Catholic Weddings

Coloring books and toys to church?

Do you think it's appropriate for parents to allow their children to bring coloring books and other toys (like cars, or dinosaurs) to Mass?

There was a little girl in front of me today -- she had to be at least 6 -- with a coloring book and a whole purse full of crayons and colored pencils.

I was so distracted by her it was hard for me to follow the homily, etc.  She kept taking the coloring book and waving it around, or she would spend all this time digging for a certain crayon.

It's not the first time I've seen this.  I've seen parents bring toys and let their kids play with them on the pews (like drive their car along the pew). It really annoyed me, and I was trying to remember if I had ever been allowed toys -- hell no was my answer.  I do remember my mother taking me to the cry room every once in a while, but I think for the most part I just knew to behave in church.

What do you think?  Would you bring coloring books and crayons or other toys for your children during Mass?
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Re: Coloring books and toys to church?

  • lisarene77lisarene77 member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I'm with you, Heck no!  I think it's very rude for parents to encourage that behavior in church.  6 is old enough to start paying attention.  They are expected to be ready for first communion by 8.  It also irritates me when parents refuse to take their kids to the cry room.  It's there for a reason people.Use it.
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  • edited December 2011
    Toddlers and up to around 4 or so: I don't have a problem with small and quiet toys, including coloring books. A child that age is going to have a hard time sitting there.

    A six year old?  The most I would think is appropriate is a book (I often see parents bring kids books of bible stories, so at least they associate church time with that).

    Our parish in Michigan (and most parishes I have ever attended) have a kids' pullout in one mass during the liturgy of the word and the homily.  I think this is a good idea.  I know its pulling them away from the mass, but it also puts the liturgy at a more age-appropriate level, so they can learn something about their faith during their time at mass, rather than sitting confused, bored, or irritated.
  • newlyseliskinewlyseliski member
    First Anniversary Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I know when I was really little, my mom had a coloring book of bible stories that she let me use during church... I don't think that I had a massive arsenal of crayons, though.  I don't think I'm going to do that when I have children... I can't say I know what it's like to  try to keep a child quiet and be able to remain attentive and engaged in the Mass, though, either!  I was also thinking about this, today, too... there was a girl in front of me that was not behaving very well.  Her two sisters were both very attentive... but she was climbing and crawling all over and her mom tried to quiet her down by giving her a game to play on her smart phone... but she kept being disruptive.

    I agree that by the age of six... a child should be able to behave themselves without toys and coloring books for an hour... even if they don't necessarily understand everything that is happening in the Mass yet!  I know that if my sisters or I misbehaved at church, we had to face the consequences at home later.
  • ring_popring_pop member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I honestly don't remember whether I was allowed toys at that age, but I do remember struggling to sit or stand still, much less pay attention at that age. And we usually went to the "family" mass on Saturday evenings... Sunday morning "grownup" masses were even worse.

    My church has a children's liturgy for this reason. The kids leave before the readings and return during the liturgy of the eucharist (and they get colouring books during the class, lol). We don't have a cry room though.

    Until I've been there, I never say never and I won't judge other parents for doing what it takes to keep the peace. Although it was a bit distracting to you, it was probably less disruptive than the kid screaming or running around. At least they are bringing their kids to church, and their kids aren't growing up learning that church is a terribly boring place where they don't get to have any fun. They will learn soon enough. There is a really big difference between ages 6 and 8.

    Sure, it's important to teach kids to pay attention and be reverent in church, but there are lots of other aspects of a Catholic upbringing too.
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  • HandBananaHandBanana member
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    edited December 2011
    I don't recall being allowed to bring toys but I also had the type of parents where if you didn't want what was for dinner then you weren't eating.

    I loved my upbringing but I don't know if I'll be able to be as "tough" as my parents.  Today H cousin's two children were just inconsolable in mass this morning.  One is 4 and the other turns one soon.  I can't say what I would do.

    I use to completely sit through mass but not listen to anything.  I would rather give my child one of our church's kid bulletins and have them color and at least have it pertain to the readings than have them completely absent as I was.
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  • mica178mica178 member
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    edited December 2011
    When we were very young (preschool), I think my parents brought toys to church and/or used the cry room.  After we were 4+, we were expected to sit still and be quiet during Mass.

