Reader Submitted Shit my Kid Said Story – Teaching Diversity

This is one of two “finalist” reader submitted stories from the Say What??? contest.  Please read both and vote by clicking “like” on the page of the story of your choice.  Read the other story here.

This story is from “Burgh Mama” who now worries less about teaching diversity and more about teaching her child when to just be quiet….

My husband and I feel that it is important for our children to experience different cultures.  We really try to promote tolerance and respect for other’s beliefs.  In one of our efforts to do this, we thought it was a good idea to educate our children about other faiths besides ours (Christianity), but it turns out, preschool may be a little early for such education.

We had enrolled our oldest son in a Jewish preschool even though we are Christian. It was close to home and had a fabulous reputation for kindergarten prep while more subtly promoting Judaism.

One day, the parents were invited to chaperone a trip to the sanctuary for a talk with the Rabi.  When the Rabbi asked the first question, I felt proud as I saw my son’s hand shot up confidently to answer the question, “what is a miracle?”  My son’s eager body language screamed “ooo ooo! Pick me! Pick me!,” so, sure enough, the Rabi chose him, “yes son, tell me. What is a miracle?”

My son’s response?  Wait for it…. As he boasted his chest out, so proud because he knew the correct answer to this complex question, he exclaimed “something that Jesus does!”  A roar of laughter erupted from the adults as my face turned BRIGHT red.

The Rabbi handled it gracefully by replying, “yes, Christianity teaches that Jesus performed miracles. But what is a miracle? Anyone? Anyone?”  I think we’ll be saving this level of diversity education for the older years…

This is one of two “finalist” reader submitted stories from the Say What??? contest.  Please read both and vote by clicking “like” on the page of the story of your choice.  Read the other story here.