Talking to Your Kids about Eternity

Last week on The 700 Club, host Pat Robertson discussed Life Beyond the Grave. It was fascinating to hear all about people’s experiences and thoughts, as well as what God has to say about eternity. Yet, how do you share all of this with young children?

The shows reminded me of conversations I’ve had with my oldest daughter. Her question has been, “Mommy, what happens when you are ‘died’?” I was a little weary of trying to answer this big question. I didn’t want to scare or confuse her about what happens after we die. Plus, I don’t like to talk about death in the first place. The thought of losing loved ones is so sad that it pangs me to even think about it.

Yet, however scary or sad it may be to lose someone, as Christians, we are definitely in for something better after we pass from this life. Even then, how do you explain all of this to a child? How do you explain that something so sad in this life can be so wonderful when we live it?

Heaven is often portrayed as a place with harps and clouds in cartoons and by the media. Hell has been shown as a place with fire and men with red horns and pitchforks. But, there is so much more to our eternal life than these images.

As God-fearing parents, we want our children to understand that Heaven is more magnificent than our earthly minds can ever imagine. And that the alternate eternal home is more than pitchforks and fire. In some cartoons and shows, I have even seen Hell depicted as a party and a fun place. To glorify eternal damnation in such a way can certainly confuse a young child.

When discussing eternity with your child, here a few things to consider:

Make It Timely

If you have the unfortunate experience of a loved one passing or being sick, you will have to explain some of what is going on to your children. The depth of the situation can be very confusing for them to grasp. Just sit them down and explain that Earth is our home for now, but that God calls us to Heaven to live with Him. Your child may be content with a short explanation or they may quiz you further on the subject. Be ready and prayed up for that possibility.

Explain It from a Child’s Perspective

Keep in mind that going into great detail with a child about something as intricate as eternity can just lead to more perplexity for the child. It is important to explain that Heaven is a place of peace, a place where your troubles are forever behind you. The one thing we are certain of is that our Heavenly Father makes all things perfect and whole. Maybe have your child draw out their idea of Heaven for you and discuss with them what they see as perfect and whole.

Tell Them What the Bible Says about Heaven

My daughter was particularly interested in how the Bible describes Heaven. According to Revelation 21, there are streets of gold and gates made of pearls. What a beautiful description of where we will spend eternity with Christ.

About the Other Place…

When talking about Hell with a young child, it is important to remember the reality might be too much for them. The last thing we want as parents is to give our children nightmares. Simply letting them know it’s a dark and sad place can give them enough insight. Make sure they understand that God doesn’t want anyone to go to such a place. It is reserved for Satan and his fallen angels. If your kids have more questions, then share what the Bible says about Hell. There are 162 references in the New Testament alone and more than 70 of them were spoken by Jesus. Some of the words used to describe Hell are torment, fire, darkness, fear, and being alone.

Eternity can be a puzzling concept for a child. It can be difficult to explain eternity when even as adults our earthly minds cannot fully grasp it. One thing I do know is that God’s amazing wisdom and peace will be with you. This is what I shared with my daughter. No matter the fears we have here on Earth, they will no longer be over us when we are in Heaven.

Also, you can say that some things in life and in the afterlife are too big for us to understand now. This is where our trust in God and just having faith will be all we need.

Has your child ever asked you about the afterlife? If so, what did you say?