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EmmaNick
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Member since 12/06 16001 total posts
Name:
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
I don't see the big deal, especially since it IS a Christian school. There are so many other opportunities to dress your children up and take them to local events. I don't think halloween is ruined if your kid can't dress up at school. There is always trick or treating at night 
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Posted 8/11/08 6:01 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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QuoteTheRaven424
22 Months?!!!!
Member since 5/05 13659 total posts
Name:
And If That Isn't A True Blue Miracle
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
Posted by Ang-Rich
Aww - that makes me sad. Halloween is so much fun for the kids.
Lucas is a darling devil this year 
so is meaghan 
deborah is undecided
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| Posted 8/11/08 7:03 PM |
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oops123
LIF Adult
Member since 8/05 2509 total posts
Name:
michelle
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
Give me a break. So tired of hearing this PC bullsh*t...
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| Posted 8/11/08 7:25 PM |
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MrsR
My love.
Member since 5/05 6247 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
the more I think about this - the more I want to say I am sorry that Andrew won't have the same fond experience of halloween at school as you maybe did.
I think you are a great mom and show him so many great things that you will make halloween special for him too regardless of the school!
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| Posted 8/11/08 9:16 PM |
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LisaI
Momma's Little Beans
Member since 1/06 3923 total posts
Name:
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
Does he go to a christian school? My DD goes to a christian school and this is the way as well. It annoys me too but have to respect it. If it's a normal school I can't understand it.
She can dress up at school, but it has to be a character from a book. When she trick and treats at home she can be whatever she wants She still has the same great experience from halloween. It's actually more fun for her since she has 2 costumes usually.
Message edited 8/11/2008 9:21:27 PM.
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| Posted 8/11/08 9:19 PM |
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JRG71
*****************
Member since 5/05 5025 total posts
Name:
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
Posted by MrsR
IMHO (Since T's school doesnt allow it either) I don't see it as a bad thing.
Let's face it - the costumes are usually uncomfy and impossible to run around in on the playground.
the young young kids dont really get it anyway - AND you are going to take them trick or treating! SO they will still celebrate!!
I understand the nostalgia - but really that is more about you - they won't miss anything!
eta: I just re read all the repsonses on the post. I have to say I think it teaches intolerance to kids to say that ONE kid should have to go not dressed up and deal with it because it goes against their religion.
You should be more worried about teaching your kids tolerance, understanding, and COMPRIMISE than about halloween.
This is a different day and age then when we were kids.
ITA - on all points.
Costumes and the Halloween traditions that I grew up with can be taught at home.
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| Posted 8/11/08 9:32 PM |
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clwp
Love my girls!
Member since 10/06 2114 total posts
Name:
mommy
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
Posted by MrsR
eta: I just re read all the repsonses on the post. I have to say I think it teaches intolerance to kids to say that ONE kid should have to go not dressed up and deal with it because it goes against their religion.
You should be more worried about teaching your kids tolerance, understanding, and COMPRIMISE than about halloween.
This is a different day and age then when we were kids.
I just have one question and I'm not trying to be a sh*t starter but in regard to the statement that "this is a different day and age then when we were kids"... well my question is - Why? Seriously, if we are all supposed to be so tolerant of others why can't those who don't "appreciate" holloween, St. Valentine's day, etc. also be expect to "tolerate" the holidays? How are we supposed to learn tolerance by not dressing up - if anything I'd think that would breed resentment? No? Plus, when someone stands out - it usually provides a "teachable" moment of understanding... if we are all going to do the same thing (which eventually I guess will mean we do nothing) then what makes us different/unique? When I lived in IL as a Jew I will tell you - no one in West Central Illinois knew about Yom Kippur or Rosh Hashana... but it was MY choice to go to grad school there... I didn't have a "sit in" b/c the college didn't shut down for those holidays. According to the concept here I should have been screaming discrimination. However, I chose to live in an area I knew full well was not going to uphold any "respect" for Jewish customs or traditions. I never ever took offense at "secret santa" or anything like that either. Was I the minority - absolutely in the areas I lived in, but as to my earlier point - usually if someone is willing to go against the grain, they're convictions are strong enough and usually so is their support system (be it family or religious). Again, not trying to start trouble, but unless it is a religious institution why is it a big deal for kids to dress up? I mean personally I never loved the holiday, but now being a mom I'm excited to put my DD in a kitty costume or a little princess costume. When I was young I actually learned to make my own costumes as an older child... in retrospect - that's pretty cool! Too bad this generation is going to miss out b/c it offends a few people. I hope this makes sense, again, not trying to start trouble, just plugging some thoughts. I think I'd be taken aback if my DD couldn't do the things I participated in as a kid. It's about tradition and what is wrong with us passing our's down to our kids? Maybe I'm missing something.
