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Help me answer my DS's Jesus question

kldanzingerkldanzinger
in Parenting

I don't normally post here, but I'm a long time lurker and have heard a lot of great advice here. However, I have a question/dilema that I have not yet seen posted.

We are Catholic and regularly take our boys to church. This past Sunday, DS (3-1/2 years) noticed a statue of the Risen Jesus (not a crucifix, but a statue of Jesus with his wounds). He pointed to Jesus' feet and asked "What's that?" I absentmindedly answered "Jesus' feet."
DS: "No, the red."
Me: "Those are Jesus' owies."
DS: "How'd he get his owies?"

I really struggled here. How do you explain this to a toddler, in terms he can understand?
I told DS "Because he died for us". Even as I said it, I was anticipating the flood of resulting questions. DS surpised me when he just replied "Oh, ok", and that was it.

Sorry this got so long, but I'm wondering how others have/would respond. I've really been struggling with what the "right" answer is ever since. Talked to DH about it, but he was at a loss as well. I don't want to "lie" or sugar coat our beliefs, but I want to explain in a way DS can understand.

 

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Re: Help me answer my DS's Jesus question

  • aforstaforst member
    I think you handled it well.  I wouldn't worry about it anymore if I were you.  He was obviously satisfied with the answer.  When he's older and has more questions, then I would answer them honestly. 
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  • SmootchySmootchy member
    Is there a picture or statue of Jesus on the cross?
    Maybe show him that and tell him that's how he got his owies.
    ETA: if he accepted your answer, "he died for us" and doesn't ask again, I would leave it until he asks again which will hopefully be when he's a little older or in catechism class

    ...I think what you said was fine.
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  • HesterliciousHesterlicious member
    We are not religious here but I would find an age appropriate childrens bible and read him the story of what happened. I actually own a childrens bible in case this comes up.
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  • MamatoA2010MamatoA2010 member
    I think you gave him a good answer. If he was still curious he would have kept asking you.
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  • FianschneidFianschneid member

    imageHesterlicious:
    We are not religious here but I would find an age appropriate childrens bible and read him the story of what happened. I actually own a childrens bible in case this comes up.

    This. You could also talk to the parish priest or person in charge of religious education for some tips on how to introduce the faith and it's complexities to children.

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  • kldanzingerkldanzinger
    Thanks for everyone's feedback.
    I'll definately have to look into a childrens picture bible. Hadn't thought of that, but my parents had a Precious Moments one for us kids when we were little, that was very well loved.
    I didn't think about pointing out the crucifix. The boys both often ask about/point out crosses, but I guess haven't really noticed the crucifix (our church has just one very large one at the front of the alter).
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