    More lately, the church I attended has the children in an abbreviated Bible study during the Sunday morning services (coloring Bible stories with crayons and learning a single verse) during a large chunk of the service.  I think it's great that the kids can be kept occupied in a way that still brings them some religion and the parents can still hear some readings and the Homily in reasonable peace.

    I think it's important to bring the kids to church on a regular basis starting at a young age to teach them the importance of attendance and get them used to it.  At the same time, I think that few if any children under the age of 5 can sit still for an hour without some form of distraction.  If the church doesn't offer it, the parents should bring something that allows the child to sit quietly, although hopefully it's an appropriate distraction (Bible coloring book, quiet toy that doesn't have violent connotations).
  • Calypso1977Calypso1977 member
    First Anniversary 5 Love Its First Answer Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    i dont think this is appropriate at all.  Kids can be taught how to behave.  I seem to see this more with kids who do not attend church regularly.  If tehy are brought from day one, they learn.  My sister has 4 kids and they were never allowed to  bring toys (or food!) to church.  Ever.  They all sat through, good as gold.  Sure, when tehy were really little, they often had to be brough out, but how else will they learn?

    IMO, its all a much bigger problem of kids needing constant stimulation because their parents constantly entertain them wtih gadgets and stuff from a very early age. they dont know how to function when placed in a situation wtih no stimulation.
  • edited December 2011
    There is a (rather large) family that comes to the Latin Mass I sometimes attend, and their system always amuses me.  They line up from oldest to youngest kid in the pew, with one parent bookending each side, and if a child acts up, the older one next to them tells them to sit still and be quiet.  The youngest currently has no one to scold, but they have an infant, so I guess that will change in the next couple of years.  I've always prefered that kind of system to toys/games, since really religion is a little abstract for most toddlers, so it seems like one of the things they CAN get from going to Mass at that age is the proper way to behave.  I don't have kids of my own yet, though, so I'm not going to pass judgement on those who do try to keep their kids entertained.

    When I was little, I went to Presbyterian church with my grandparents, and I remember every Sunday waking up and putting on tights and a dress and leather shoes, having my Nana French braid my hair and tie ribbons in it, then eating powdered doughnuts with a fork and knife.  For some reason the ritual of being very unlike myself (read: ladylike) always shocked me into acting like an adult at church, even though I was bored to tears during the service until I was about 8.
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  • lalaith50lalaith50 member
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    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_coloring-books-toys-church?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:9ef4ffd1-c319-46db-98b7-6cab705b32d8Post:7f933fdf-8d3e-4b8c-bd0b-e8a96ea2e41d">Re: Coloring books and toys to church?</a>:
    [QUOTE]There is a (rather large) family that comes to the Latin Mass I sometimes attend, and their system always amuses me.  They line up from oldest to youngest kid in the pew, with one parent bookending each side, and if a child acts up, the older one next to them tells them to sit still and be quiet.  The youngest currently has no one to scold, but they have an infant, so I guess that will change in the next couple of years. 
    Posted by HelloKaty37[/QUOTE]
    lol! that is sooo cute!
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  • Riss91Riss91 member
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    edited December 2011
    I think the toys/books should be religious-based, but I am not against having something for the really young ones to focus on. But, it cannot be disruptive or distracting to others and I wouldn't hand it to them unless they were struggling with remaining quiet.

    We have many families with young children at our Latin mass and I think they all do a really amazing job with behavior. Some will have distractions for the younger ones, and many times, the older children help to keep the younger ones in check. Generally, they are good about quickly exiting with a child that is becoming disruptive.
  • edited December 2011
    To be honest, it drives me nuts!  I can understand the toddlers having a few books and maybe a favorite doll.  I can even understand the 5-7 year olds having a doll which they literally just sit on their lap, not really even playing.  But when I see parents bringing an arsenol of toys for their too-old kids,  I can't stand it!  That and food!  I mean, it's an hour...your 4 year old can go an hour without eating.

    That being said, I always try to remind myself that I don't necessarily know the whole situation.  Maybe the child is actually much younger than she looks, and is just big for her age.  Or maybe he has a mental disability, such as autism, and so can't be expected to behave as well as the average child his age.  I'd hate to think how hard it is for those parents when they get a disapproving look.  They must want to say "I swear he's 2, not 5!" 