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| Posted 8/11/08 9:43 PM |
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Daveswife
I'm all grown up now
Member since 11/05 1108 total posts
Name:
Valerie
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
This was always an issue for me when I taught pre-school. I'm a christian, and I don't really celebrate halloween, however being a teacher, I had to decorate my classroom, and organize a party for the kids. It was very cute, and at times I found myself enjoying it. Now that I'm a mom, I don't think I'll be dressing DD for halloween. Its a personal thing. I don't believe it should be a rule that's enforced on everyone.
Message edited 8/11/2008 9:57:42 PM.
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| Posted 8/11/08 9:54 PM |
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Shelly
She's 7!!!
Member since 8/05 14624 total posts
Name:
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
Posted by MrsR
the more I think about this - the more I want to say I am sorry that Andrew won't have the same fond experience of halloween at school as you maybe did.
Do you remember your second or third Halloween? I know I don't.
As the OP said, SHE is disappointed that she won't be able to dress up her son for school. It has less to do with DS's loss. He doesn't know what he is missing.
But she can still take him trick or treating, do fun things with him, take him to a local community party, etc...
If this is the school's new policy, she has a choice to take him out of the school next year, or to put him in a public school for grade school where he will be able to dress up.
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| Posted 8/12/08 8:07 AM |
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ChrisDee
My Girls
Member since 11/06 9543 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
Posted by Shelly
Posted by MrsR
the more I think about this - the more I want to say I am sorry that Andrew won't have the same fond experience of halloween at school as you maybe did.
Do you remember your second or third Halloween? I know I don't.
As the OP said, SHE is disappointed that she won't be able to dress up her son for school. It has less to do with DS's loss. He doesn't know what he is missing.
But she can still take him trick or treating, do fun things with him, take him to a local community party, etc...
If this is the school's new policy, she has a choice to take him out of the school next year, or to put him in a public school for grade school where he will be able to dress up.
DD is in public school and can NOT dress up.
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| Posted 8/12/08 8:52 AM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
I had Joseph is Catholic school for kindergarten. They did "Crazy hat & tie day". I hated it. Halloween is a huge holiday for me. It's not linked to a religious memory, for me it is like most of holidays I celebrated - it is a childhood thing.
We switched him to public school & I was thrilled. He learned the different cultures, celebrated all holidays, etc. I realized later that it would bother me if I kept him in the school he was in because he would never learn about why Jewish people celebrate their high holy days, etc.
I guess what I'm trying to say is...you sent him to a school in a Lutheran church. It's to be expected that it would be a policy like that (recognizing that this year it is a new policy). Frankly, I'm surprised it wasn't enforced before this.
Andrew will still have the halloween experience, dressing up, going trick or treating, etc. He just won't have it at a religious school.
As for sitting pretzel style rather than "Indian style", I think it's a better term. It describes it better and doesn't offend anyone.
