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December 2011 Moms
S/O Daycare (Religion Dilemma)
Hey ladies! I haven't been posting as much lately because the rain in the south took out our internet and I've had to bump form work 
But it got fixed today! I hope everyone is doing okay! Here's what's going on with Daycare for me...
The best daycare in our town is at a Presbyterian church called Evergreen. It is known for being affordable and amazing and they are great people. We just moved here so we haven't been there yet, but it's huge and only 120 a week.
HOWEVER, it is a church daycare and they practice reading the Bible and following the Bible throughout everything the children do. They are extremely religious, beyond DH and I in all aspects of things.
While I believe in God and have a great relationship with him, I wouldn't call myself a devout Christian or Presbyterian. I view the Bible more as a great guide to life and a story showing amazing morals and how to live a blessed life. DH and I don't read it consistently in our home. Although I refer to it on occasion and quote many of it's passages, it isn't the guide to our lives and we don't refer to it 24/7. (KWIM?)
Anyway, Evergreen is the cheapest and best daycare in our community. The other are $20-$40 a week more. My issue is I don't want my child growing up thinking we are hypocrites or feeling strange because they are told one thing at daycare and one thing at home. I want my child to be able to choose what religion they want to be or if they want one at all. I don't want it to be forced on him/her at all. Do you think this would be an issue with them being in this daycare? Would it bother you?
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Re: S/O Daycare (Religion Dilemma)
DS went to a church daycare that had this same practice. To be honest, it never really effected him at home. He knew a few scriptures, he ALWAYS said grace before he ate and if we forgot he would remind us, and he always wanted to lead prayer at bedtime. That was the extent. They usually just incorporate the bible into thier discipline and daily life and the kids don't really think of it too much outside of the center (or at least taht was my experience.) It was funny to hear DS say things like "God doesn't like that" if people did bad things. I certainly would not pass up a great daycare because of it.
Sorry, but this would have me running for the hills. There's no way I'd stick my child in there if they're so ultra-religious and conservative. Little kids pick up on a lot more than you would ever think, so reasoning that it's only until they start school wouldn't work for me (not that you did, I'm just saying).
My daughter goes to a Catholic school and I was raised a Catholic and went through the Catholic school system. But, Catholic teaching is not in line with a literal translation of the Bible and very much views biblical teachings as stories with meaning. I am OK with this and want my DD exposed to religion (and different religions too which I also like about the Catholic school system in Canada - in school I visited Mosques, Buddhist Temples, Synagogues, etc.), so that she can form her own opinions. I'm NOT a fan of evangelical Christianity and would rather cut down my grocery bill, cable bill, or anything really, in order to afford to put her somewhere else.
I think if the place isn't in line with yours and DH's own views and beliefs, it's not the place for your child. JMHO.
*TW loss and children mentioned*
Apr 17: IUI #1 = BFN
May 17: IUI #2 = BFN
Jun 17: IUI #3 = Late BFP (18 DPO) | NMC 17Jul17 @ ~6w
Aug 17: IUI #4 = Cancelled due to premature ovulation | TI = BFN
Sep 17: IUI #5 = Cancelled due to overstimulation (10+ follies)
Nov 17: IVF #1 = Cancelled due to non-IF related health issue | TI = BFN
Dec 17: IVF #1 = Puregon 200, Menopur 75, Orgalutran, Suprefact trigger due to OHSS risk | 22R, 18M, 16F, 10B frozen
Feb 18: FET #1 (medicated) = BFN
Mar 18: FET #2 (natural cycle) = CP (beta 1: 54; beta 2: 0)
EDD: 07Jan2019 Team Green
My Rainbow Baby Boy born 03Jan2019
When I was little, my parents had me in a Jewish daycare/pre-school, even though we're Catholic. Even though there were religious elements to it, it wasn't pushy, and my parents were great about answering my questions when I was a little older. I look back on it now as a great early experience in diversity.
That said, I would not be comfortable with any place that was pushy or tried to make my child feel bad for his/her religious beliefs (or for that matter, told my child that there was only one "good" religion). My sense from your post is that you're already uncomfortable with this place, and if I got bad vibes or was worried already, I would go with my gut instinct.
