I know not everyone shares the same spiritual background, but for those who have raised their difficult child in a Christian home, with church attendance, and activities that involve Christian values (and I realize that non Christians have many of the same values too!) like volunteering, donating, etc. What do you do when your child decides they don't believe any of it and is antagonistic towards those who do?
I understand teens and adults questioning their faith and beliefs systems. But difficult child has decided she is an atheist because God didn't answer her prayers. We tried to explain that sometimes what we need and what we want to happen are two different things. And that the purpose of a spiritual life is to become a better person. But just like other difficult child behaviors she takes this to extremes. Like during dinner conversations. Or that bad behaviours really don't matter. When husband suggested that if she truly feels that way, then we won't insult her with Christmas gifts later this year. Of course, that wasn't fair!
I am not meaning to start a discussion on pros/cons of any religion. Just how you handle a child who is so defiant to anything we do, including religion. I have already decided that we will no longer encourage her to participate in youth group. But, I feel if she doesn't join us for one hour on Sunday morning in a family activity of attending church together, then she should have an alternative activity to fill that time. And not just be sleeping or on facebook or watching TV.
Thanks for your thoughts on this matter. KSM
I understand teens and adults questioning their faith and beliefs systems. But difficult child has decided she is an atheist because God didn't answer her prayers. We tried to explain that sometimes what we need and what we want to happen are two different things. And that the purpose of a spiritual life is to become a better person. But just like other difficult child behaviors she takes this to extremes. Like during dinner conversations. Or that bad behaviours really don't matter. When husband suggested that if she truly feels that way, then we won't insult her with Christmas gifts later this year. Of course, that wasn't fair!
I am not meaning to start a discussion on pros/cons of any religion. Just how you handle a child who is so defiant to anything we do, including religion. I have already decided that we will no longer encourage her to participate in youth group. But, I feel if she doesn't join us for one hour on Sunday morning in a family activity of attending church together, then she should have an alternative activity to fill that time. And not just be sleeping or on facebook or watching TV.
Thanks for your thoughts on this matter. KSM