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| Posted 8/12/08 9:56 AM |
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Luv2bAmom
LIF Adult
Member since 2/08 1255 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
Posted by clwp
I just have one question and I'm not trying to be a sh*t starter but in regard to the statement that "this is a different day and age then when we were kids"... well my question is - Why? Seriously, if we are all supposed to be so tolerant of others why can't those who don't "appreciate" holloween, St. Valentine's day, etc. also be expect to "tolerate" the holidays? How are we supposed to learn tolerance by not dressing up - if anything I'd think that would breed resentment? No? Plus, when someone stands out - it usually provides a "teachable" moment of understanding... if we are all going to do the same thing (which eventually I guess will mean we do nothing) then what makes us different/unique? When I lived in IL as a Jew I will tell you - no one in West Central Illinois knew about Yom Kippur or Rosh Hashana... but it was MY choice to go to grad school there... I didn't have a "sit in" b/c the college didn't shut down for those holidays. According to the concept here I should have been screaming discrimination. However, I chose to live in an area I knew full well was not going to uphold any "respect" for Jewish customs or traditions. I never ever took offense at "secret santa" or anything like that either. Was I the minority - absolutely in the areas I lived in, but as to my earlier point - usually if someone is willing to go against the grain, they're convictions are strong enough and usually so is their support system (be it family or religious). Again, not trying to start trouble, but unless it is a religious institution why is it a big deal for kids to dress up? I mean personally I never loved the holiday, but now being a mom I'm excited to put my DD in a kitty costume or a little princess costume. When I was young I actually learned to make my own costumes as an older child... in retrospect - that's pretty cool! Too bad this generation is going to miss out b/c it offends a few people. I hope this makes sense, again, not trying to start trouble, just plugging some thoughts. I think I'd be taken aback if my DD couldn't do the things I participated in as a kid. It's about tradition and what is wrong with us passing our's down to our kids? Maybe I'm missing something.
Very well said, ITA.
Now a daysWe are so worried about offending someone that we will strip all of our individuality and become cookie cutters, its sad really.
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| Posted 8/12/08 10:10 AM |
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hbugal
Lesigh
Member since 2/07 15928 total posts
Name:
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
In my daughters elementary school they do...
A Literature Parade on Halloween and allow the kids to dress up as a character from a book and then they march around the field.. ...but at least they get to dress up..and none of them base their costume on a book character.
No cupcakes or anything for birthdays..but they get a pencil from the PTA..
The Gestapo at the front desk tried to tell me this year that I couldnt bring them in McDonalds for lunch on their birthday b/c it would upset the other children whose parents couldnt afford to buy their kids McDonalds!!! Which is totally laughable b/c of where I live.....
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| Posted 8/12/08 10:10 AM |
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partyof6
b nice like u want ur kidz 2
Member since 7/06 7752 total posts
Name:
jeannine
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
geez..the world has gotten out of hand I think...
no Halloween-amercian anthems being boycotted at school--no nothing.
I love where I live!
we can celebrate catholic-jewish-all religous holidays.
I was allowed to drag in a tree and decorate for xmas and surprise the kids when I was class mom...I decorated spooky forhalloween for them.
My school has a giant halloween family fun night...600 plus..I ran it.
We celebrate everything..
they even discuss Jesus...
yup..its a public school too.
Everything in life should be talked about and celebrated..
maybe thats why we have such tolerance around here.
Our kids know everyone does diff things.
Message edited 8/12/2008 10:16:54 AM.
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| Posted 8/12/08 10:14 AM |
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MrsR
My love.
Member since 5/05 6247 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
Posted by clwp
I just have one question and I'm not trying to be a sh*t starter but in regard to the statement that "this is a different day and age then when we were kids"... well my question is - Why? Seriously, if we are all supposed to be so tolerant of others why can't those who don't "appreciate" holloween, St. Valentine's day, etc. also be expect to "tolerate" the holidays? How are we supposed to learn tolerance by not dressing up - if anything I'd think that would breed resentment? No? Plus, when someone stands out - it usually provides a "teachable" moment of understanding... if we are all going to do the same thing (which eventually I guess will mean we do nothing) then what makes us different/unique? When I lived in IL as a Jew I will tell you - no one in West Central Illinois knew about Yom Kippur or Rosh Hashana... but it was MY choice to go to grad school there... I didn't have a "sit in" b/c the college didn't shut down for those holidays. According to the concept here I should have been screaming discrimination. However, I chose to live in an area I knew full well was not going to uphold any "respect" for Jewish customs or traditions. I never ever took offense at "secret santa" or anything like that either. Was I the minority - absolutely in the areas I lived in, but as to my earlier point - usually if someone is willing to go against the grain, they're convictions are strong enough and usually so is their support system (be it family or religious). Again, not trying to start trouble, but unless it is a religious institution why is it a big deal for kids to dress up? I mean personally I never loved the holiday, but now being a mom I'm excited to put my DD in a kitty costume or a little princess costume. When I was young I actually learned to make my own costumes as an older child... in retrospect - that's pretty cool! Too bad this generation is going to miss out b/c it offends a few people. I hope this makes sense, again, not trying to start trouble, just plugging some thoughts. I think I'd be taken aback if my DD couldn't do the things I participated in as a kid. It's about tradition and what is wrong with us passing our's down to our kids? Maybe I'm missing something.
