About religion....

[jammiesandtea]

I am Jewish- and I had no objection to my kids being exposed to other faiths. We can all learn from others. I did ask that they include our holidays as well. I offered to supply things and help put something together--- but come one who doesn't love potato pancakes and chocolate (latkes and gelt)

So true, mamaof4! I was previously in a relationship with a guy who is Jewish, and your customs and some of the food are just as awesome as the Christian ones! I sure do LOVE me some latkes!

I agree that religion shouldn't matter in daycare and that different customs can be learned about and celebrated in terms of holidays. I think that unless you identify yourself as having a specifically religious daycare, and therefore cater to families of that religion, then other than holiday celebration, religion shouldn't really be taught or focused on with little ones anyway. That is up to their parents.

[Momof4]

So true, mamaof4! I was previously in a relationship with a guy who is Jewish, and your customs and some of the food are just as awesome as the Christian ones! I sure do LOVE me some latkes!

I agree that religion shouldn't matter in daycare and that different customs can be learned about and celebrated in terms of holidays. I think that unless you identify yourself as having a specifically religious daycare, and therefore cater to families of that religion, then other than holiday celebration, religion shouldn't really be taught or focused on with little ones anyway. That is up to their parents.

I completely agree with jammies and I would definitely do this for any religion to include their holidays and traditions in my daycare. However, I leave the deities out of daycare. We celebrate all the holidays from the child's point of view, just for fun, but not the religious aspects of them. I leave that for the parents because I do not want to influence the children with my beliefs, that's a very personal thing for every family to deal with at home.

I know a caregiver who includes religious lessons, praying, etc. in her daily activities, so she advertises her daycare as Christian and the parents who find that important choose her for that reason. It's important to them.