Thanks for your measured statement, Wolfgang. I generally avoid threads on religion these days because they rarely show any willingness to respect the beliefs of others. I think that it is natural for parents to talk about their beliefs with their children as they are growing up. After all, how can you possibly separate what you believe from how you live? I say this, talking equally about Atheists and people who believe in God. We all want our kids to find strength and meaning in those things that are most meaningful to us. By the time kids become teenagers, there often is no need for concern that they will just parrot what their parents think. More often, it's just the opposite. They reject what their parents think as being un-cool. And, it seems like the kids who are most likely to reject their parent's beliefs (whatever they are) as adults are those who've been raised in a restrictive, fundamentalist religion. I seem to know more Atheists who were raised Catholics than Catholics who were raised Catholic. I suppose it can turn out the same way in any belief structure that is excessively exclusive and restrictive. I should also add that the present day Catholic church in the United States bears faint resemblance to the church back in the 40's and 50's.

I don't find anything wrong with parents teaching their kids what they believe, or taking them to services, if they attend any. It's natural to want to share what is important in your life with your children, whether it's Mass or a Wiccan ceremony. I respect those on this thread, starting with you Wolfgang, who are confident enough to give their kids the freedom to find their own beliefs as adults.
The "doing" of that is a different matter. If you are atheist, how would you deal with your child growing up to be a nun or a priest?
I have a Jewish friend whose brother grew up to become a priest. Most of us are a lot better talking about being open-minded than doing it. I have a son who is Agnostic, and I've never criticized him for denying his belief in God. I make no attempt to "Convert" him, although I would be joyful if he turned back toward a faith that he was so enthusiastic about as a kid. But most of all, I want him to be happy. He is a very moral, spiritual young man and I am proud of him, as he is of me. We respect each other's beliefs and have no desire to change each other. That's the way it should be in families (and wouldn't it be great if it was that way in the world?)

Good on you Wolfie, and others.

Jerry