Today is World Religion Day. The purpose of World Religion Day is to promote the unity and similarity of spiritual faiths. We can teach children religious tolerance without denying them from accepting and practicing the faith of their parents.
An easy way to celebrate World Religion Day with children is to use stencils to draw different religious symbols. Another great resource to use with children is:
Kids Book of World Religions by Jennifer Glossop
Here are some religious symbols in alphabetical order:
Baha’i Faith
Buddhism
Christianity
Hinduism
Islam
Judaism
Shinto
Sikhism
Taoism
Stop by tomorrow for activities to honor Martin Luther King Jr. on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
17 comments:
Thanks for always sharing interesting, current topics!
Was wondering if other nannies shy away from working for families who practice other religions than they do?
I am open minded-but once worked for a Jewish Family- I respected all their beliefs/traditions- but missed being able to do all the Christian things with the kids.
But I learned a lot about their relgion- and respected them- but it was different-and honestly I don't think I'd want to do it again.
Good questions anonymous above. I was raised Christian but have worked for a Hindu family and two Jewish families and these were wonderful experiences.
It is fun working for a Christian family again, but being included in the other families religious holidays was super.
I really did learn that the faiths have more in common than different when it comes to morality. Kindness, treating others well, helping others, and family seem to be the center of all the family religions I have experienced.
As nannies (especially au pairs) we have an unique opportunity to intimately learn about other religions and cultures. Just wonderful experience for me.
But I have been concerned that many nannies are fundamentalists for their own faith. Is it really ok to have "Christian Nannies" when I don't see Jewish Nannies or Sikhism Nannies anywhere?
I know labor laws don't allow employers to ask your religion. Isn't that what "Christian Nannies" is doing? Will the except Buddists or Jewish nannies?
Cassie, Brookville, N.Y.
About the question from first comment about nannys and working for familys of different religions...this is important. More people are bigoted against other religions. I see on facebook even agency owner complaining about Hindu family and way they treat nanny. It is the parents not the religion treating nanny bad. I think most parents and nannys want to be with same religion parents and nanny in the home. It is not legal to ask nanny religion but it is done all the time.
I wonder if nannys take parents to court over not legal hiring asking religion??? They could.
Anytime you work for another family, whether it is your religion or not, traditional or nontraditional, the greatest challenge is remembering that
you are working for a family that may be completely different than you.
It is a challenge because at times you are expected to ignore your own beliefs so that you can stay on the same page with the parents of your charges. A great nanny is able to support the parents beleifs when caring for their children.
If I work for parents that worship differently than me they have always been willing to let me show the children how I celebrate religious holidays also. I think the idea of learning about all religions is so important. It helps eliminate ignorance and fear.
Nanny and Chef
Denver Colorado
My best advice is to not accept a position you would not feel comfortable working in. Can't force people to accept one another.
Career Nanny Melissa
Darien CT
Even when you work for a family of the same faith the family will do things differently than you. I celebrate Christmas and so does the family I work for, but their style is completely different. My family says grace before meals, we focus on church and bible on Christmas. The family I work for focuses on Santa and gifts. People who share the same religious beliefs can worship completely differently. I can’t force my style on their family.
Whatever background you come from, there will always be some differences between you and your employers. But, they won't necessarily be based on your religious beliefs. I think it usually is a cop-out if nannies blame problems in the family/nanny relationship on the family being a different religion. At least for me, it's been interesting working for families of different religions, a small adjustment and time of learning, but easy enough to do. Fun in fact!
I never have had a problem working for a family of a different faith yet. The parents and I were open about differences from start, and the differences aren't really that significant. But if you feel uncomfortable you must discuss your concerns with the parents before starting the job. If you have strong issues you might not get the job when you express your concerns but that is better than adversely affecting the child. Marie Glencoe, Illinois
In the modern world nannies will work for families of different faiths. Make an effort to learn to understand their point of view. Some things may seem strange at first, but will quickly seem natural.
If you are unwilling to learn and respect the family’s beliefs it's unlikely that the relationship will work.
Nanny Tara
6 Years Experience
Corpus Christi TX
It isn't a big deal working for family of different religion.
You may have to get used to certain customs, such as removing shoes, special diets and celebrating religious holidays. Keep an open mind. It's all good.
I am a live in nanny so I don't know if I would enjoy working for a family of a different religion. I am devote to Christ. Doesn't matter if protestant or catholic just as long as they worship Christ as their savior. I do not think there is any reason to tell the parents I feel this way or the parents to advertise that either. Just makes life easier if we are on the same page. May not be politically correct, just how I feel.
I have worked for families of other faiths and it is a learning experience. I think we all are connected by common morals.
As a Christian with strong moral values I would be very uncomfortable working for a family that follows another religion.
Madison WI
I really haven't found any
differences. I treat all families as individuals and they
all have their own morals and values which are no different
to the family next door.
Career Nanny
Issaquah WA
If you are shallow enough to not accept a job in this economy due to the family's relgion than this is one opinion you should keep to yourself. I have turned down jobs for reasons like the father seems to yell too much, or the son is 18 yrs old and is just too good looking so I better not work for that family. If these are the reasons(like religion)you don't want a job, it's best you keep your opinion to yourself!
Thank you for spreading the ideas of acceptance of all people in your publication. This publication is greater than just a cute arts and crafts newsletter. We nannies really affect the children and trying to teach understanding and acceptance of all people is perhaps the most important lesson we teach. We don't have to be the same religion to share similar morals and values.
Tonya W.
Nanny & Housekeeper
Cleveland OH
To the nanny saying that she has strong moral values and would be uncomfortable working for a family that practices a non-Christian religion, I have to remind you that you don't need to be Christian to have strong moral values. I myself am atheist and share most values that Christians hold. It's not about being religious or non-religious. It's about being a good person.
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