     

  • catarntinacatarntina member
    First Anniversary Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I just want to note that this coloring book was a Barbie coloring book, and the captions read things like, "Color Barbie's dance outfit!" or "Barbie Partied all night!"  So definitely NOT Bible related whatsoever.

    This particular church does not have a Children's Liturgy.  But the church I used to attend does have one.  Most of the time, only 1/3 or half of the children went to the Children's Liturgy, and the ones who stayed played with their cars or other toys.

    I know I was punished if I didn't sit still in church.  My parents always impressed upon me the seriousness of the situation.  I don't understand what's wrong with trying to get your child to behave, and then if they act up escorting them to the cry room?  Like Calypso said, why do they need constant stimulation?

    The food drives me bonkers, too.  Whenever they leave, there's always mushed up crackers stuck to the carpet...
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  • ootmother2ootmother2 member
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    edited December 2011
    I didn't have a problem with M sitting still and behaving during church even as a toddler.  She did have a "Christening Doll" that she brought to church.  It was basically a baby doll in a christening gown that she got for Christmas.

    My SIL started bringing her little girl to church at about 2 and had some religious coloring books or little bible story punch out books in case she got bored.

    I do agree that by 6, they should be able to pay some attention.  I don't think that bringing a doll is that out of line.  Kids do have short attentions spans.
  • edited December 2011
    Speaking as a teacher of four year olds, it depends on the parents. I think it is a shame (and I wish I could use stronger language) when parents do not make their children behave. Children exist to push your boundaries. If you have none you will have wild children. If you have them they will behave. A six year old with no rules at home would probably need toys because they'd be a terror without it. I'm getting off of my soapbox.
  • edited December 2011
    I think it's really easy for people without kids to judge people with kids when I think most of the time those parents are doing the best they can.

    My H and I are very passionate about having our (future) children in church with us from the beginning, but I know that this presents challenges. Of course people will miss with sick children, or have to spend time in the cry room or use techniques to keep fussy children contained to a reasonable point.  I think that there is a big difference between having an amusement to get through: a book, a toy, a doll or stuffed animal or yes, even food (if mom and dad take care to clean up and keep it neat, of course).

    I think it is out of control when there is a Mary Poppins bag of toys and tricks that keep kids from learning how to focus and concentrate. Little kids should be able to learn basic prayers, the Sign of the Cross, etc., even if they can't yet comprehend the readings or the homily. Things like MagnifiKids can help those older children begin to follow the mass more closely.

    I've seen both extremes at Chruch and while I do think it comes down to parenting, I think that it is too easy to "judge" (in the secular sense of the word) when we don't have a full grasp of what's going on with the child, his development, etc.

    As a side note, there was a family at Mass yesterday with several children. One of the younger girls had a doll that she held just like a real baby through mass and even brought it through the communion line with her. It was adorable. The girl didn't make a peep, was well-behaved knew what to do in Mass. In fact, the only child who made a noise at all was the baby, and the father promptly took her out.
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  • DaisyJaimeDaisyJaime member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I  agree that children need to be taught at a young age and must have boundaries (not only at church but at home) and sad to say but some kids don't have that at home. I have also experienced many incidents where children are out of control and make it so hard to pay attention and listen to anything. Some parents don't take others in consideration. 
    In my opinion,  I am not for taking toys or coloring books after a certain age, its only an hour and they should be focused on what's taking place.  Also, if they do take them, the item needs to be noise proof and appropriate.


    I wanted to share that my parents taught us at a very young age that going to church was meant for paying attention and not playing OR eating.  We also sat  in between our parents from oldest to youngest (3 of us) and would make sure each of us was behaving and NOT falling asleep. 

  • Calypso1977Calypso1977 member
    First Anniversary 5 Love Its First Answer Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    I wanted to share that my parents taught us at a very young age that going to church was meant for paying attention and not playing OR eating.  We also sat  in between our parents from oldest to youngest (3 of us) and would make sure each of us was behaving and NOT falling asleep. 

    same here, Daisy.

    the majority of today's parents are just lazy.  they dont want to put the work and effort in to parenting.  just watch an episode of "The Supernanny".   They dont have patience to teach their kid how to fall asleep in their crib/bed, so they simply bring them into bed with them because its easier and they get the instant gratification of a good nights sleep.  Then they wonder why at age 10 the kid still sleeps with them and cant understand what their own bed is for.  They dont have the patience to teach them how to sit at the table to eat, so they let them wander around and then wonder why dining out is pure hell.  If your kid isnt taught to sit at the table at home, why would they do anything different in a restaurant?  I think the same goes for church.  If your kid is not taught to behave and pay attention at church, why are you surprised when that kid rebels at 16 and doesnt want to be there and cant understand what church is for?