I understand what you are saying, but there is a difference IMO between LEARNING about the different holidays and forcing someone to CELEBRATE them.
For example, in my daughters school they teach the kids about the chinese new year - but they dont force her to come dressed up like a dragon for the new years parade.
Its the same idea for halloween.
There are a lot of kids in her school from Israel - they don't celebrate halloween...so why should they be FORCED to do so during school time?
I am all for teaching the kids about other religions and customs, but please don't force my daughter to partake in the religions or customs...that is going too far.
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| Posted 8/12/08 10:19 AM |
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MrsR
My love.
Member since 5/05 6247 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
Now a daysWe are so worried about offending someone that we will strip all of our individuality and become cookie cutters, its sad really.
I am not sure we are becoming cookie cutters. I think at home we all have very strong traditions and beliefs. But at school or when we are with others...isn't it nice at all that we are tolerant and assimilating into an american society that doesn't offend the people that make it up?
Isn't that what america is about?
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| Posted 8/12/08 10:25 AM |
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browneyedgirl
family is all that matters
Member since 6/06 6513 total posts
Name:
browneyes
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
i teach in a very well known and wealthy district. public school.
we do not celebrate halloween and kids haven't been able to dress up in this district in years. we have a fall festival, which is essentially a halloween party, but we don't allow crazy amounts of candy because they don't need it. we do crafts, games and have one treat--usually cupcakes or something similar. they don't miss not having tons of sweets but they still have tons of fun. and with allergies, food of ANY kind is pretty much becoming a no-no at school parties.
i've been in 3 districts on LI--only one had kids still dress up and they may have changed it since i was there 8 years ago.
i actually don't celebrate ANY holidays in my classroom. i can't because there are always parents who complain that "their" holiday wasn't given as much prominence as another (not necessarily in my classroom, but in the school as well). we also can't have a christmas tree or menorah in the school lobby because of parents complaining that there were more of one decoration than another. i can't hang up any decorations. so now there's nothing.
it's sad. it really is. i'm sad my son won't experience the parties we had in school. but then i think about the fun I will give him at home for the holidays. he won't miss out because he doesn't know any better.
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| Posted 8/12/08 10:26 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
While halloween is my absolute favorite holiday of the year (I got married on halloween, 2004 for goodness sake!), I have to agree, if it is a religious institution, I can *understand* why it wouldn't be celebrated, given the history of halloween.
Yes, I think it detracts from some of the fun the kids have, but there are *other* ways to celebrate fall. I remember, growing up, the emphasis of our school celebrations centered on the harvest, not halloween itself. Halloween was really reserved for HOME, when you got home from school, dressed up in your costume and went trick or treating.
So even if the school has a no-halloween policy, it doesn't mean your child will miss out on the richness of hallween. It's really up to you to make it an enriching experience for your child if it means that much to you. I see it the same way for other holidays, like, for myself, the jewish holidays.
I would never expect Alex's public school to celebrate the jewish holidays - that is part of what I consider parenting - picking and choosing the holidays and events that mean something to YOUR family, and celebrating them in your own, personal, family way. THAT is what I remember growing up as a child, not what we did or did not do at school.
