“Reading your bible is prohibited in our classrooms.”

Imagine if a public school teacher, quite by accident, silenced your child’s expression of faith with just one simple false statement. This happened with a friend of mine and she was surprised that her son’s teacher didn’t know the law. Children CAN read their Bible in public school at the appropriate times like free reading time, study hall, etc.

As parents, we are called to protect the religious freedoms of our children, ensuring they can walk with Jesus consistently from the breakfast table to the classroom and throughout the week. Being the primary disciplers of our children, I understand that advocating can feel like rocking the boat, but our children’s hearts are so worth the effort. Now, let’s be honest—our kids aren’t perfect. When mine stepped out of line and earned a note home, I made sure to support the educator in their discipline.

However, there are moments when educators simply do not know the rules regarding religious freedom. In those times, we must look at the legal truth and see if school policies align with the First Amendment. By standing firm, we give our children the courage they need to live for Jesus and express their faith boldly in the public square, which includes public school.

While not every hiccup requires a meeting, remember that your rights are protected by the Constitution. Often, we can just coach our kids through these moments, but sometimes, a deep breath and a prayer are needed so we can kindly educate those in positions of authority.

The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 2:17 to honor everyone and respect those in leadership. Even when it feels challenging, we are called to represent the Gospel. If you find it hard to stay calm, just offer a quick prayer: “Dear Jesus, please help me to be kind and respectful.” That is more than enough to start a collaborative conversation.

God hears all your prayers, and He will bless your efforts. After you have prayed, take a deep breath, and kindly educate those in authority positions.

As a parent, you want to make sure your child can enjoy their religious freedom all through the week. They don’t have to leave their faith at the public school door. Many educators are doing great things for your kids, but they simply do not know the rules.

So here is a parent tool to equip you from my new book called BACKPACK FAITH: Helping Your Child Live Confidently for Jesus in Public School. I call it the ABC’s of Kindly Educating Educators:

Assume the Best – This is how you honor someone when approaching a conversation. I have found most educators do not know the laws surrounding your child’s religious freedom.

Be Curious – Ask questions to understand their perspective, i.e.“What did you mean by that?” “How do you know that is true?” “Where did you get that information?”

Clarify Your Concerns – Let them know how their actions impacted your child because it can be confusing for your children to be told they can not express their faith during their school week; however this is allowed by the First Amendment.

Defend the Truth Confidently – Kindly share what the law says. The First Amendment protects religious freedom and speech. And this protection has been in effect in our country for 250 years.

Engage in Collaboration – Brainstorm ways the school can stay in its legal lane and your child can enjoy religious freedom in school. Both you and your child’s teacher might be able to find ways to honor your child’s faith expression.

Follow up Fantastically – After the meeting, write an email or note to the educator, recapping the conversation and thanking them for working together for a solution. This builds positive relationships and benefits everyone – you, your child, and the school.

So next time you hear something that does not seem to align with our Constitution when it comes to religious freedom for your child, take a deep breath, pray, and seek to practice the ABC’s of Kindly Educating.

For more on this subject, check out  KoriPennypacker.com