Religious Program Not Appropriate

I'd say that if it bothers you enough to ask us, then I'd ask them too. Maybe they didn't realize it was a religious program...like veggie tales. Most of us know it is, but kids don't really make the connection. I personally wouldn't care if it were a program that was of my faith, but they don't know what faith is, so that seems very presumptious of them. They really shouldn't assume that all the children are of the same faith. Unless they are trying to teach diversity, but even then, that should be up to the parent's. hope this helps.

What kind of program was it? I guess if you that strongly about it and you are uncomfotable with your child seeing it then yes something should be mentioned.

T.

Which fitness club do you go to? If its the YMCA, that is a christian organization so it isn't surprising that they would be playing a religious program. But if its one of the Bally's or LifeTime places, I agree that it would be inappropriate.

I think you should definately ask about what types of videos they play for the children. If you are uncomfortable with your child being exposed to the types of videos they offer, you should probably ask if they would mind not playing them when your child is there. If they won't stop, then you know not to take your child there anymore.

If it was Veggie Tales I would not at all be offended. Plus now Veggie Tales is a cartoon on t.v. once a week. When they made the deal to be on t.v. I believe they couldn't say God on their show. So basically it's teaching them about loving one another and accepting people. It also teaches them how to act in certain situations - i.e. a bully is bothering them or something.

So first you might want to find out if it was on t.v. or a video - if it was on t.v. they might not have realized that some parents would be offended.

I guess personally I'd rather my son watch that than Barney. And I agree with the other moms that as long as it was the lines of my belief I wouldn't have a problem with my son watching it.

Now to the part where a fitness club has them watch t.v. - a bit ironic. Very rarely at Lifetime have I picked up my son and the t.v. was on - but it has happened. Sometimes a lot of the kids are watching, sometimes only one or two. Depending on the program my son would prefer to play on his own.

But you have to do what's best for your family.
-J.

if you're not of that religious persuasion and feel it was offensive then yes, by all means i would say something.

- J.

My two children are both half Jewish and half Catholic. I never chose a religion for them in hopes when they would grow a little older they would be able to decide on their own. In my belief Religion is a personal thing. And even in the same family their are different opinions. I guess the main thing is that at least it was a "religious" show and not some show packed full of violence and offensive language. Otherwise, I would have hoped my children would have walked away with a better understanding of the worlds religions and cultures. Good Luck !

I think you are probably making a mountain out of a molehill. It would be like a Christian mom complaining that her child was 'forced' to watch a secular program like Barney. Heck even Sesame Street and Barney address religion very often, would you be offended if Barney was talking about Christianity? I doubt it, cuz its the big lovable Barney and of course he means no harm.... (sarcasm) but since your child was watching a christian-specific show, you are offended.

I would be more peeved that my child was sat in front of the TV instead of entertained and being physically active.

There will be people no doubt who ask what's the big deal, and they'll be others who adamantly state that there is no place for religion in their lives.

But? What I do think there is a place for, is tolerance. Great parenting means you offer your child your guidance and your beliefs but also teach her or him that there is a place for other's beliefs. (If it was a program like Veggie Tales, or such,) I think that's much better than most the cartoons that are on now-a-days.

Me? I don't see what's so wrong with a child knowing that everyone beliefs different things, and that there is a place for their beliefs just like there will always be a place for her beliefs. Use that as a teaching tool.

People are fighting way too much, and truly accepting too little. My take. (Alright.. load the guns now..) /sigh.

I agree with Jennifer--how ironic that a gym has kids parked in front of the TV. If it is a secular place like Bally's or Lifetime, you have every right to speak up about religious content, and I think you should. I'm hoping it was something like Veggie Tales, in which case the worst that happened is likely that your daughter was exposed to a story in a book which most people in this country hold in high regard. She's not going to change her whole value system based on one video in daycare. It's up to you to talk to her about what you believe and why, but I think it's important for kids to know what other people believe and why. It's a great conversation starter, even with a 2 year old. Good luck!!

Doesn't it seem a bit ironic that a fitness club would stick children in front of a television?

What would you rather that they watch? SpongeBob? At least it's teaching good values. I would be okay with them watching a Jewish, Budist or other as long as it's not teaching them how to be a fundamentalist. Have you thought about talking to your daughter? Telling her that we don't believe in that and I would prefer you not to watch TV while you are there. I know that she's a bit young, but she might listen. Or you could talk to the childcare person on duty and tell them you would prefer if she did not watch tv if they were going to play that video.

What type of religious program was it? If it was something like Veggie Tales I wouldn't be too offended. They are just telling Bible stories---sure they are Christian based, but at an early age they are at least wholesome and they are not going to have your child begging to go to Sunday school. If you are not a Christian then you may look upon them as just Fairy Tales and not something trying to convert your children to Christianity. It was probably the center's best choice for family oriented, age appropriate entertainment for the kids and not meant to offend anyone.

Personally, I don't offend easily and if I saw my kids watching a video about a different religion I would chalk it up to a learning experience.

If it bothers you then I would say something. My daycare lady says a small grace at lunch and I made a mental note of it. Since I want some religion in her life I'm okay with it. It would, however be different if they were non Christian. If I were you I'd say something.