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| Posted 8/12/08 10:26 AM |
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Luv2bAmom
LIF Adult
Member since 2/08 1255 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
Posted by MrsR
Posted by clwp
I just have one question and I'm not trying to be a sh*t starter but in regard to the statement that "this is a different day and age then when we were kids"... well my question is - Why? Seriously, if we are all supposed to be so tolerant of others why can't those who don't "appreciate" holloween, St. Valentine's day, etc. also be expect to "tolerate" the holidays? How are we supposed to learn tolerance by not dressing up - if anything I'd think that would breed resentment? No? Plus, when someone stands out - it usually provides a "teachable" moment of understanding... if we are all going to do the same thing (which eventually I guess will mean we do nothing) then what makes us different/unique? When I lived in IL as a Jew I will tell you - no one in West Central Illinois knew about Yom Kippur or Rosh Hashana... but it was MY choice to go to grad school there... I didn't have a "sit in" b/c the college didn't shut down for those holidays. According to the concept here I should have been screaming discrimination. However, I chose to live in an area I knew full well was not going to uphold any "respect" for Jewish customs or traditions. I never ever took offense at "secret santa" or anything like that either. Was I the minority - absolutely in the areas I lived in, but as to my earlier point - usually if someone is willing to go against the grain, they're convictions are strong enough and usually so is their support system (be it family or religious). Again, not trying to start trouble, but unless it is a religious institution why is it a big deal for kids to dress up? I mean personally I never loved the holiday, but now being a mom I'm excited to put my DD in a kitty costume or a little princess costume. When I was young I actually learned to make my own costumes as an older child... in retrospect - that's pretty cool! Too bad this generation is going to miss out b/c it offends a few people. I hope this makes sense, again, not trying to start trouble, just plugging some thoughts. I think I'd be taken aback if my DD couldn't do the things I participated in as a kid. It's about tradition and what is wrong with us passing our's down to our kids? Maybe I'm missing something.
I understand what you are saying, but there is a difference IMO between LEARNING about the different holidays and forcing someone to CELEBRATE them.
For example, in my daughters school they teach the kids about the chinese new year - but they dont force her to come dressed up like a dragon for the new years parade.
Its the same idea for halloween.
There are a lot of kids in her school from Israel - they don't celebrate halloween...so why should they be FORCED to do so during school time?
I am all for teaching the kids about other religions and customs, but please don't force my daughter to partake in the religions or customs...that is going too far.
I don't think anyone is saying the kids who don't celebrate a particular holiday should be forced to, I think the opposite, if you don't celebrate a particular holiday you don't have to but don't make it so NO ONE can celebrate it just becasue you don't.
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| Posted 8/12/08 10:56 AM |
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LIMOMx2
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Member since 5/05 24989 total posts
Name:
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
Posted by nrthshgrl
I had Joseph is Catholic school for kindergarten. They did "Crazy hat & tie day". I hated it. Halloween is a huge holiday for me. It's not linked to a religious memory, for me it is like most of holidays I celebrated - it is a childhood thing.
We switched him to public school & I was thrilled. He learned the different cultures, celebrated all holidays, etc. I realized later that it would bother me if I kept him in the school he was in because he would never learn about why Jewish people celebrate their high holy days, etc.
I guess what I'm trying to say is...you sent him to a school in a Lutheran church. It's to be expected that it would be a policy like that (recognizing that this year it is a new policy). Frankly, I'm surprised it wasn't enforced before this.
Andrew will still have the halloween experience, dressing up, going trick or treating, etc. He just won't have it at a religious school.
As for sitting pretzel style rather than "Indian style", I think it's a better term. It describes it better and doesn't offend anyone.
I never said anything about the pretzel thing someone else did. I never even heard of that.
I def think this will be the only year he will be going here. I am having other issues as well. But it is around the block, not that expensive and it doesn't matter if he is potty trained or not, and it worked out well between me working and my family that watches him being able to pick him up.
When he is 3 I would like to put him in a preschool that is not in a religious institution. I would love him to celebrate everything!! I never even thought about him not learning about Jewish Holidays, etc. And I would like him too.
I am not devastated about it and I know we will be able to celebrate outside of school, in Disney actually but it did bother me. If this was their policy all along then fine.
I will have to deal with it for this yr since this is the school I enrolled him in but like I said we will see about other preschools after this yr. If he totally thrives in this school and does excellent and makes friends that I will keep that in mind too.
I think I put too much pressure on myself for things to be perfect and I know they are not always perfect.
