Child wants to join religion

[baklavagoddess]

My 8 year old DD has taken a huge interest in a religion, no one in our family is religious, neither are her friends, the religion is common amongst people from her dads side of the family but none of his immediate family practice, she has spent lots of time watching YouTube videos and I've bought her a few books on it, she seems to find that the religion really resonates with her. I know 8 is very young and of course she may change her beliefs later on in life but I was wondering if anyone else had experience with this and what they did to support their dc

Excellent advice..

Religion should be for consenting adults only.

@RadioFoot thank you, I'm happy for her to explore, I understand what you mean about being liberal, I've raised her to be understanding and open minded and I wouldn't want that to change, I know some religions have very particular views about some things

Frankly, for me it would depend a bit on the religion. And the form of that religion. A bit of CofE hymn singing on a Sunday morning? I could cope with that. Full on Evangelical? Over my dead body.

@baklavagoddess Just remember that most faiths have a commitment to prostletize. And they are very, very good at it. Don't, under any circumstances, let her go alone. You need to know what she is being told.

I would proceed with caution, she is 8 she does not have the emotional maturity or intelligence to understand the nuances of organised religion. You are encouraging it by letting her watch the videos, buying books and (if you decide to) taking her to the mosque. Religion at that age is very persuasive and fanciful and it’s so easy to get sucked in.

I personally would redirect her interests elsewhere as it’s likely to be a passing phase. When she is 18 she can decide what she believes but at this age she is being persuaded by others.

@byvirtue I will be proceeding with caution, I won't be letting her go to any religious groups without me present as she's too young

@CurlewKate I definitely will not let her go alone, she wouldn't want to go without me anyway