Diwali school celebration

[Anonymous]

I was supposed to go to my son's school for Diwali and he asked me not to, saying he doesn't want to talk about being Indian. Is this normal for an 8yo...? Other parents have come for Lunar New Year, Rosh Hashanah, etc... He said he would rather me come for Halloween (I'm not, the school has that well covered).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was supposed to go to my son's school for Diwali and he asked me not to, saying he doesn't want to talk about being Indian. Is this normal for an 8yo...? Other parents have come for Lunar New Year, Rosh Hashanah, etc... He said he would rather me come for Halloween (I'm not, the school has that well covered).

What's normal is that 8 year olds are no longer little kids, and they start having their own thoughts about the world. Sounds like this is an opportunity to find out what his concerns are, why he feels the way he does, etc., without judging him. Then you can help him understand your thoughts, perspective, etc.

[Anonymous]

I'd unpack his feelings about being Indian over more time than you have this week. Let this year go, and then probe a bit further about this to get him talking. I have one kid who does NOT want me at school or field trips ever. That's fine with me! So it could be just that, but it's you do want to make sure you unpack any racism he's experiencing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd unpack his feelings about being Indian over more time than you have this week. Let this year go, and then probe a bit further about this to get him talking. I have one kid who does NOT want me at school or field trips ever. That's fine with me! So it could be just that, but it's you do want to make sure you unpack any racism he's experiencing.

Agreed, if it were more about not wanting me at school fine, I get that but he was fine with having me come for something else it was just specific to Diwali. I am going to be talking to him more when we have quiet time to chat and yes, I am letting Diwali go but I am going to try again for Holi. I mean, who doesn't love Holi?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Indians are outcasts at my sons school

Why?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Indians are outcasts at my sons school

Sounds like a horrible school.

[Anonymous]

Is it just that he doesn’t want to be different? Many kids of immigrants (from all over) go through that stage before leaning into their full identity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it just that he doesn’t want to be different? Many kids of immigrants (from all over) go through that stage before leaning into their full identity.

Why do you assume OP is an immigrant?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Indians are outcasts at my sons school

Not a school I would send my dc to.

[Anonymous]

He doesn’t want to be different. What he’s not thinking about is how fantastic Diwali is! The story, the sweets, the lights. You could send in a craft project if the teacher is ok with it and provide a bunch of diyas for the kids to paint, plus little battery-operated tea lights to put in them. Send a short storybook for the teacher to read.

If he’s not into it, then listen to him and skip it this year.

[Anonymous]

Is there anything your school doesn’t celebrate? That sounds like a lot of down time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there anything your school doesn’t celebrate? That sounds like a lot of down time.

I’m guessing they will never in a million years celebrate anything to do with Christianity.

Judaism, Hinduism great so wonderful let’s have a special day of learning and celebrating. But nobody will ever be able to say a positive word about Christianity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there anything your school doesn’t celebrate? That sounds like a lot of down time.

I’m guessing they will never in a million years celebrate anything to do with Christianity.

Judaism, Hinduism great so wonderful let’s have a special day of learning and celebrating. But nobody will ever be able to say a positive word about Christianity.

Never heard of Christmas..?

[Anonymous]

So, much, racism all over this thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Indians are outcasts at my sons school

I'd pull my child out of that school. unacceptable.