Families Who Don't Celebrate The Holidays

[Unregistered]

We had one family like this in the last center I worked at. I worked it out that she didn't attend our parties (went to another classroom) and if we did art that was specifically holiday themed (jack o lanterns, Christmas trees, menorahs, Easter eggs, mummies, vampires ect) I would give her a generic project to do. I did however, still run into issues. In October I had my weekly lessons planned out. We did 2 letters a week, 2 numbers a week, two colors and for science we were learning about animals. So one week in October, I planned it so we did letter B, color black and the animal was bat. (Don't remeber the other lessons off the top of my head)
I figured she could join since it was very early in the month, so not halloween yet AND bats aren't specifically only Halloween animals. We learned all about bats and then painted one (handprints) in black (our color). Mom got so upset! Said she couldn't take the project home bc although she was more flexible, DCD was NOT. I explained that I chose those things bc for the OTHER kids, it could be related to the holiday but I thought it was generic enough for DCG. Needless to say, the art stayed in the classroom.
Later that month we did scarecrows and pumpkins. I figured again, it's more SEASONAL and not holiday specific... This time DCD came. He pitched a fit! It was like he enjoyed making things difficult! I asked him "what about falling leaves for fall? What about snowmen for winter? What about learning about the ocean and beach in the summer?" He just stood there looking at me like I was insane! It was so very frustrating.the poor kid watched her father toss her beautiful art into the trash. I wanted to cry for her. She was kindergarten age, so it was very upsetting to her. ESPECIALLY since all of her friends witnessed the scene, her father flipping out, girl crying, art into the trash... They didn't understand what was happening. It was horrible!

When I worked in a hs, I had a lot of Muslim fathers like that. They usually worked. So, it was only on parents night. They seemed to have a problem with every thing. The mothers were so kind, but the fathers were nuts.

[Bookworm]

This is what I thought of when I read that you are Christian day care Why did they enroll? Almost like they are looking for trouble

We thought this too so we re-read the parent handbook. It clearly says that we are a Christian Daycare and lists the holidays we celebrate. Director looked in their file and confirmed they signed it with the date they signed it. If they are thinking about this, then we're covered.

I'm not sure when they're meeting. I know it's this week. I'll post an update. Thanks ladies.

[Hunni Bee]

We had a Jehovah's Witness family last year...we often were running around trying to find something for him to do during the 20 birthday parties, practice for the holiday pageant, holiday-specific art projects, etc.

And my center does major hoopla for every holiday...I couldn't for the life of me understand why they enrolled with us. Why do that to your kid??

[Dilley Beans]

Maybe your hand book needs an update that is specific abut who needs to be responsible for the kid not participating. Mine is going to say something like this. I already considered this since we live in a fairly diverse neighborhood. This is my current draft:

"Daycare celebrates Christian and state holidays with decorations and themed activities. I do not believe in excluding children from activities but respect that some may not want their children to participate. If parents feel strongly their child cannot participate in birthdays, festivities or holiday based activities, foods and events, the parents will need to make other arrangements on days dedicated to these festivities. Parents will be informed of holiday goings on via calendar and monthly newsletter. Parents are responsible for finding alternative care for the day of festivities."

[Bookworm]

Update

DCG's teacher called a few minutes ago to tell me about the meeting. She said it was very strange. When they sat down to talk, she asked if it was ok to do seasonal art projects as long as that particular holiday wasn't represented. He said he didn't care and that he can't see why they're making such a big deal out of this. She reminded him about his comments the other day and how upset he was. He told her he didn't care what type of art she did just don't let her go to the parties. She told me it was totally weird. My Director told him that on party days that he should plan to pick up early because every class will have a party. He said ok and then walked out.

Now she's confused and worried that he might start some trouble. She said that she won't do the art and asked if she could come to my class on those days. Maybe it's just me but this doesn't feel right. Do any of you think that he may try to say we're discriminating against them. I mean, why make such a big deal about not celebrating holidays and when presented with an alternate situation you get an attitude.

[Unregistered]

Document document and then document some more. The director should have something typed up outlining what he wants. Have him sign it to cover yourself.

[Unregistered]

Is this a public or private school? I think the director should just term them if it's private. They do sound like they're looking for trouble. I had a parent like this once. It wasn't about religion/holidays. She wanted me to lie on a form and state her child had signs of a disability when they were normal. I politely declined. I should have called social services on her, but I wanted to be nice. Well, almost two months later. She calls me one morning and says her child won't be coming in and "you know why". Ok... A few months later, I got a very unprofessional letter from her lawyer. The letter stated I pushed the child down a flight of stairs and there were witnesses. I took my security camera footage and went to a company to get it copied and send the copy to her lawyer of the date in question and never heard from her again. A year later, this child was in public school and ended up suing the school and winning. When these sorts see dollars signs, it's like a pitbull. They will latch onto you and until they get what they want. It's get to cut them off at the bypass. These sorts, have no remorse in their actions. They will destroy people knowing their accusations are untrue and then feel they are victims. I would get rid of this family if your center is private.

[Leigh]

DCG's teacher called a few minutes ago to tell me about the meeting. She said it was very strange. When they sat down to talk, she asked if it was ok to do seasonal art projects as long as that particular holiday wasn't represented. He said he didn't care and that he can't see why they're making such a big deal out of this. She reminded him about his comments the other day and how upset he was. He told her he didn't care what type of art she did just don't let her go to the parties. She told me it was totally weird. My Director told him that on party days that he should plan to pick up early because every class will have a party. He said ok and then walked out.

Now she's confused and worried that he might start some trouble. She said that she won't do the art and asked if she could come to my class on those days. Maybe it's just me but this doesn't feel right. Do any of you think that he may try to say we're discriminating against them. I mean, why make such a big deal about not celebrating holidays and when presented with an alternate situation you get an attitude.

I truly doubt they would get very far accusing a CHRISTIAN daycare of discrimination for celebrating Christian holidays or even birthdays. I wouldn't be concerned.

[Bookworm]

I truly doubt they would get very far accusing a CHRISTIAN daycare of discrimination for celebrating Christian holidays or even birthdays. I wouldn't be concerned.

After thinking about it, i think that no one has ever put the decision back on him and he didn't have an answer. Thanks again, Ladies.

[CraftyMom]

I feel like he should sign something