My daughter told me "You don't believe in nothing Mommy." how do I explain....

Well, there's two issues here...the first is whether you want to let your daughter have her own beliefs, even if you don't agree with them, or if you are insistent that she follow the same beliefs as you. Most parents let their kids believe in what they want as long as it isn't getting them into trouble. Children like to believe in things, even if they don't make sense, like Santa, the Easter Bunny, ghosts, invisible friends and even Tinker Bell. It doesn't mean you have to change your beliefs or start celebrating the holidays, just that you don't discourage her. It's something that you'll have to decide. As for the school, most US schools do recognize Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and several other holidays...it's part of going to school. If you need a way to explain things to your daughter, the truth usually works...everyone believes in their own way. Just b/c her teachers choose to celebrate Easter and encourage the children to join in, doesn't make them liars...just decent teachers. Good luck with it. [b]**AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~[/b]

I read some of the responses here. I have an issue with this as I go through the same with my daughter. The issue was brought up about letting your children develop their own beliefs. I agree with this to an extent but I also want my child to be associated with my way of life. As a parent I believe we have every right to influence our childrens religious views and beliefs but we must also allow them to learn about things on their own. Ok now I am not saying I am right or wrong in this but it is just how I feel. I honestly do not want my child to believe in this fantasy stuff (Easter bunny and Santa,etc) and I teach her the truth. I also explain to her why people believe in such things and that she must respect other people's beliefs. And its also hard because daughter doesn't live with me. So I have to deal with her people's teachings and it's hard to argue with my lil girl about these things. For example had I been able to be there on a constant basis, my child would never have been eating pork. Where she is now she is eating this nasty animal on the regular and I am not able to be there to guide her decisions about this. Anyway back on topic, I tell my child there is no Santa, no Easter bunny, none of that fantasy stuff traditionally taught to kids. I was very young when I abandoned these ideas and I feel it kept me grounded in reality. While there is an entirely different issue about the celebrating the actual holidays, I don't feel the need for the fantasy.

It's really quite an issue I think, especially that you're Jewish and you don't celebrate these kind of things. And the fact that almost all children believe in Santa Claus, Fairies, Easter bunnies and a lot more. What you can do maybe, is that you still have to introduce your daughter to Santa and Easter bunny and others. Tell her stories, like the history of it and other details which pertains to these beliefs and not just exclusive to your own religion. You can tell her how Catholics and other religions came into this celebration. Your daughter in a way will be enlightened about these and at the same time it will enhance her knowledge. After doing that, if she insisted on her beliefs I think you will just have to respect her. You have done your part as a mom by telling her real facts. If she would push about chocolate bunnies or gifts during Christmas, which will be another issue I guess, just try to be creative. What you don't want to happen here is to antagonize your child furthermore. Sometimes these beliefs serves as their motivation. For example: They would behave well because they know that during Christmas Santa Claus will give them gifts if they do so. At the same time, your daughter would eventually know that all of those are just myths. Besides, nobody remained to be a believer of those when they grow up. Goodluck.

hi 34 momma I feel that those things are part of the charm of childhood and really are not all that harmful. I realize you probably do not feel that way so I do not want to insult you with my own beliefs. I soon found out my parents were the Santa Claus and the Easter bunny and things like that. so I feel let little ones enjoy the fantasties as they will soon learn thats all they are. but now I am not an Israleite or Jewish so I cannot presume to tell you what to do.Religion is so private for each of us, and I would never make fun of anyone else's religion at all. She is probably more impressed than your boys are, being a girl and all. But I am sure you have taught your little girl about your religion, as I know I am a protestant and my parents always sent me to Sunday school an church.Let her know in simple language all about your religion its a fine religion and I am sure she will be proud one day to follow in your footsteps.

Well... I always support honestly as the best policy. That doesn't mean you have to confront every silly thing. But then, if she asks, tell her, and make no reservations about it. Here's a thought... You say you are Israelite. Not sure what that means specifically, but here's something that works for me. Instead of telling her what you do not believe in, tell her what you do believe in. "I like Tinker Bell mommy" "I like God our father honey" That's how I would handle it myself. But I would not lie about it ever. Kids have an amazing ability to remember each and every time you didn't tell the truth. Just like if your husband were to lie to you, chances are you would never forget it.

I know it is a paradox that you don't believe santa clause or easter bunny while you daughter wants to know these things.But why not act as yourself?If you want your daughter like you,I mean do not believe santa clause and the like,you just tell what is your thoughts.Or you tell her those things as stories.It is just a choice for you.All above are just my advice.

I suggest you let he believe it until she naturally finds out the truth. Let your little girl have her fun in childhood, kids need something to believe in. I think telling her all these things aren't true would just hurt her. She will eventually find and, it's not like she's going to be a teenager who still thinks tinker bell is real, or santa claus really exists. Kids always seem to find out/figure it out on their own. So I say, let her keep her childhood beliefs.

You don't have to make know those things that we believe as adult because doing do right now will always make feel her twaches in schools are liars and the whole education and knowledge they try to impact in her would look like lies....so please wait till she's older and understand religion, race and beliefs more.

well i suggest that you have to talk to your daughter together with her teacher so that you can make it clear to her your belief and she will understand it very well. And also try to talk to her teacher about religious matter so that your daughter will not be confused. Also try to explain the beliefs of the other and compare it to your belief. Its hard to explain to kids but i suggest you try to have an example so that she can get what are you talking about. hope i was able to help you!