Religion in the Classroom Unusual Taboo

Now with this being a success driven, high powered, awesomely interesting, phenomenally informative marketing blog. This may be unusual. This may almost be taboo. It is a story that has lightened my day and made me appreciate one of God's greatest gifts, being a parent. I want to share it with you. On Mondays my wife takes classes. On Monday's it is my responsibility to see the kids off to school at 7:50, 8:20, and 12:00PM (1/2 day kindergartner). I then retrieve them from their buses when they return at 3:30PM. As you may expect being the father of six my Mondays are always my longest workdays. This Monday also happens to be my Wife and I 's wedding anniversary. We have already planned a quiet evening at home. We plan on getting the kids to bed a little early and spending a little quality time. Like the man I am, I want to get just a little more work done, but God I hope there is not going to be a change of plans. With six kids under the age of eight quality time with my Wife is truly appreciated.

Today when the two oldest children returned from school. They were enjoying a snack at the kitchen table with the rest of the brood in the den watching Nick Toons, when my 6 year old son asked me the strangest question, "Dad is it ok if we celebrate Hanukkah?". Now that question may not seem strange to you especially if you are of the Jewish Faith. We are an African-American non-denominational Christian family. He then explained "I want to celebrate Hanukkah with my friend Daniel". I was stunned how could I explain this to my son without bias against his friend Daniel's belief. I then realized my way out and said, "son you can wish Daniel a Happy Hanukkah but we believe in Jesus' Birthday which is Christmas. Daniel and his family believe something else." Before I could field another question from my inquisitive six year old. My 8 year old daughter exclaimed "Fatima said, God does not have a son." I was stuck like a deer in headlights. I remember looking at the clock to see if my wife would be home soon to maybe help me out with this. No dice. I also remember thinking briefly about the 2 wars and the diverse group of friends my children have. I then explained to my children that, "all people do not believe in God the same way, people are different, that is what makes them special, all positive religions that love and support its believers, offer something good to the world." I spoke as slowly and clearly as I could, in my serious Dad voice, hoping they understood. Their faces lit up almost immediately. They seemed to understand perfectly. I really wish all grownups did as well. As always, I hope this helps.

See You At The Top,
Peace, Love, and Happiness,
Billy Reed