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Becky J
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| Posted: Feb 28 2013 at 4:24pm | IP Logged
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If you have experience with Mormons, could you please let me know if you have thoughts on the following scenario?
I have been on this list for many years but I am not currently homeschooling. My two older children are blessed to be able to attend a wonderful, trustworthy Catholic school. I am beginning to look into preschool options for my youngest child. Unfortunately, most are too this or too that -- too expensive, too PC, too Protestant, too far away.
I found one option that I really like in a lot of respects. It is small, affordable, in my neighborhood, with an emphasis on respectful behavior and constructive play. The woman who runs it, out of her home, was so nice when we met her yesterday. But I had a sneaking suspicion she was Mormon -- blond, stylish, 6 kids, a former homeschooler -- and a Facebook search confirmed this.
I am conflicted. I think her preschool would be a sweet first school environment for my daughter. And this mom was very careful to present the preschool part of her house as a non-sectarian environment. (I know Mormons usually have pictures of Jesus or temples, or sayings about families, up in the foyers of their homes, but that was not the case here.)
Yet, her preschool is named "Little Sunbeams" and I think this is a Mormon catchphrase for children. She also said most of the kids at her school are from our neighborhood, which is heavily Mormon (we are next to a temple). So I am wondering what influences my daughter might be subjected to in this preschool.
If you were me, would you have grave doubts about sending your child to this preschool? Unfortunately, as I said, there is no "perfect" preschool option. I have already canceled plans I had made to tour other schools because they pushed "cultural diversity" or taught yoga or encouraged the preschoolers "to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior".
Also, if you were me and liked the teacher otherwise but wanted to know how "Mormon" her approach to teaching was or wasn't, would you flat-out admit "I could tell by Facebook that you are Mormon and I want to know if most of the kids who attend your school are as well?"
Thanks for any insight you can offer. 
Becky
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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: Feb 28 2013 at 5:12pm | IP Logged
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Boy, I don't know!!
I will say that "Little Sunbeams" may be used in the Morman world, but the song, "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam" is a very old, classic Christian children's song. I'm sure its roots are Protestant, but not Morman. There is nothing wrong doctrinally with the song reference.
I think I would probsbly flat out ask her before I made a decision
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Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Feb 28 2013 at 5:43pm | IP Logged
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My experience is very positive when working with the local Morman Church for Boy Scouts (we run two troops collectively). But we're not in an area like I've heard of, where those who aren't Mormon are all but shunned by those that are.
Definately ask her like Lindsay says but..
I would probably try it out if I was needing a preschool and just stay vigilent.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
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stacykay
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| Posted: Feb 28 2013 at 6:19pm | IP Logged
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One of my closest friends lives right across the street from a Mormon family (Mormons are not the norm in our area.) My friend is super-solid Catholic and has made a good friendship with the lady. Her children play with their children. She said no issue has come up, other than when she offered tea to the husband, who had come over to help her dh lift some things on a cold night. She said he gave her a funny look and deferred. 
My boys have been over at my friends and have played with them, too. Oh, the only religious thing she mentioned was when she had their children over and served them lunch. She said they bowed their heads and said a lovely extemporaneous prayer.
I think, as long as no religion is discussed, the preschool would be safe. Like Jodie said, just keep vigilant.
In Christ,
Stacy in MI
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Claire F
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| Posted: Feb 28 2013 at 6:45pm | IP Logged
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In preschool, I doubt there is anything taught that would be contrary to our Catholic faith, especially if it isn't specifically a "Mormon" preschool. My boys went to a Lutheran preschool, and although there are differences at the "adult level" of our faiths, in preschool they were only exposed to things like "God loves you," and the 10 Commandments and Bible stories during storytime. But they weren't learning about sola scriptura or the Sacraments or anything like that.
I would share your reservations, but given that it isn't a Mormon preschool, but a preschool run by someone who is Mormon, I bet it would be fine. I would probably do it and like others said, keep vigilant.
But also, if there's anything in your gut that says this isn't a good idea, do listen. But if you feel comfortable with it overall, it is probably fine.
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Claire
Mom to DS 12/04, DS 5/07, DD 8/09
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Becky Parker
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| Posted: March 01 2013 at 1:22pm | IP Logged
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My husband works at a company owned by a Mormon. They are very nice people and respectful of my dh's Catholic faith.
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Becky
Wife to Wes, Mom to 6 wonderful kids on Earth and 4 in Heaven!
Academy Of The Good Shepherd
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Topic: If you have experience with Mormons
