Raising children with an honest faith.
Many parents who are deconstructing their faith face a particular challenge: how to raise children with an honest, free faith. Jesus placed a child at the centre of a group of religious experts and told the adults they had it backwards.
Children do not need to be taught how to find God. They need the adults around them to stop blocking the view.
Home table activities for children
The Daily Bread experiment
Ask your children to identify someone at school or in your street who has less than them. Brainstorm together how to share (snacks, time, a kind word) without making it a formal charity project. Make generosity ordinary.
The Money Changer conversation
When you pass a large, wealthy church building, talk about it. Ask: if Jesus had the money it cost to build that, what would he have done with it? There are no wrong answers. The conversation is the lesson.
The Label game
Jesus spent time with the people the religious establishment called sinners. Ask your children: who are the kids at school that everyone says are bad, or weird, or difficult? How could we be their friend this week?
The Mustard Seed challenge
Pick one small act of kindness each week. Not a grand gesture. Not a fundraiser. One cup of cold water for one thirsty person. Keep a simple record of what you did and what happened next.