educating without sham

[polu16]

Hi,
as an atheist I would not like to ly to my children regarding religious subjects, however I would like to educate them about the ways other people believe. Also I would like to play with my children the game of the easter bunny and similar games and traditions.
When one educates children one seldemly only uses reality. Gameplay and fairy tales are part of everyday stories.
How do children learn to distinguish between fiction and reality?
When they ask if it is real one can certainly tell them but it seams weird to always say after reading them a story, that it is fictional. And the other way around, how do religious parents tell kids that the Bible is the truth and the Ilias is not?
Thanks!
Best Regards
polu16

[brimstoneSalad]

Although children mostly figure it out for themselves, you can teach your children, at a certain age, that there's a difference between fiction and reality to make sure they understand.
This may happen as early as three years of age. If they don't understand the concept by five years old, then you need to be a little worried.

I would suggest that you never lie to your children. If they ask if something is real, you say no. But they probably won't ask until around five years old.
You don't need to tell them something isn't real after reading stories; they should be able to figure that out on their own. Children aren't as stupid as some adults.

[polu16]

Yes I think you a right. The difference between truthful and religious education might just be the internal stand parents take and the answer to the childrens question whether something is real or fiction.

[caLRo]

I think children are still very much a blank slate, even with religious indoctrination. Part of growing up is growing out of any religion and superstition. It's like the thing with Santa Claus. We as kids used to believe that he was real, but after a temper tantrum, smacking around of our new holiday presents and a crying session, we made the smooth transition from belief to disbelief. It's all very innocent, right?

[brimstoneSalad]

It's all very innocent, right?

Maybe not, if people don't grow out of it. It can be harmful socially (look at religion today).

And then there's the case where the parents have lied to the children, breaking that trust.

[PrincessPeach]

I tell my child that ghosts, aliens and demons do not exist.
&& then dad chimes in 'You don't know that for sure..They could exist' wtf :'(

You can have fun and be festive with your kids you don't have to lie to them about mythological creatures you tell them it is pretend and they will know.

Halloween for Christmas is always the best

Do you have kids? If not don't worry kids minds are hallucinating and playing tricks on them until puberty.