Sigh...Religion

[Unregistered]

Do my Atheist daycare children not have rights too? To be raised free from religious indoctrination? I think this is a debate that far exceeds the stage of an early childhood classroom.

Sure they can tell what they believe or don't believe as well.

Its the same as kids telling my children there is no Santa. In our house there IS a Santa. Is all about what you choose to believe or not believe. Do I get aggrivated when kids tell my kids there is no Santa.. sure I do but then I point out to my kids why our family does believe in Santa.

[spedmommy4]

I would not put an individuals belief system in the same class as an interest in trains. In some families and in some cultures, children are taught those things from a very young age. I went to a strict Lutheran school growing up and that is all they talked about. (The path to heaven) We were also instructed to spread the word but I was always too shy for that. But, as a kid, I didn't have any choices about whether or not to participate in religion. It was part of who I was and it is currently a part of who that child is.

In any case, the socially acceptable solution for that situation is the same though. Given that the topic is NOT appropriate for an early childhood setting, I would talk to the kids each time and say this conversation is for at home, it makes dcg/dcb feel uncomfortable when you say that. (That whatever is going to make them go to he**) And I would tell the parents if the problem is ongoing.

[Jujube835]

In my program *I* decide what is appropriate for them tl talk about and what is not.

For example, in my program absolutely nobody is allowed to talk about guns. I think it's innapropriate for children to pretend to kill things and play with such a dangerous weapon. But I know other providers think guns are fine.

In my program we talk about body parts when they come up. I breastfeed so they know all about "momma milk" and the right way to feed a baby. I have a provider friend that WILL NOT address this in any way, shape, or form.

I just think its preference. I personally would not allow the DCb to talk about religion. "Yes dcb that is your belief, and it's wonderful that you feel that way about your religion. However, this is not the correct place to discuss such things. There is a place and time for that but daycare is not it."

I'm religious but I absolutely feel that there should be a separation between my personal beliefs and my secular daycare. It's their parents' job to educate them about religion

[daycare]

i dont care what it is about, if it's not something that I feel is appropriate for all of the kids in my care, I will get the child to stop.

When Billy starts talking about it next time, I would say. that's great billy, you can tell mom and dad when you get home and change the subject right away.

I would ignore it and move on, giving it no attention.

I would not discuss it anymore.

[Unregistered]

This is called anti bias curriculum.
"Anti-bias curriculum is an approach to early childhood education that sets forth values-based principles and methodology in support of respecting and embracing differences and acting against bias and unfairness. Anti-bias teaching requires critical thinking and problem solving by both children and adults."

You tell the child (and parents of dck) that dck and his parent believe "this" and that's okay. You believe something different and that's okay. You tell the parents that you are teaching their kiddos to accept one another for the individuals that they are. It's a great thing! It is also a wonderful skill for children to learn about and accept each others differences from a young age.

Acceptance and understanding of differences from a young age helps to mold children into the compassionate adults who are kind to one another. At least, that is the goal.

Alternatively, the appropriate social skill for that situation is the same whether you are 3 or 40 years old. The child's parents could teach dck to say, I don't believe in that, can we talk about something else? But as the teacher, I wouldn't get involved unless the child expressed discomfort with the topic.

Yes.
He has freedom of speech. We should all be able to say what we believe. You don't have to agree.

[Unregistered]

I change the subject when the kids start talking but same sex marriage.

[Laurel]

Lol I'm not one for much political correctness But I'd have to ask this parent, why does this make you uncomfortable? Doesn't that provide a great teaching experience for your child about what they believe, what others believe etc? We're a strong Christian family, would I be upset if my child came home talking about another Religion? Nope. Questions about faith don't bother me. It's not like you're the one teaching it. It's another child. Regardless of what faith the child was sharing, I would tell dcp "I'm sorry if it makes you uncomfortable, but children here have the right to speak about their faith if it's important to them." Then encourage them to discuss their beliefs as a family.

If I were the parent, it would make me uncomfortable. Why? Because it is more than a question. It is prostelitizing (sp?) (that is what it sounds like in this case anyway). Therein lies the difference. When the child seems obsessed with it and bringing it up on a daily basis it is more than just a simple question.

Laurel

[NoMoreJuice!]

Thanks to everyone who chimed in. I was very interested in all the varied responses. I appreciate being able to look at a situation from all angles, which is what you all provided me.

I just met with his parents and the boy. We sat on the couches and had a lovely discussion about how strong his faith is, and how proud they must be that he has such a solid grip on something so intangible to most. However, I let them know it is making other parents uncomfortable to field questions about some things that he's been saying, so from now on it will be a home-only type of conversation. They were totally understanding, and not offended in the least (phew!).

Anyway, that's how it ended. Thanks again, everyone!

[Unregistered]

We do a bible story every morning in our daycare and pray!!!

[Thriftylady]

Thanks to everyone who chimed in. I was very interested in all the varied responses. I appreciate being able to look at a situation from all angles, which is what you all provided me.

I just met with his parents and the boy. We sat on the couches and had a lovely discussion about how strong his faith is, and how proud they must be that he has such a solid grip on something so intangible to most. However, I let them know it is making other parents uncomfortable to field questions about some things that he's been saying, so from now on it will be a home-only type of conversation. They were totally understanding, and not offended in the least (phew!).

Anyway, that's how it ended. Thanks again, everyone!

We are very conservative and religious, but I would have accepted it well as a parent also. In my daycare, I try to respect the beliefs of everyone even if they are not what our family believes. I think most people "get it" and as long as you are not telling them they are wrong to believe what they do, they will try to accommodate. Good for you for having that talk!