After-Class Frostys and Other Lessons I've Learned

Do your kids hate religious-ed classes? Sarah Reinhard feels your pain and has a couple of ideas to help. 

When I was a new convert, fresh from the Easter Vigil Mass, the DRE roped me in as a catechist. 

It made sense in a lot of ways—I had a degree in education, I was excited about the faith, I was a warm body ... 

Over the early years of my catechist-ing, I was surprised again and again by comments from parents to the tune of, "My son/daughter usually hates coming to religious-ed classes, but he/she doesn't fight me quite as much this year." 

Key words in that comment, by the way: "As much."  

I foolishly, in my deepest heart of hearts, assumed it would be different with my own kids when their days for religious ed began. 

Spoiler alert: It isn't. 

And it's not just me. Our DRE has admitted that her kids also "hate" religious education classes. Other moms have whispered similar things to me when I bring it up. 

Let's not waste time shaming ourselves (or others) about this. Kids and parents don't agree on everything, and that's OK. 

Kids don't have to like things that are good for them. 

Here are two ideas that I've tried with mixed success over the years. 

After-Class Frostys 

I admit it: I lean into food rewards perhaps too much. I will own that and embrace that and continue to do that. It is DELICIOUS. It is also something we all look forward to and I'll take that win. In a large, please. 

Teaching a class 

While I don't currently teach any of my kids, I have in the past. When I did, it gave them a glimpse of another side of me, and maybe also a sneak peek at how I might appear as a Dorky Mom Teacher Type to the other students. It also lets my passion for my faith sneak out in a new way. When I'm in a different class, they find ways to be involved and to ask me what's going on. I ask them right back. 

Click to tweet:
Let's not waste time shaming ourselves (or others) about this. Kids and parents don't agree on everything, and that's OK. #CatholicMom

I'm not always excited about going to work or about the project I have to get done or about putting laundry away or about vegetables. 

And yet, there those things still are, praise God. 

I'd love to hear your tips ... feel free to share them in the comments! 

Copyright 2023 Sarah A. Reinhard
Images: Canva