As A Responsible Parent ….

[naomi24]

… do you think it wise to instil fear into your children by teaching them that God watches everything they do, and that the devil exists?

[ummmm]

I was brought up to believe that God watches everything I do but no fear was instilled. There was no talk of the devil...

Gods all forgiving, apparently, so if you're naughty you just ask for forgiveness. Easy peasy...

With hindsight I never really took it too seriously.

[Old_Geezer]

If you believe it so then surely you will believe a warning is wise ?

[Teddio]

The Ashkenazi jewish population of Gateshead have large families and their children are very well behaved when compared to local gentile standards. Is it the fear of God, the Rabbi or their mothers which helps instil such exemplary behaviour ?

[VHG]

There are good parents and bad parents. There are good children and bad children.

Many good parents have brought up good children without ever mentioning a god, a devil, or any such twaddle.

Many bad parents have brought up bad children by constantly bringing up god and the devil.

Henry the eighth believed in god and was very religious. He taught his children to believe in god and be very religious.

But he chopped the head off a few of his wives, and his daughter Mary burned people at the stake who did not believe in HER religion.

The Irish terrorists in the 1970s (from both sides) believed in god and were very religious, but still chose to kill and maim people.

And the Muslim terrorists believe in god and the devil and look what they get up to.

In fact bringing god and the devil into things may just cause a child more problems than it solves.

[keyplus90]

When Germans come to UK they are warned that in UK they have a speed limit on MW. It is not fear it is making someone aware of something.

[atalanta]

All brainwashing is wrong.
You can teach morals and ethics without blackmail, bribery or indoctrination

[johnny37]

No, nor teaching them about Christs torture and suffering.

[ludwig]

// When Germans come to UK they are warned that in UK they have a speed limit on MW //

That's because it's the truth. A speed limit actually exists.

[gness]

That's how I was brought up, Naomi and the one and only good thing it taught me was not to abuse my children by doing the same.

[steg]

not sure,... responsible parents teach their kids how to properly cross roads by making them scared of getting knocked down, don't talk to strangers, don't take lifts from people you don't know, lots of things?, i remember it was quite scary being a kid

[woofgang]

I am not a parent but no, I don't think it wise to teach children things which will scare them. That doesn't exclude conversations about god, only certain kinds of conversation about certain beliefs about god.

[jomifl]

KP, most german drivers have come across speed limit signs in Germany. Those that have driven to UK will have come across speed limit signs on motorways in Belgium, Holland and France depending on their route. I don't think they need to be warned.,

[mikey4444]

I think it is highly dangerous to instill fear into children about something that doesn't exist. Children look to us adults to help them to tell right from wrong, and filling their heads with this kind of drivel is counterproductive. When they grow up and find that they were fed nonsense like this, they will then call into doubt everything else that they have been told.

Tell the truth and shame the devil !

[boxtops]

It's no different from when we were little, telling us athat the bogeyman would get you if you were naughty - is it?

[mikey4444]

You are right boxy but surely you are not advocating "bring back the bogeyman" ?

[gness]

Boxy...it really was very different.

[tonyav]

That bogeyman thing never worked on me !, however 'Wait till your father get's home' always did.

[Khandro]

When I was a toddler, it was done in a completely secular way and didn't "instill fear" at all; my wise Granny told me that the birds all around kept on eye on me, and if I did anything naughty (list specified) they would report back to Father Christmas.

[keyplus90]

///That's because it's the truth. A speed limit actually exists.///

So what pushes you people to always talking and getting worried about something that does not exist?