    Kids are a a blessing, but parenting is HARD.  I am not a parent, but ive babysat and had kids push me and test me, including my own niece and nephews.  THey all know not to mess around with me or try to get away with stuff because i wont put up with it.  As a result, my time spent with them is so much more enjoyable.

    I also think parents are relying too much on day care and preschool (IMO, teh same thing) to teach their kids behaviors.  I am dumbfounded by the number of SAHM's i know who send their kids to daycare/preschool.    Must be nice to have hundreds of dollars to throw away.
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_coloring-books-toys-church?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:9ef4ffd1-c319-46db-98b7-6cab705b32d8Post:eca44269-cb2d-4645-9866-154f4c8b9129">Re: Coloring books and toys to church?</a>:
    [QUOTE] I also think parents are relying too much on day care and preschool (IMO, teh same thing) to teach their kids behaviors.  I am dumbfounded by the number of SAHM's i know who send their kids to daycare/preschool.    Must be nice to have hundreds of dollars to throw away.
    Posted by Calypso1977[/QUOTE]

    Calypso, I'm not a parent, so I really don't take this personally.  But I think this comment is really unfair.  Yes, I think it is the parent's job to teach values and behavior.  And yes, some parents don't do a good job of it.  But that is independent of preschool and daycare.

    First, daycare is often a necessity.  Either for financial reasons, or because work is somehow meaningful to both parents.

    Second, there are many studies documenting the cognitive and social advantages conferred by preschool.  At preschool, kids learn to interact with their peers, and at a good preschool, are taught by people knowledgable in early childhood development.   Its not any different than sending your child to kindegarten to be taught there.   Can everyone afford preschool?  No, and honestly, that's too bad.  And you judging the way people spend their own money is leaving a bad taste in my mouth.
  • catarntinacatarntina member
    First Anniversary Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I think she was referring to the fact that people who are stay at home mom's send their children to daycare or hire a nanny so that someone else may teach their children discipline, etc.

    And many parents do expect elementary schools to teach their children how to behave.  I think Calypso was saying that discipline needs to start at home and parents should not rely on schools or daycare to discipline their children.

    I don't think she was saying that daycare is bad for people who need to use it (IE both parents are working or whatever).
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  • edited December 2011
    Cantarntina, I agree with Calypso's basic point about parents teaching values, and at no point do I think she demeaned parents who must send their children to childcare.  But I *do* think she demeaned the value of preschool, as well as any stay at home parent who chooses to use it.

    Where I disagree gets to be her comment about being "dumbfounded" that SAHMs would "throw away" money on preschool.  Preschool has a lot of benefits, whether or not a parent is at home.  And plenty of parents who DO teach their children values and discipline at home send their children to preschool for these benefits.  I take exception to painting preschool for children with stay at home parents as parental laziness, as opposed to something they do for the overall education of their children.
  • Calypso1977Calypso1977 member
    First Anniversary 5 Love Its First Answer Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_coloring-books-toys-church?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:615Discussion:9ef4ffd1-c319-46db-98b7-6cab705b32d8Post:8a388f8d-7123-4ee9-b26c-197311df1b61">Re: Coloring books and toys to church?</a>:
    [QUOTE]I think she was referring to the fact that people who are stay at home mom's send their children to daycare or hire a nanny so that someone else may teach their children discipline, etc. And many parents do expect elementary schools to teach their children how to behave.  I think Calypso was saying that discipline needs to start at home and parents should not rely on schools or daycare to discipline their children. I don't think she was saying that daycare is bad for people who need to use it (IE both parents are working or whatever).
    Posted by catarntina[/QUOTE]

    this is exactly what i meant.

