When a preschooler asks, "Is God pretend or real?"

We were driving home from a local amusement park a while ago. My four-year-old daughter was tired. I thought she'd fallen asleep in her car seat.

Then out of nowhere, I hear this small voice behind me. "Mom, is God pretend or real?"

"He's real. Why do you ask?"

"Because when I try to talk to him in my bed at night, he doesn't answer me."

I believe very strongly that God is real. I've taken my daughter to church from her infancy, so she's grown up with Bible stories and praise music. But I wasn't expecting to be asked a question like thiswhile she's stil so young. Has anybody been through this? What are some ways to melp my little girl see the real God?

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Asked by Ballad at 2:04 AM on Aug. 5, 2012 in Religion & Beliefs

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Answers (12)

What I have used;
You know that little voice inside you that tells you when something is good, like giving a sad person a hug- or when something is bad, like getting into the poison cupboard- that's God. (it teaches them to listen to their conscious).

Also asking "What are you trying to talk to God about"?
A lot of issues are things that Mommy and Daddy need to help with. Then that allows you to use the "God can't be everywhere and that's why He gave Me to You". (fosters communication skills)

Answer by feralxat at 7:04 AM on Aug. 5, 2012
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I won't force my daughter into anything
I want her to have a solid foundation of faith

You realize you just contradicted yourself

Answer by KristiS11384 at 11:56 AM on Aug. 6, 2012
Credits: 190593 Level 45 Religion & Beliefs Degree

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I won't force my daughter into anything, especially when she's old enough to figure it out for herself, but for now I want her to have a solid foundation of faith that will guide her as she grows up.

Comment by Ballad (original poster) at 6:52 PM on Aug. 5, 2012
Credits: 84297 Level 36 Religion & Beliefs Minor
I wouldnt force her to see God as real.

Id say some believe he exists and others dont.

Then Id say why I believe, in terms she'll understand and Id encourage her to be open to whatever her heart tells her about it all.

Answer by LadyLotus3 at 3:33 PM on Aug. 5, 2012
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I tell them some people believe in a god, some people believe in many gods, and some none at all.

Answer by JulieJacobKyle at 2:49 PM on Aug. 5, 2012
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I would have asked "What do you think". But I'm an advocate of letting children decide for themselves. In fact just this week I had my niece and nephew with me and the issue came up and I asked what they thought and told them it is for each person to decide for themselves what they believe.

Answer by KristiS11384 at 12:49 PM on Aug. 5, 2012
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It's such a hard concept to grasp at her age. Even a very smart 4 y/o thinks mainly in the literal sense. Abstract thought doesn't usually develop until later. Keep sharing age appropriate Bible stories w/ her. Continue taking her to church & Sunday school. And obviously, keep talking about Him & all the wonderful things He has provided which you are grateful for. :)

Answer by mrsmom110 at 12:16 PM on Aug. 5, 2012
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I think that's a perfectly natural question. I would say something like. Well, God does answer you, just not in the way that I do. He shows you new ways to do things, or sends someone to help you answer your questions. And that sometimes "no" or "not now" are his answers. He might not talk to you in people voices, but he talks to your heart.

Answer by adnilm at 9:43 AM on Aug. 5, 2012
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I've given examples of times where G-d has answered my prayers with "yes" and when He has answered "no". I tell them He answers in different ways, not by directly speaking to us.

Sharon

Answer by momto2boys973 at 9:40 AM on Aug. 5, 2012
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I would have said that I believe he is real. We can't hear him the way we hear other people because he is in spirit.

Answer by RyansMom001 at 6:11 AM on Aug. 5, 2012
Credits: 46181 Level 30 Religion & Beliefs Degree

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