Kids are masters at asking curly questions—just when you think you’ve got bedtime handled or you’re about to enjoy a lukewarm cup of tea, out pops, “Where is God?”
If you’ve ever fumbled for words or silently begged for divine intervention yourself, you’re not alone.
Here’s how to handle this classic stumper, even if you’re running on fumes and three hours of sleep.
Why Kids Ask ‘Where Is God?’
At some point, nearly every child throws this one at their parent. Maybe it’s sparked by a story, a chat at school, or just that wild curiosity that makes kids so lovable—and occasionally exhausting.
What they’re really asking is: “Is God real? And if so, why can’t I see him/her/them?”
These questions aren’t meant to trip you up. They’re honest, heartfelt, and surprisingly deep.
Think Like a Child, Not a Theologian
When your little one asks, “Where is God?” they’re not looking for a lecture on abstract theology. They want something that fits into their world, right alongside dinosaurs, Peppa Pig, and the mysterious place where odd socks go.
Kids crave concrete answers. “Everywhere” can sound as vague as “I’ll tell you when you’re older.”
Simple, sensory language works best. If you can tie your answer to something they see or feel, you’ll have their attention—and maybe even avoid a follow-up question. (No promises.)
Keep It Honest, Keep It Simple
It’s tempting to reach for clever analogies or complicated metaphors, but honesty often works wonders. Children are experts at sniffing out fibs, after all.
Try something along these lines:
“Different people have different ideas about God. Some say God is everywhere, even though we can’t see him. Some people feel God most when they’re happy, or when something wonderful happens.”
Short, true, and easy to grasp—no need for a philosophy degree.
Use Their World as Your Playground
If your child’s a budding artist, talk about how some people feel God when they see something beautiful—like a rainbow or a favourite drawing.
For the science-mad, you might mention how some folks believe God is in the wonder of nature and the way things work.
Even a walk around the garden can help: “Some people feel God when they listen to birds, see flowers, or feel the sunshine.”
Everyday examples work best. If it’s something they can touch, see, or hear, you’re halfway there.
Share Your Own Thoughts (or Honesty If You’re Unsure)
No need to pretend you’ve got every answer (wouldn’t that be nice?). If you have your own beliefs, share them in simple terms:
“I believe God is close to us, even though we can’t see him, a bit like the love we feel for each other.”
If you’re not sure, it’s perfectly fine to say, “That’s a really good question. People have been asking it for a long time, and I’m still thinking about it too.”
Kids appreciate authenticity, and a little vulnerability goes a long way. You’re teaching them that it’s okay not to have every single answer wrapped in a bow.
Acknowledge Different Ideas, Without Confusing Them
Depending on your family or community, your child might hear different answers to this question. Some friends might say God lives in the sky, or that God is in church, or everywhere at once.
A gentle way to address this is: “Lots of people believe different things about where God is. Some say he’s in heaven, some say he’s all around us. What do you think?”
This not only gives them room to process, but shows respect for diversity—a handy skill for life.
Stories and Analogies That Make Sense
If your mind goes blank (again), try a story or analogy that matches their age.
For younger kids, the wind is a perennial favourite:
“We can’t see the wind, but we can feel it on our faces, see it move the trees, or blow our hair about. Some people say God is a bit like the wind—can’t see him, but you can feel him or notice the things he does.”
For older children, a story from your own life, or a tradition from your family, can be a lovely touch.
Keeping it bite-sized is key—no one wants a TED talk at tuck-in time.
When the Question Is a Distraction Tactic
Kids have an uncanny knack for existential questions right at bedtime. You know the drill: toothbrush, pyjamas, then suddenly, “Where is God?” (often followed by, “Can I have water?” and “Why is the sky blue?”).
If you sense they’re stalling, acknowledge the question, jot it down for tomorrow, and get back to business.
“That’s a big question. How about we talk more in the morning when we’re not so sleepy?”
Congratulations—you’ve just sidestepped a two-hour bedtime debate.
When They Want a Concrete Place
Younger children, especially, love specifics. If your little one insists God must live somewhere—a house, a treehouse, maybe behind the fridge—feel free to indulge their imagination:
“Well, some people say God lives in heaven. Others say God is everywhere at once, which is pretty clever! Some people even feel God is in their hearts.”
Let them run with it. You might get some creative answers—and a few giggles.
How to Handle “But I Can’t See God”
If your science-loving child is determined, you might hear, “But I can’t see God. Does that mean God isn’t real?”
Try relating it to other invisible-but-real things:
“We can’t see the air we breathe, but we know it’s there because we feel it and need it. Some people say God is like that—can’t see him, but some people feel him in different ways.”
This answer acknowledges their logic without shutting down curiosity. (And yes, you may still get more questions. Sorry.)
Encourage Wonder and Questioning
The best way to answer a big question? Sometimes, turn it back on them.
“What do you think? Where do you feel happiest or safest? Some people say that’s where they feel closest to God.”
Open-ended questions keep the conversation going, and let your child feel like their thoughts matter. Because they do.
Avoid the Panic—You’ve Got This
If your mind goes blank, don’t panic. There’s no perfect answer, and your child isn’t expecting a theologian’s lecture.
A warm hug and a “That’s a big question. I love how you think about these things” is a perfectly good response.
After all, your child is lucky to have a parent who cares enough to try—sleep-deprived or not.
Calling in Reinforcements
If you have a faith leader, grandparent, or trusted friend who loves a curly question, don’t be afraid to bring them in. Kids love hearing stories from a range of people, and it takes the pressure off you.
Remember, you’re not alone in this.
Some Resources for Curious Kids and Parents
A few children’s books offer gentle, age-appropriate answers to spiritual questions, like God’s Dream by Desmond Tutu or Where is God? by Lawrence and Karen Kushner.
Even if you’re not religious, these books can spark valuable discussions.
For families who enjoy visual learning, short animated videos from Saddleback Kids or The Bible Project can be helpful starting points.
Letting the Conversation Grow
The beauty (and mild terror) of a question like “Where is God?” is that it doesn’t have a one-and-done answer.
Your child might come back to it, sometimes with a new twist—just ask any parent whose six-year-old has debated the possibility of God having a pet.
Keep the door open for more talks. Even if you stumble, you’re planting seeds for deep, meaningful conversations as they grow.
Embracing the Mystery
Sometimes, the best answer is, “Nobody knows for sure, but it’s wonderful to wonder and talk about it together.” Children are pretty comfortable with mystery—just ask them where socks go after laundry day.
And if you’re still waiting for your own lightbulb moment? You’re in very good company.
The Takeaway—You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Fielding questions about God at 8:40 p.m. when your brain is mush is no small feat.
Take heart: you don’t need all the answers. You just need a little empathy, a dash of honesty, and the willingness to wonder alongside your child.
And who knows? You might find, as your little one drifts off to sleep, that you’re a bit more comfortable with the big questions yourself.
Tea still lukewarm, though. Sorry about that.
