I have one son, and I have always try to live by example.  I have said to him that it is not my job to tell him what to do, but guide him to his own answers.  I try to allow him to make as many choices on his own with little interfernce as possible.  I teach him that everything that stands before him is for him to experience the beauty and wonder of God that surrounds his every moment.      Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4 Question 5   Information © Pagan Pulse and Come Together Community 6/04 Graphics and Design © Pagan Pulse.