Logged Out For Privacy Because...

[Unregistered]

I am openly Christian, and I would want my kids in a Christian environment, so I would ask. However, there are many of all religions, including yours, that do not care, as long as yours is not taught to their children. And some that don't care either way. There are also many who may be openly wishing for you to say what you believe, looking for that care.

If you don't want to discuss it, however, and you do not openly teach the children about your spirituality, I would just say so. "I run a secular child care program and we do not discuss ANY religion or spiritual ideas. I feel that is the parent's domain. If your child asks any questions along that line, I will pass that information to you, so you will be able to answer according to your beliefs."

PS, I know a lot of witches and respect your beliefs, so there is no reason to be "in the broom closet." :hug:

I like that! That's an excellent response!

[Starburst]

Personally, I would just tell them "I don't discuss politics or religion with my daycare parents" or share one of your beliefs rather than the 'label' of your religion "I'm not into labels, but I believe we are children of a loving creator/God", "I believe we each have the spirit of God within us", or even a neutral "I believe everyone is entitled to their own belief system".

I would still be cautious about saying your spiritual but not religious. Some Christians (the more conservative ones; certain denominations) even get flustered at the idea of being "spiritual" rather than "religious". They feel that all the new age and mystic stuff (yoga, meditation, horoscope, tarot, etc.) are products of devil worship.

Some of my friends in high school were Wiccans, some were Catholic/Christians and I even had some who were Buddhist, Seventh-Day Adventists, and atheists. I personally don't care what you are as long as you don't push your believes on others, don't spread hate/hateful words, and don't harm people or animals. Although I do admit, I'm not a fan of Scientology (sorry, if that offends anyone-and it doesn't mean I would shun or judge some who follows it).

But overall, I would just try to promote tolerance and diversity in your program and try to teach the children about different cultures; You can't change the past but you can always create a better future.

[nothingwithoutjoy]

Keep in mind that for family child care, you don't need that many families to be full. It's quite possible that there are that many families who would be thrilled to have a non-Christian provider in a very Christian area. I like a lot of the responses you've gotten here, and if it were me, I would choose your responses carefully, not worry about losing families who ask which church you attend (if they're asking that, they're probably not the families for you, anyway), and not "clean up" your house or jewelry. That way, you are still being true to yourself and don't have to feel like you're hiding. (This from someone who left another closet 20 years ago and is much happier for it!)

[TickleMonster]

I absolutely love this post and all the responses that have been given. For the past year, I have been studying pagan beliefs, most especially wicca and have found that it is the right path for me. Most, if not all, my daycare parents would probably leave if they knew this. We do have some decorations out now, (an altar if you will) and have left many books lying around in plain sight that have Wicca or Witchcraft on the cover. If any of it has been noticed, the parents are polite enough not to ask. Of course most of our families have been with us for a long time and trust us but if we were bringing in new families, that might be a different story. I laugh as I remember one interview we had over a year ago. It was a week before Halloween and we had all of our happy faced pumpkins and ghosts decorating the house and the mother informed me that she was very uncomfortable having her children in a house that looked like it was inhabited by devil worshippers! She said she was strictly Christian and if we celebrated such horrendous holidays around here, this daycare was not right for her. What a hoot! LOL And yes I have had many clients ask of my religion. Just tell them your spiritual and leave it at that. If they ask about your decorations or jewelry, just tell them the items are special and leave it at that. Maybe they are admiring the items and think they are pretty. Maybe they are secretly pagan themselves. And of course maybe they are all fired up to judge you. You cannot control how people will react. Just be yourself. Feel free to PM me if you would like!

[Blackcat31]

So when I'm asked what my religious preferences are, I grudgingly say that I'm christian.

This is what I usually go with, especially if they're asking what church i attend. For me, church is all around us, not one particular building. But I can't really say that either because it would just encourage more questions. So I think by saying I'm more spiritual than religious, they just think I'm a lazy christian who doesn't go to church. Lol.

I only was asked when I had the names "PRECIOUS ANGELS" everyone thought I taught religious things. Actually, it turned people AWAY. So I changed my name to "Just Like Home" and got more calls.

I would never ask someone what they worshipped unless I expected to have my kids taught a particular curriculum. (So if I preferred Christian care, I'd make sure to find out if the person was Christian).

FYI: I have PLENTY of pagan friends, and they've made WAY better friends than some of the Christian ones.

Personally, I have NEVER in 20+ yrs been asked what religion I am.

I really do not care what religion a client is or isn't. I am accepting of all faiths or no faith...it makes NO difference to me as far as child care goes.

