Not every child follows their parent’s religion. Even if you and your family visit a place of worship regularly or if you never believe in one religion, your child may want to change and try out a new faith on their own. Most parents raise their children assuming that they will follow the same religion.
In today’s world, many children are in contact with different religions and often, this results to an increased understanding of other cultures and religions. Exploring new and different religions is quite common among adolescents. Sometimes, these children will be deeply moved and may be drawn by another faith. So, now that it’s said, what can you, as a parent do when your child want to change faiths?
What you can do about it
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Keep Calm
It can be hurting when your child declares that he or she wants to change faith. As a parent, it is normal to wonder what was missing from their faith and what they did wrong on teaching their child. Parents, never blame yourself for their choices. Your teen trusts you when they declare that they want to change faith. Trust your teen and don’t freak out just because you are hurt.
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Talk it out
The desire to change religion must be from somewhere or someone. Ask your child. Ask your child if there’s something he doesn’t like about the family’s spiritual practice. Make sure that you are willing to listen to your child without being judgemental. He would appreciate it when he knows that you are interested in his point of view. By talking to your child, both of you can understand each other, and it also can make you feel so much better.
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Educate yourself
If your child has decided that he or she wants to change faith, you have to first educate yourself with the religion they chose. Read, search and talk to people who practice the same religion as your teen. If your child wants to convert to Buddhism, read books that are written by Buddhist or books about Buddhism and visit the temple. Let your child see and understand that you are able to be patient and accept for who they are. When you educate yourself, you will find that the other religions are not as different as your own religion.
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Worship services
By attending a place of worship, it can help your child understand more about his or her own beliefs. If anyone you know invites your child to a service, it could be an excellent opportunity for him or her. If you don’t feel comfortable with that person, you can always ask them so that you can have a better understanding.
Changing a religion may be hard for some parents, but your support for your child means everything to him. By that, you also show that you have respect for his religion and choices. But, look into the bright side, you can have several celebrations and holidays, and you will find yourself discovering something new and exciting!
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