Sorry for rambling
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| Posted 8/12/08 11:31 AM |
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MrsR
My love.
Member since 5/05 6247 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
Posted by Luv2bAmom
I don't think anyone is saying the kids who don't celebrate a particular holiday should be forced to, I think the opposite, if you don't celebrate a particular holiday you don't have to but don't make it so NO ONE can celebrate it just becasue you don't.
I guess this is where we see things differently. I dont see it as telling me not to celebrate...I see it as celebrating on my own time and making my own traditions at home.
But I respect your opinion and understand what you are saying.
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| Posted 8/12/08 11:37 AM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
Posted by 5ofClubs
I def think this will be the only year he will be going here. I am having other issues as well. But it is around the block, not that expensive and it doesn't matter if he is potty trained or not, and it worked out well between me working and my family that watches him being able to pick him up.
When he is 3 I would like to put him in a preschool that is not in a religious institution. I would love him to celebrate everything!! I never even thought about him not learning about Jewish Holidays, etc. And I would like him too.
I am not devastated about it and I know we will be able to celebrate outside of school, in Disney actually but it did bother me. If this was their policy all along then fine.
I will have to deal with it for this yr since this is the school I enrolled him in but like I said we will see about other preschools after this yr. If he totally thrives in this school and does excellent and makes friends that I will keep that in mind too.
I think I put too much pressure on myself for things to be perfect and I know they are not always perfect.
Sorry for rambling
Have you seen the way I celebrate St. Pat's Day? It's definitely more about what's done at home. I'm pretty sure my kids are the only ones going to school discussing what the leprechaun did to them while they slept.
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| Posted 8/12/08 11:39 AM |
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Luv2bAmom
LIF Adult
Member since 2/08 1255 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
Posted by nrthshgrl
Have you seen the way I celebrate St. Pat's Day? It's definitely more about what's done at home. I'm pretty sure my kids are the only ones going to school discussing what the leprechaun did to them while they slept.
I love what you do on St. Pat's day. When I saw your post this past St. Pats day I made a mental note to do soemthing like that for DS, I tink its great.
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| Posted 8/12/08 11:54 AM |
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pinkandblue
Our family is complete, maybe
Member since 9/05 32436 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
Posted by Daveswife
. Its a personal thing. I don't believe it should be a rule that's enforced on everyone.
but that is the point....by NOT allowing kids to dress up, the school IS enforcing the beliefs of a FEW on everyone
I think it is riduculous.
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| Posted 8/12/08 12:14 PM |
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MaMaTeenie
Party of 5
Member since 4/08 6489 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Andrew's Preschool got rid of the Halloween Party...
This is my opinion, not a response to anyone else's post, just speaking my mind so please don't flame me if you disagree.
I just think its sad that kids are not being exposed to all holidays, traditions, beliefs! And why? because a few people complain that their holiday didn't get equal attention or because other kids in the class don't celebrate that....come on! Thats just rediculous. Give kids the opportunity to learn about everything! Including things I know nothing about and can not expose them to at home. I understand the Catholic school thing, but in a non-religous school why shouldn't all holidays be celebrated and taught. Are we so closed minded that we don't want our children to experience traditions of other cultures. Traditions they might not experience otherwise. I am a German-Italian Catholic, I don't know much about Purim, Kwanza etc etc. Heck, I don't know much about some Catholic holidays because I am not a very religious person. I would love for my children to have the opportunity to learn about these things. I think when we have the opportunity to experience things that are different from what we are used to it makes us more understanding of the world, other cultures and peoples right to choose what they believe in. I think when we shut down things like Halloween in schools it is only teaching our children that if it isn't what you do you shouldn't accept it, be closed minded and get rid of anything you don't practice.
Lets teach our children that it is ok to be different. Not to judge people, but rather to take the time to understand why people do or believe what they do. Its ok if Susie dresses up as a cat on halloween, but johnny doesn't dress up at all. its ok if mary celebrates Christmas and bobby celebrates chanuka (sorry if I spelled this wrong) In other words its ok to be different. Let me teach you about my beliefs and you teach me about yours.
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| Posted 8/12/08 12:18 PM |
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