I don't ask, people don't ask me and it has never been something discussed.

However, I do want to add that I do have a few friends who are Pagans and I have to say that they have never been judgmental about anyone else's choices...I assume because they themselves don't want to be judged but for someone who is struggling with not feeling accepted, I have to say I find several of your comments judgmental.

I would think that someone who doesn't want to be judged would not be so judgmental about other religions.

[Sereetta]

I've never been asked what religion I am but people tend to know once they walk in because I have scriptures posted to help inspire me during the day.

Although its no one's business I have no problem answering the question. I've been Muslim and Christian and quite frankly if you don't care for either ( I have lost potential clients due to my religion) that's your business not mine. I will not be confined to anyones "issues"!
One thing I want to point out... You have made a conscious choice to be in the closet... So make the conscious choice to leave the closet. Tell people " I would rather not discuss that area of my life."
:hug: to you and I hope you feel liberated by confiding in us!

[Unregistered]

bible belt ...yes that would be hard ....your closet must be big
I live in harmony with nature and I am a home steader
I live off the land
I am pagan
I have much to be seen in and around my place to show just that
no one has ever questioned my religon
I am sure many have guessed
it doesnt come up ...so I dont bring it up
they see my place and they like what they see and leave their chiclren with me
I am a good person and that is what matters to the parents

[Jack Sprat]

Honestly, unless religion/spirituality/etc is part of what you teach as part of your daycare, I don't think it is anyone's business. I would never ask a parent what their religion was and would be taken aback if they asked me and it would immediately turn me off from taking them as a client. And that's coming from someone who lives in the "bible belt"

[NightOwl]

Ok. You guys have inspired me to come out of the broom closet. At least, on the forum! Baby steps, right? I am the original Unregistered poster of this thread. Your understanding and advice have been PRICELESS. Thanks so much!

[nothingwithoutjoy]

Congratulations; good for you. Baby steps lead to bigger steps...

[TickleMonster]

Ok. You guys have inspired me to come out of the broom closet. At least, on the forum! Baby steps, right? I am the original Unregistered poster of this thread. Your understanding and advice have been PRICELESS. Thanks so much!

:hug:happyface Fantastic!lovethis

[KiddieCahoots]

Good for you Wednesday! lovethis
Religion does not define who we are. Your posts show what a terrific and caring person you are. Any family would be extremely lucky to have you care for their children!

[SilverSabre25]

Good for you!

I have to say that I'm super duper impressed with the acceptance and encouragement here.

[iRadiateLove]

I don't like the fact that you have to remain in the broom closet. I identify as Christian but I have studied paganism with a dear sister friend. She's not a part of a coven but at one time we discussed starting one. I also suppose that I'm more open minded than most. I see an overlap in so many religions and I respect them all. Shoot, most probably wouldn't see me as a typical Christian because I am a reiki practitioner and I do crystal work... I'm not Buddhist but I have prayer breads... I meditate... Practice yoga when I have time... I say all of this to say that many more people need to be open and receptive. As another poster commented, some parents may indeed be looking for a Wiccan/Pagan daycare. But, I also don't think you should be questioned on your religious beliefs if you aren't planning on incorporating them into your childcare curriculum.

I'm also a married lesbian with a daughter. I thought this would stunt my ability to get children and stressed about it in the beginning. But, the right people made their way to me and they could care less that I'm lesbian.

Best wishes and blessed be.

[My3cents]

I don't like the fact that you have to remain in the broom closet. I identify as Christian but I have studied paganism with a dear sister friend. She's not a part of a coven but at one time we discussed starting one. I also suppose that I'm more open minded than most. I see an overlap in so many religions and I respect them all. Shoot, most probably wouldn't see me as a typical Christian because I am a reiki practitioner and I do crystal work... I'm not Buddhist but I have prayer breads... I meditate... Practice yoga when I have time... I say all of this to say that many more people need to be open and receptive. As another poster commented, some parents may indeed be looking for a Wiccan/Pagan daycare. But, I also don't think you should be questioned on your religious beliefs if you aren't planning on incorporating them into your childcare curriculum.

I'm also a married lesbian with a daughter. I thought this would stunt my ability to get children and stressed about it in the beginning. But, the right people made their way to me and they could care less that I'm lesbian.

Best wishes and blessed be.

I am accepting of all, except mean people. I don't do mean. I guess we all have some form of -----can't think of the word I want here------- I look for the good in others and I just try to stay away from the rest- I feel there is good and bad in all and I just try to lean towards the good~ I consider myself a Christian but I don't believe in every bite of it. Just me~~~lovethis