If you feel like you might be okay with your child going there, there is always the option of switching daycares down the road if things don't turn out how you like or if the religious aspect ends up being a big issue.
Ella born 12/21/11
I'd give it a try for a year. The first year it's mostly diapers and bottles and naps anyway, so your LO wouldn't be involved in much religious education, and you can observe the older classrooms and see if you're comfortable with LO continuing into the 2s, 3s, 4s, etc.
It wouldn't bother me. One of the best playgroups is our area is run by a Jewish organization but it's welcoming to all denominations.
I wouldnt think twice about sending my child to a Christian daycare. DH and I are definitely Christian and we do attend church and plan on raising our children that way but I think that in the end it all comes down to your child getting the best care possible when you cant be there 24/7. If you know that the daycare is trustworthy, clean and has a great reputation I say go for it. As far as them reading the bible to the children, I worked in a Christian daycare for five years and the stories that we read and taught were childrens stories like the story of Noah and why god gives us rainbows. I doubt they are going to go "hell, fire, and brimstone" on the kids
We prayed before we ate and taught please and thank you.
I think that with an infant you wont see a huge difference as far as religion goes, once your child is in the toddler age group the Christian stuff comes out a little more. By that time you will be looking at preschools anyways, so if you arent super happy with it at that point no biggie.
Make a pregnancy ticker
I work at a Catholic Montessori school. The school is VERY conservative, more so than any place/ any one I have ever met and I was born and raised Catholic. We are a small school, only about 60 children ages 3-12 on a daily basis, and last year we had at least 6 children that were not Catholic (a couple were not even Christian.) The staff was very understanding and accommodating to the families beliefs. The children could choose to participate in the religious portions of the classroom and if they chose to participate the teacher would give them a more generically Christian lesson instead of something that was strictly Catholic. Though if the child had a question about something the teacher would always answer it.
I would speak with the staff and observe at the school. Let them know your feelings and concerns and if you still feel hesitant or funny about it after that then choose another place. If you and DH are not at peace or uncomfortable then that may not be the right place for your LO. Good luck with your decision!
I guess I feel differently that a lot of the responses, but at this point, especially for the first year or two, I don't think it would make a big difference. If it is great otherwise, I'd deal with the religious aspect and just not make a big deal of it. I went to a baptist preschool, a lutheran elementary school and a catholic high school. We never read the bible at home, and my parents were not really church goers. I don't remember any conflict or anything like that until I got a little older and started questioning things for myself, but I think that would have happened regardless of where I had gone to school. There were some instances where my sister or I had issues with what was being taught as we grew up, but our parents were able to balance that out.
I don't think an infant will feel pressured to follow the bible. I don't even think a 3 or 4 year old would really get it, or hang on to it for any length of time. I think it's more important to put the child in a place with good values that will provide great care, even if it doesn't specifically fall in line with your beliefs.
This is exactly what I was thinking.
I wouldn't have a problem with it and to be honest they are really young so it's not going to be as much of a factor as to when they are older and start really thinking about religion more and understanding the concept of it. Hope that makes sense!
If the school is that great I would go for it. I would not worry about the religion thing rubbing off on your child during the first 2 years of life. Maybe you could ask to sit in on a class to see how much "religion" is taught throughout the day vs. normal activities.
My son is going to a catholic pre-K even though I do not practice religion because I just LOVE the school and the teachers. But I will say that the religion part is kept to a minimum, most of the curriculum is education based.
Well, I'm an atheist, but with that in mind- I wouldn't think it would be a problem for at least the first year. After that, you could re-evaluate, but I wouldn't see myself keeping DS there.
On second thought.. I guess I would question what religious direction they go. When I hear about that much bible involved, fairly or not my mind goes to babywise and obedience and spare the rod and whatnot, which would make this place a never ever ever for me. Maybe find out if the people who say it's the best are of this religious strength or persuasion or if there are secular people who think it's great too?
Oh wow that's awesome! Do you live around Seymour or Sevierville? The TN board is so dead lol. I haven't even checked it out yet myself I just reserved a spot on the waiting list because it's so long. I'm going to wait until after the a/s and make sure everything is okay. Thank you for your input ladies!
i actually live in seymour! yeah...a little disappointed with the TN board. the waiting list is a good idea so if you change your mind later. i've met some people from that church that seem really sweet!