vb:

alicia:

I believe in personal responsibility, Attachment parenting, and that simpler is generally better.

I believe the choices other people make are generally none of our business, less judging is better, and we would be wise to look at our own selves before criticizing others. I believe in being the change you want to see in the world.

I believe setting limits and boundaries are one of the most important things a parent can do. I also believe that the ultimate goal is transitioning your child to positive behavior based on an internal set of standards (as opposed to external ones). I believe that kids deserve lots of hugs and kisses and to always feel safe, valued, respected and loved.

I agree.  Completely.  There’s a great thing you’ve written here: “the ultimate goal is transitioning your child to positive behavior based on an internal set of standards (as opposed to external ones).”

This is one reason why I’m not raising my kids with religion.  They can learn right and wrong (and have) without it.  Religion was forced upon me for the first 18 years of my life and that’s the main reason that I’ve shunned it.  I don’t think less of people who have religion, it’s just not for me.  I believe that my wife (who’s also not religious) and I can raise our children to know what is morally right and wrong without an external set of standards (religion).  If they get to a point where they’re curious about religion, I’ll give them all the tools and information that they want so that they can pick one, if they so choose, that they feel aligns with their own beliefs in right and wrong - beliefs that they themselves (along with guidance from their parents) have formed.

I’d like picking a religion to be a decision that they make on their own.  An informed, adult decision.  Not one pre-determined for them by their parents.

Anyway, didn’t mean to get on a religion kick, but it stuck out. :)

Agreed. I am religious and we probably go to church about 1/2 the time :) but there is nothing worse than having religion shoved down your throat! Or brainwashing your kids. If you aren’t teaching your kids to think for themselves you are doing them a huge disservice, handicapping them in pretty much every area!