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First of all a disclaimer - With this post I seek advice/inputs from parents and I really don't want this to turn into a religious war.
A little background - My wife and I are young couple (in early 30's) and we've a 15 months old daughter (only child). We both are from India and practice Hinduism. We have been living in the United States for quite a long time (9 years) and are very open minded. My wife is currently SAHM but is looking for job. We're also looking for pre-school or day cares with MDO's so that our daughter gets familiar with day care and also my wife gets some time to look for job.
We've came across a few good pre-schools and as you know most of the good ones are in Church. I am not familiar with the curriculum in the pre-school's at Churches. I assume that at some point there would be some Biblical education. This is not a problem at all. The problems comes up with my dilemma if I would be imposing any confusion in LO's mind just when she is learning to learn. Since we'll like her to practice Hinduism yet would like her to have an open mind to understand all the religions and learn the good things about it. I think that it will be a good learning opportunity for her but at the same time I am afraid that if it'll be too early for her.
I know this is a sensitive issue and probably there can be an in depth discussion on various aspects of my statements but I am not seeking any of those at this time and I would like to know what other parents think or feel about this situation.
Last edited by itsshanks; 08-07-2012 at 11:05 AM..
Reason: Clarification
There are church-based preschools, and then there are religious church-based preschools. Most are the former. I would't worry about it. My daughter attended one, and we are not church-goers. In her year were many Hindu kids, and a Muslim kid.
I live in a very agnostic/atheist area and a lot of parent send their kids to the local Catholic preschool b/c it's topnotch in education. Kids are exposed to Catholic beliefs, but the religion is not imposed and non-Catholics can opt out of the daily chapel services. I'd ask to see if the Christian school you're considering is similar or if your child would be required to participate in activities you would consider offensive.
Thanks for the information. I didn't know if there was an option of attending the services. Again, attending a service wouldn't offend me by any means. I would think that my kid would learn something about other religion.
I am not Jewish, but my daughter attended a Jewish preschool for a couple years. It was not a problem at all. Zimbochick is right: as long as their goal isn't "soul-winning" or indoctrination, it should be fine.
Honestly, it depends on what state you are in and what church.
In Evanston, IL, I have no problem with it. In Pearland, TX I have a big problem with the local fundie churches, since they already told my Hindu dil she was going to hell for practicing her religion.
First of all a disclaimer - With this post I seek advice/inputs from parents and I really don't want this to turn into a religious war.
A little background - My wife and I are young couple (in early 30's) and we've a 15 months old daughter (only child). We both are from India and practice Hinduism. We have been living in the United States for quite a long time (9 years) and are very open minded. My wife is currently SAHM but is looking for job. We're also looking for pre-school or day cares with MDO's so that our daughter gets familiar with day care and also my wife gets some time to look for job.
We've came across a few good pre-schools and as you know most of the good ones are in Church. I am not familiar with the curriculum in the pre-school's at Churches. I assume that at some point there would be some Biblical education. This is not a problem at all. The problems comes up with my dilemma if I would be imposing any confusion in LO's mind just when she is learning to learn. Since we'll like her to practice Hinduism yet would like her to have an open mind to understand all the religions and learn the good things about it. I think that it will be a good learning opportunity for her but at the same time I am afraid that if it'll be too early for her.
I know this is a sensitive issue and probably there can be an in depth discussion on various aspects of my statements but I am not seeking any of those at this time and I would like to know what other parents think or feel about this situation.
Are there any hindu based pre schools where you live? And i disagree i have seen plenty of crappy church run preschools.
All 3 of my kids attended a state-accredited, Methodist church-based preschool in our community. We also are Methodist and attend the church.
They did not have us sign any forms that allowed them to practice "soul winning."
As far as "indoctrination," at our school, all Christian holidays are openly celebrated. The classes did not attend many church services, but they did visit local nursing homes to sing Christmas songs etc. There were no restrictions on God-based songs, like "Jesus Loves Me," etc., crafts, movies etc throughout the year. They also prayed to Jesus before meals.
IMHO, you should visit the schools and ask THEM these questions. if you don't want your child "confused," you may have a tough row to hoe by sending her to a Christian preschool.
I would do this regardless of what religion the school is associated with.
Are there any hindu based pre schools where you live? And i disagree i have seen plenty of crappy church run preschools.
We live in TN and there isn't any Hindu based pre-school. There are Sunday classes in the Hindu temple.
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