    but aside from that, i do personally think "preschool" is a complete waste. there is nothing a preschool teacher can teach your child that you yourself cannot teach them.  there are PLENTY of ways kids can "socialize" and learn interactions with other people.  preschool is not necessary for this, IMO.  i also think its very important for kids to learn how to interact with ALL people, not just their age group.  that's the one big thing that forced socialization misses.  if your kid is socialized in an unforced way - just by daily interaction at church, the park, family gatherings, etc. they get socialized just fine and actually are more comfortable with all ages of people.  plus, the kids i know who go to preschool have all been having "playdates" for years, so arent they already comfortable with their peer group?  i know for me, if i had a kid, id want to teach them how to read, rather than let someone else do that.  and you can do this regardless of whether or not you work PT/FT or not at all.
  • mica178mica178 member
    5 Love Its First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Good quality preschools have been shown to have lasting effects on children's academic and social performance.  My mom (a SAHM) sent us to preschool (I think it was only half a day, four days per week).  During that time, she ran errands that are harder to run when you've got a couple of munchkins underfoot.

    I'm sure that the stuff taught in preschools can be taught by parents, but many parents do not have the ability or patience to teach it.  My mom is a well-educated person, but she hardly has the patience to teach me recipes, I can't imagine how she'd do supervising me while I learned to write my letters.
  • edited December 2011
    Then Calypso: is kindegarten a waste?  What about 3rd grade?  High school?  At what point do you think school adds value that parents don't?  I mean most parents *could* teach everything you learn in 3rd grade.  They choose not to, because there is value in going to school.

    And sending a child to school - at any age - is not an excuse to not be involved in their education.  Parents who check out of their children's education because schools are available are doing their children a huge disservice.  But in a nation where it has been shown over and over again that children with access to preschool have lasting benefits over those who do not attend, I find your comments about preschool to be offbase.  It's been studied, and the overwhelming conclusion is that good-quality preschools are beneficial, regardless of your own personal opinion.  Do what you want with your own children, but please refrain from passing judgements on parents who really are doing the right thing for their children.
  • ootmother2ootmother2 member
    First Anniversary 5 Love Its First Answer Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_coloring-books-toys-church?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:615Discussion:9ef4ffd1-c319-46db-98b7-6cab705b32d8Post:86f10e1f-6089-4899-87b5-d9f0b774996f">Re: Coloring books and toys to church?</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Coloring books and toys to church? : this is exactly what i meant. but aside from that, i do personally think "preschool" is a complete waste. there is nothing a preschool teacher can teach your child that you yourself cannot teach them.  there are PLENTY of ways kids can "socialize" and learn interactions with other people.  preschool is not necessary for this, IMO.  i also think its very important for kids to learn how to interact with ALL people, not just their age group.  that's the one big thing that forced socialization misses.  if your kid is socialized in an unforced way - just by daily interaction at church, the park, family gatherings, etc. they get socialized just fine and actually are more comfortable with all ages of people.  plus, the kids i know who go to preschool have all been having "playdates" for years, so arent they already comfortable with their peer group?  i know for me, if i had a kid, id want to teach them how to read, rather than let someone else do that.  and you can do this regardless of whether or not you work PT/FT or not at all.
    Posted by Calypso1977[/QUOTE]

    It's a proven fact that children who attend preschool and nursery school excel socially & academically over those who don't.  Children go on playdates with the other children they meet during the day.  It's not forced socialization, it's called normal life.  We are social creatures from birth.

    Unless you have a degree in early childhood education, I'd leave teaching a child ro read to the professionals.  Preschools and day care facilities have these and use them.  Numbers, colors and letters can be fun learning games at home but they don't replace education by professionals.

    Children who attend preschool for just one year have vocabulary skills 28% higher than those who don't.  Their math skills 44%.  Socialization skills can't be measured that accurately but check Georgetown University Center for Research on Children.

    I have seen parents who think their child is part of the family and that's all.   These parents wind up with adult children who are unable to leave home.  Do  you really want your child hanging around with no life at age 30?  You raise your child to be able to LEAVE!  That's the sign that you have done a good job parenting.

