St. Patricks Day etc

[cricketplaya]

@laalmirch

Sara516: You can’t be “indifferent” about something early on in a child’s life and then change your stance as they get older - when, as you say, “these holidays become troublesome” - and expect your children to magically change along with you.

Children are by far most impressionable in their early, formative years. By being “indifferent” and buying into these celebrations - i.e. sure, wear green; yeah sure, give your friends presents for Christmas; etc. - you’re creating a situation where your kids will learn to “celebrate” these holidays in a similar fashion in the years to come. As with any habit formed early on in life, this habit will be difficult to break.

somegroovychick: Again, it isn’t about making things a big deal. It’s not about fighting battles for the sake of controlling every aspect of your child’s life. Rather, it’s about teaching them what you as a parent believe. You say that Valentine’s day is to show appreciation for someone… says who? Cupid? Why can’t you appreciate your parents on Feb. 13th? Or the 15th?

Seriously, I’m not some curmudgeon. I’m not trying to be overly miserable or anything. But this is an important point. If you make Valentine’s day special in any way - even if it’s not in the traditional Western way - your children will always think in those terms. And I just don’t agree with that.

Good post and please don’t be apologetic about your view. It’s your view, people will and should respect it.