When Double Standards Work: I Drop My Kids to Bible Study and Go Get a Manicure.

I admit, I’m dangerously lingering in heathen territory these days. But I don’t let my kids join me.  I’m definitely not pleased with my spirituality, but I make sure my children attend bible study during the week and the Sunday service. I drop them off perfectly dressed and prepared and I go back home for some quiet time. Or get a manicure.

Sinful, I know. But a single mom has to get her free time anyway she can. God understands.

But seriously, when I was growing up, having some sort of spiritual education was very important to my parents. My mother was very religious (which may explain my current issues) and my dad was not, but he stayed on top of us and made sure we got dressed and ready every Sunday, while he was in his PJs with the Sunday newspaper. I suspect our Sunday service was his quiet time too.

I understand it may appear that I’m being a hypocrite. And my children do ask why they have to go and I don’t. But my answer is simple, because I said so. I’m not afraid to still use that one, you know. As I explained to them, when I was a child it was my parents’ job to provide me with religious instruction. It was my job to follow. When I became an adult I could make my own personal decisions about religion and spirituality, and when they become adults they will have the same option.  But until then, it’s the Bible belt up in here.

Of course, I realize and secretly hope that through my children I will find my way back to my spiritual core—it was such an important part of my upbringing and who I am. I already have an agreement to accompany them every other week and last month, I doubled up—on my own!!!

I may even have to buy some appropriate-length skirts and dresses. SMH!!

How do you deal with religious education in your home? Do you lead by example or by house rules?