    You may check out a more local reference."Early Childhood Education for All, a Wise Investment".  The study was done at MIT and published there.  It's available online.  I suggest that you read it.
  • Calypso1977Calypso1977 member
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    edited December 2011
    Unless you have a degree in early childhood education, I'd leave teaching a child ro read to the professionals.  Preschools and day care facilities have these and use them.  Numbers, colors and letters can be fun learning games at home but they don't replace education by professionals.

    seriously????  my mother had NO degree other than a high school diploma.  i was reading before kindergarten.  i now read on average significantly more books per year than any of my friends.  what the hell did people do back before education degrees existed?  did no one read?  that is seriously one of the dumbest statements you have ever made, OOT.  i hold a bachelors and a master's from two very good schools and i couldnt wait to be out on my own and once i moved out for college at 18 i lived on my own until i got engaged. 

    how is it that homeschooled children are often far ahead of their peers academically?  many of their parents dont hold degrees.  so to answer your question, Meg, there are many out there who find all grades in a traditional school setting a waste.  many choose to homeschool for just the early years.  while i personally would never homeschool if i had a kid (id go the private route), given the sorry state of our public schools today i can see why many more parents are making this choice.

    if parents want a preschool for their kid, there's tons out there.  but my personal opinion stands, and id never send my kid to one because i just dont find it necessary.

  • ootmother2ootmother2 member
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    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_coloring-books-toys-church?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:615Discussion:9ef4ffd1-c319-46db-98b7-6cab705b32d8Post:f49da87b-3fcb-4457-92ec-dc2d9300ccd0">Re: Coloring books and toys to church?</a>:
    [QUOTE]Unless you have a degree in early childhood education, I'd leave teaching a child ro read to the professionals.  Preschools and day care facilities have these and use them.  Numbers, colors and letters can be fun learning games at home but they don't replace education by professionals. seriously????  my mother had NO degree other than a high school diploma.  i was reading before kindergarten.  i now read on average significantly more books per year than any of my friends.  what the hell did people do back before education degrees existed?  did no one read?  that is seriously one of the dumbest statements you have ever made, OOT.  i hold a bachelors and a master's from two very good schools and i couldnt wait to be out on my own and once i moved out for college at 18 i lived on my own until i got engaged.  how is it that homeschooled children are often far ahead of their peers academically?  many of their parents dont hold degrees.  so to answer your question, Meg, there are many out there who find all grades in a traditional school setting a waste.  many choose to homeschool for just the early years.  while i personally would never homeschool if i had a kid (id go the private route), given the sorry state of our public schools today i can see why many more parents are making this choice. if parents want a preschool for their kid, there's tons out there.  but my personal opinion stands, and id never send my kid to one because i just dont find it necessary.
    Posted by Calypso1977[/QUOTE]

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  • ootmother2ootmother2 member
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    edited December 2011
    Mica & Megs said basically the same thing and I didn't see you attack them.

    This is getting a bit too personal for my taste.
  • mica178mica178 member
    5 Love Its First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I live in a rather conservative, no frills state, and yet in 2006, Jeb Bush agreed to sign a bill that gives free preschool to all Floridian 4 year olds.  Surely a conservative would not agree to such legislation if the value of preschool was not established?

    No one was suggesting that it's a good thing to send kids to school to learn how to behave, but preschools do serve a valuable purpose.
  • edited December 2011
    Well as a pre-school teacher in such a public setting that Mica mentioned, that is kind of like telling me my job is a waste. We have standards and a curriculum. Obviously everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but just know that there are literally thousands of teachers who work in thankless jobs educating the future of America. Studies have shown that early intervention is the key to future educational success especially in the screening of special needs.  A huge part of my job is looking for areas that might present as learning deficits in the future. With all due respect, not every parent can provide the kind of early intervention schools can provide. 
  • edited December 2011
    I'm dipping my toe in the fray to thank everyone for defending preschools. They have proven social and academic benefit.

    I'm not a personal fan of homeschooling. It works for some people, but it is not good for many others. I teach at a small charter high school, and we have lots of former home-schoolers. Some of them do great. Lots of them do not know how to function in a classroom-setting. Some of them do not have good interactions with peers. Some of them are really good at reading, but terrible at writing. I can go on and on. If it is a choice parents make, I will defend to the death their right to make it, but it is not a choice I agree with.

    But all of that is really an aside. Teaching values and behaviors has to start at home and then school can/should be a continuation of the values taught at home. Kids from a very early age know exactly what is expected of them at home, what is okay at home, etc. Those things carry over to what is expected/okay at church, at school, in public, etc.

    I just think that doing that raising kids 24/7 is a lot, lot harder than anyone really knows until they do it. I've known far too many people without kids who say, "my kid will never" before the baby is born, and find their kid doing it a couple of years down the road. I am a tough babysitter, a tough teacher and hope to be a tough parent who raises respectful, God-fearing, well-behaved children. I just know that it is much, much easier said than done.
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