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Cain Kills Abel…anyone skip with young children?
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I’m wondering what your thoughts are regarding reading the account of Cain killing Abel to young children. Last year when we went through the Vos Bible I skipped it; My oldest was 5 at the time. We are now doing Module 1 and getting ready for that story. My oldest is 6 and most likely my 4 y.o. will be listening as well. Have any of you chosen to skip it due to the nature of the topic? It seems a little intense to me…murder, especially murdering a sibling. Am I the only one that thinks that way? I’d love to hear thoughts either way.
I am just not sure that children that age understand death in detail because of their lack of understanding of time. All they know about the topic is what you tell them. My opinion is that at this age it is just a fact of history. It has been our experience that kids this age really don’t grasp the realities of words like murder because they see the world through innocent eyes. I have 5 and 7 yo boys and we did this just last week. We read the story and went on about our school. I personally don’t see it as a big deal but you know your children and it has to be your disgrection. Sorry I don’t have more to offer.
Actually, young children seem to have an easier, perhaps less openly emotional time dealing with death than older children and adults. As AmyJane said, they have a limited understanding of time. Often, we see 4- and 5-year olds at a wake or funeral who are just about the only ones who are not needing the tissues. If you ask them where Grandma is, they’ll usually say, “She’s in heaven” in a very matter-of-fact way. They may cry over a pet who has died, but it doesn’t last for long and a shoebox burial in the backyard seems to bring closure.
So, I don’t think they would necessarily be upset by a story about two people they have had no contact with. If you know your child is particularly sensitive about death due to past experiences, then perhaps skipping it would be a good idea. Otherwise, it will pave the way toward talking about another Bible story of death, that of Jesus Christ. That story you will not want to miss, especially if you feel they are ready to talk about salvation.
HTH,
Sue
We just reread Cain and Abel’s saga last month and our two daughters (7 and 4) seemed okay with it, but they did ask a lot of questions. They weren’t concerned with the fact that Abel was killed/dead; they were more attuned to WHY Cain would do that. So we got to talk about how the enemy works and why he does the wicked things he does and why we should always be alert to his lies… it was quite a discussion! Very philosphical and a great way to talk about forgiveness, mercy, love… it was really kind of fun actually.
Hope you have equally good results whichever path you chose for now.
Jenni
I would not avoid this sort of real world situation. They will take it a lot more calmly than someone older I think. And it is a great opportunity to talk about feeling jealous and our motivations for doing things.
Thanks so much for your insights! I usually don’t skip parts of the Bible, but needed to think through this one. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this.
We read the story a couple of weeks ago with DD 6 and she wasn’t concerned or upset about the killing at all. She was more focused on the part that Cain was very jalouse then on the fasct that he killed his brother.
This has become a wonderful passage for me to share with my kids. I love what God’s respone to Cain, ” Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? BUT if you do not do what is right, sin is courching at your doo; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” Genesis 4: 6-8 It is a wonderful reminder to my children and I of how letting sin take control of our lives can led to disaster. When I notice that one of mine is getting angry to often we go back to this passage and many other passages and pray through them.
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