Parenting is full of moments that catch us off guard. One of the most humbling is when our kids ask a question, and we simply don’t know the answer. It could be something about faith, life, or even science (why do giraffes have long necks, anyway?). When it comes to questions about God, the Bible, or deeper life issues, those moments can feel especially weighty.
The good news? You don’t have to have all the answers. Let’s explore how to navigate these moments with grace, humility, and faith.
Don’t Assume Skepticism
When your child asks, “Why does God allow bad things to happen?” or “How do we know the Bible is true?” it’s tempting to panic, thinking they’re on the verge of losing their faith. But kids are naturally curious. Often, their questions come from a place of genuine wonder, not doubt.
Instead of assuming the worst, lean into their curiosity. Celebrate that they’re thinking deeply and trust that God is big enough to handle their questions (and yours!).
Don’t Dismiss the Question with Cliché Answers
It’s easy to fall back on stock phrases like “We just have to trust God” or “God works in mysterious ways.” While these are true, they often shut down the conversation rather than inviting your child to explore further.
Instead, acknowledge their question. Say something like, “That’s a great question—I’ve wondered about that too.” This shows that you take their thoughts seriously and invites more dialogue.
Don’t Over-Answer the Question
Sometimes, in our eagerness to give a good answer, we unload everything we know on the subject. The result? A glazed-over child and a missed opportunity to truly connect.
Keep it simple. Answer what you can in an age-appropriate way and leave space for more questions. If you don’t know the answer, it’s okay to say, “I don’t know, but let’s explore it together.”
Don’t Assume Answers Will Satisfy
Even if you manage to give the most thorough, thoughtful answer, your child might still respond with, “But why?” or “That doesn’t make sense.” And that’s okay. Faith is a journey, and answers often lead to more questions.
Your role isn’t to have all the answers but to walk alongside your child as they wrestle with big ideas. Let them know it’s okay not to have everything figured out—most adults don’t either!
Make Your Home a Place to Raise Doubts
Create an environment where it’s safe to ask hard questions. Be honest about your own doubts or the things you’re still learning. This doesn’t weaken your faith in their eyes; it makes it real and relatable.
Let your children know they won’t be judged or dismissed for voicing their struggles. When they feel safe to share, you’re building a foundation of trust that will last long into their adult years.
At the heart of these principles is one simple truth: parenting isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present. When you don’t have the answers, your willingness to engage and learn alongside your child speaks volumes about the God you’re teaching them to trust.
So next time your child stumps you with a question, take a deep breath, lean in, and enjoy the adventure of discovering together. You might both grow in faith along the way.
What’s the toughest question your child has ever asked? Share in the comments—we’re all in this together!
