Atheists: What will you tell your kids?

I won't teach them about a specific religion. I'll probably tell them about multiple religions and explain what other people believe. They will be educated in science so that they can draw their own conclusions. I do not want to be like other parents who brainwash their children and tell them what to believe. They should have all of the information available to them so that they can figure it out for themselves.

I've never felt alienated because of my beliefs (or lack-of) so I'm not sure what you're talking about. You're acting like if someone grows up atheist then they will go through struggles comparable to what a lot of homosexual children go through. I didn't "go through" anything. It's not like that.

Later in life they will not be "seduced by some church" because they will be intelligent and strong enough to stand up for themselves and their beliefs.

Yeah. I'll let them believe in Santa for a while when they're kids. That stuff is fun. Eventually, I'll tell them that Santa isn't real. I will not teach them about God until they ask me about it. I don't want them to have the same anger toward religion that I have, having been born into a religious family, discovering the truth, and having many members of my family reject me because I didn't suffer from their delusion. I would rather have them look at the topic of God as being a non-issue, an "answer" that is satisfactory only to fools.

I do not feel alienated. That would imply that I'm missing out on something. The alienation is the other way around. Being able to see this world as it really is, to experience this life knowing this is all we have... there's nothing more thrilling than cherishing every day of it.

I'm hoping that my children will be able to think rationally for themselves and not have to rely on silly fairy tales to bring them comfort. Ultimately, all that really matters is that they are happy. I have a feeling that by the time my children are old enough to make these kinds of decisions, Atheists will no longer be treated as second class people. I'm mostly just hoping they get the chance and that the religious wackos of the world don't blow it up in some deluded attempt to bring about the end of the world.

My kids figured out that Santa was a guy in a suit the first time they went to the mall near the holidays. No "teaching" required.

I took my oldest to church on a regular basis when she was younger. She liked the minister and his wife, and a couple of the regulars, but she was never convinced that any of the religious stuff was real. My youngest has never set foot in a church, and likely never will, because he's autistic and unfailingly logical. (He's the type of kid who, when asked what color the sky is, he'll go look out the window before answering.)

I'm not worried about them being "seduced" by religion. They are my children, and I'll love them no matter what they believe.

No, I wasn't raised with Santa, and neither will they.

They will be taught about God only when questions come up, as they probably will, considering our family members who are super religious.

I didn't go through anything harrowing simply because I'm atheist, or from not believing in Santa as a child. Actually, not having Santa gave me some great stories.

I'm not afraid of them being "seduced." They can be religious if they want to be, however, I will not be exposing them to too much religion during their early years, when they lack the proper critical thinking skills.

"Will you teach them about Santa?"

Kids are kids. They'll hear about santa just fine

"Will you teach them about God?"

When they start asking questions/I think they're old enough I will answer them as impartially as possible and encourage them to do their own research into various religions and come to their own decisions.

"I'm sure you've felt alienated at least a little bit, do you really want them to feel the same?"

I don't want people who don't accept me for who I am any more then they want me. I am indifferent to their opinions of me.

"If you don't teach them religion, are you afraid that later in life they'll be seduced by some church?"

I will teach them to ask questions and think for themselves. This usually solves that potential problem.

I will teach them about the flying spaghetti monster, how he boiled for our sins. Srsly.

But even if I am athesit I would still celebrate Christmas, Christmas stopped being about Jesus a long time ago, we would celebrate for the presents and food.

Hey life isn't all nurturing, and love and fitting in, a little alienation goes a long way, I would not raise my kids with love and care a little tough love works fine.

I would raise my child in such a way through science and logic and philosophy that they would have no need for a church or religion

I've thought about this. I don't have kids, but if I do, I'm planning on giving them information on all sorts of religions -- while keeping atheism as the default. I want my kids to be armed with knowledge so that they are equipped to make their own decisions about religion when they are ready. And of course, they'll be taught about science.

I want my children to be respectful and tolerant of diversity and differing viewpoints, and to be open-minded and critical thinkers.

I don't feel alienated at all for being an atheist. Maybe I would if I lived in, say, bible-belt USA...

As for Santa, not sure on that one.

Santa doesn't really have to do with a religion, so yes I will teach them about it. I would mention God to them and tell them about Him. However, I wouldn't force them into a certain religious viewpoint. I would just mention that some people believe in a God and let them decide for themselves if they want to or not. Just because I may not believe in a god doesn't mean my children can't. I would tell them to be OPEN-MINDED and that there is more than one viewpoint about religion. It's their option to choose to reside to which religion.

I'll probably go to church with them when they are little just because I think it benefits them socially & morally. You don't have to believe in God to develop good morals through the church.

yes I do feel alienated sometimes...but I'd rather feel alienated & nervous occasionally than be happy, brainwashed, and ignorant.

IDK...this is a good question but I think everyone should at least expose their kids to a church.

I'm not an atheist but i would guess that most atheists would not teach their children any religious values because firstly, they don't believe in it and secondly, they don't know the values personally so they cannot really share them with anyone. Religion is a big part of many cultures but here in the United States not having a religion does not make you an outcast partially because of separation of church and state.