WWYD- pulling kid out of nativity play

[ferrisbulerisonabreak]

I don't want my kid to take part in of nativity play due to religious reasons. We have decided that we will keep her home instead of sending her in on that day. I want to know how to approach the school about it and will I have to take authorised leave or unauthorised?

Please don't go off topic by saying I should be letting my child participate in it and such. We have made our decision. Whether you agree with or not is not up for discussion. Just want to know where we stand and how to approach the school with it.

Ah, the ‘wee free’ Muslim equivalent!

There's no reason why you can't ask school for your child not to be involved. They will make alternative arrangements for them to spend time in other classes during rehearsals and the actual play. It will be expected that they do attend school though. Otherwise it will be an unauthorised absence.

i went to a r c school im not catholic-i done all the prayers assemblies and studied r.e i didnt become a nun over it-actually it opened my eyes to what rot it all is

You are making a huge issue out of something that is not a big deal. Usually a few kids per class do not take part in the Christmas play for religious reasons. Parents generally tell the teachers nice and early. During rehearsals the kids take a book or some colouring and sit away from the main production area.

Twat owls, I'm crying! . I will never again be able to sit through a nativity without sniggering. So that's the shepherds sorted, what do the three kings wear? Probably just as well the op has left the building...

I’ve just been to my DD nativity play today. She is 4 and I’m absolutely certain none of the children on that stage had any clue they were participating in a religious activity. They were just having a great time singing for us. My DD was insistent three pigs came on a camel and not three kings and was singing glory glory alligator. They just really enjoy doing something fun that their parents can come and watch.

I’m Muslim and was in all nativities, sang hymns and carols etc. All Muslim friends at the time, and Muslim children I know now, do similar. No one has lost their faith as a result. Saying or singing ‘Son of God’ doesn’t make you believe it. I think letting your child take part, and explaining the differences, is a more tolerant and integrational approach.

@pickingdaisies Sorry I've ruined nativities for you DS is a King this year so no twat owls for him.

Big round of applause for TWAT OWL before thread closes 👏👏👏👏

@WhyDontYouComeOnOver probably just as well, I hear there's been a sudden run on twat owls, none to be had anywhere!

i went to a r c school im not catholic-i done all the prayers assemblies and studied r.e i didnt become a nun over it-actually it opened my eyes to what rot it all is

Me too. Don’t get me started on how mankind has tried to destroy itself in the name of imaginery people.

Separating your children from the rest of their society over religion just invites more segregation.

Be upfront. You will ruin it for all the others. Pulling out at the last minute
I'm not religious either but I still would let mine participate. It's just a story and a play. If you felt strongly about it why have you left it until now to say anything. Very odd. Please give notice so they can practice with a substitute

The poor child and the poor teacher who has to wait until you decide what the child can/can't do or can/can't be or can/can't sing...... And in the meantime she/he's juggling parts for the other 29 children in the class. Live and let live (or home educate).

I want a twat owl now. And a glory alligator.

Perhaps I can add them to our Nativity scene?

here here msadorable

You need to educate your child on all religions and explain that people believe different things rather than segregating her from all learning. Or will you also want to withdraw her from science classes too in the future cos they teach about evolution?

OP - I know you've said you've not come back. But thank you for explaining why you are against the nativity. Raised Catholic (slightly ignorant of other religions) so learnt something new here.

You have a very disrespectful view op.

It's respectful to be tolerant of other peoples beliefs. You've said your not from the uk and you're Muslim, you have put your child to school yet won't let them learn about Christianity?? It won't hurt them, it won't make them 'turn'.

I'm an Atheist but still took part in all school religious activities.

Your behaviour will be seen as rude and ignorant.

If you have faith and confidence in your own religion you would not seek to control your children so much. Let them integrate and learn.

Part of my family are Muslim. They are Brits and live on the UK. Why would they pretend Christianity doesn’t exist or try to hide their kids from it? Jesus is revered as a prophet in Islam anyway.

Would love to impart my tuppenceworth on this thread but I’m too busy drying a day’s worth of dishes on a twat owl or two. Best laugh I’ve had on MN for about five years and such an apt description of such a mundane fabric of kitchen equipment - especially when you’re too poor to afford a dishwasher.

you have put your child to school yet won't let them learn about Christianity
It's not learning about that's the problem for me at least, it's being expected to deliver the not in role preachy asides to audience about how Jesus should be worshipped. DD has found that uncomfortable and embarrassing and I don't think it's appropriate or indeed necessary in a nativity play in a multicultural school. So yes it does depend on script for me.

Oh for goodness sake - DH listened and thought, then came to the conclusion quite early on that it wasn’t very likely.

DS not DH!