One of our support group members was concerned about her children getting indoctrinated when they get exposed to religion. A concept that I came across years ago and applied to my own parenting is “mediating.” Put simply, it means discussing things thoroughly with your children when they are exposed to ideas and experiences. So you can let your child participate in reading, attending events, or even visit religious services, and then TALK ABOUT IT. You can explain that these are things that some people believe and other people believe differently. You can share your own viewpoint and ASK your child what they think. With mediating, you don’t have to censor anything and you promote critical thinking. In my case, I let my children visit church with their religious cousins and I also took them to visit other religions, such as going to Buddhist temples, a Hare Krishna party, chanting event, or a Native American powwow. They got the concept of multiple views and I believe that inoculates them from falling prey to proselytizing into one dogmatic worldview. This is very different from the fundamentalist practice of isolating children from information. It’s also interesting and fun to share some of these experiences and celebrate cultural differences. This coming Sunday I will go with kids and grandkids for a flower festival and celebration of Buddha’s birthday at the Peace Pagoda nearby. Check it out: https://newenglandpeacepagoda.org/
P.S. “Mediating” applies to other topics such as racism or homophobia and other events such as going to a political rally or march. Get your kids thinking, don’t be afraid of information, and don’t avoid learning to be active citizens, e.g. learning to be environmentally conscious.
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