Ice Cream For Breakfast

I like most people have an addiction, to sugar and salt. Our society has made popular foods, condensed with one or both of these substances.

Our taste buds are effected with a lifetime of salt and sugar over load, making it harder for us to enjoy other flavors the world has to offer. I still struggled to make myself eat and drink the right foods, which if I don't fix, my health will suffer, limiting my abilities and life span.

For my child, I hope to give her a better relationship with food than what I had. It has not been easy, family and society often feel threatened by this notion and it's been an up hill battle all the way.  I do this for my daughter, because I really love her and want to expand her pallet to other taste, than salty and sweet.

One important key aspect is to feed her healthy foods with natural sweeteners like fresh fruit. Sometimes very small amounts of honey, real maple syrup and on occasion sugar can be added, but never allowing the sweetness (or saltiness ) to be over bearing.

Along with trying to encourage a diet low in sugar and salt, but filled with my kids daily nutritional needs. Most important of all, it has to be visually appealing and taste good. Here is a great ideas to help out.

Ice cream for breakfast

Ice cream pops and a blender.

WHAT!!!! You may be maybe saying, but you honestly can make chocolate ice cream a healthy breakfast food.

Ingredients

1 Avocado soft
1/2 lemon
Coconut, almond, rice, cow milk or yogurt.
1/2 cup of sweet fruit
Optional 1/2 cup or less of vegetables you may want to sneak in.
Honey, sugar, maple syrup or any sweetener to preferences. If your family is use too sweets, you can lessen the sugar context over time, to ween them off the sugar.
Unsweetened cocoa powder to preferences
2-4 orange wedges.

First peel avocado and remove pit. Place in a bowl, squeeze lemon on top and around the avocado and allow it to soak.

In blender add your milk, sweet fruit, added vegetables, blend until liquid.

After avocado has soaked in the lemon for about 10-15 minutes, add to mix, along with sweetener and coco. Blend until it looks like chocolate pudding.

Place mix in bowl. Then squeeze orange wedges in mix, add more coco and sweetener for personal preference.

Put the mix in ice pop containers, add stick, put in freezer until frozen.


This can be a dessert or a light meal. You can add infant oatmeal to make it a more filling meal.  I once added slices of strawberries and banana inside the ice containers after adding the mix. It was a big hit.

Disciplining Grandma

Grandma and grandpa, parents to you, but oversize children with disposable income to your children. You say no sugar, grandma a serves chocolate covered sugar cubes with milk.

You tell your children they can't have something and grandpa shows up with multiple of whatever it is, in different colors. Grandparents aren't the only culprits, mean welling aunts and uncles, childless relatives, even siblings will over step your boundaries. You are parent, you wants what is best for your children, but sometimes you can learn something new or even admit to being wrong. However, there are times people need to back off and respect your authority as your child's parent.

Your parent's and your partners parents may feel a sense of entitlement in how they handle your children, their grandchildren. They assert authority over you, your partner and your children. Often they assume theses methods must have worked for you or your partner, hence the methods in question should therefore be repeated to the next generation.

We'll all heard the saying, from our parents that their grandchildren will be their revenge. This is often said in good natured humor, but often it's a self profiling prophecy. The saying is a curse, directed at you by the grandparents, that negatively effective each generation, including the generation enacting the vengeance. It's a cycle, of generations cursing one another, far worse than even the infamous F-word. It's encouraging conflicts between parents and their children and grandma and grandpa often cause many of the conflicts. Grandparents will often undermine the authority of the parent, which can lead to emotional and behavior problems in the children involved.

One method that has given me success is explaining to my parents that their methods, though well intended, was actually harmful. For example my mother took my toddler daughter to a park, where they encountered a preschool aged little girl. My daughter referred to the little girl as a boy. This naturally upset the other girl, when my daughter kept calling her a boy, even after the little girl corrected her.

My mother saw this as cute and amusing. She was telling me about what happened and expected me to be equally amused. I was not. I reminded my mom that she had encouraged this behavior in myself when I was my daughter's age. I explained to her, even though it seemed funny, to the little girl being teased it was abuse.That this was teaching my daughter to be a bully and could cause social delay, which I myself suffered.

Explaining the consequences of the parenting action is often effective. However your child's grandparents may not be willing to listen to reason and you may be forced to constantly supervised them, restrict access to your children or if necessary even cut them off. Though please leave the latter for a last resort.

Sometimes it's better to tough it out, until their method bites them in the ass. Allowing your children to show them the errors of their ways. For example if someone gives your child sugar, make them deal with the hyper active little speed demon, as a consequence of their own stupidity



Usually when grandparents and other families behave in this matter, is a reaction to the changes happening in their life. Empty nest, loss of a spouse, a move, loneliness, depression, etc... while your life is speeding up with a family, a relationship, work, school, and whatever is on your plate, these trouble makers in your life could be crying for help, as the dinner table for them becomes smaller.


It sometimes helps to be the bigger person and react with sympathy and kindness.

Your Seed

When you look at your baby and you see that little face, it's hard not to plan an entire future for them.

From what they wear day to day,  to what they say in their valedictorian speech at their Harvard graduation ceremony. It's hard not to get carried away. Even become intoxicated by power. Sadly many parents fall into a trap of projecting their hopes and dreams so strongly onto their children.

Some children will eventually accept the fate their parents predestined for them, while others rebel. Rebellion can be both destructive and constructive. Rebellion leads to our social evolution. Young people, for better or for worse, rebel against the ideal of generations past, leading in directions that tell you what to wear, to when to go to war. The children who absorb their parents influence can lose out in knowing their personal identity.

This concept can effect in all areas of the child's life, such as religion, diet, health, education, political beliefs, emotional well being, etc... I could write books going over this in any of these one topics, but I feel it's better to narrow down basic problem that effects all these areas and that is control. Whether you work a low level job and project your anger on your children or a successful business person, determine to mold your children into your image, these concepts are direct causes of the destructive behavior you are trying to avoid.

As parents, we will influence our children, but what is okay to guide and direct and when do we let well enough alone?

This is a long a complex question, that I myself haven't fully answered. I merely have a goal in mind, to ensure my child is happy. Which means I must accept my concept of happiness isn't necessarily going to be my child's.

Often I hear adults assert to children, of future plans. Seemingly innocent comment to an impressionable child future predictions. " When you get married" and "When you have children of your own." It assumes to the child they will get married and have children. Children have these assumptions drilled into them very early on. Family, friends and society asserting directions of large decisions onto children, which should be a personal decision an individual should make themselves.

I have met men and women who do not want a relationship. Whoopi Goldberg is a perfect example of person who enjoys being single. In an interview with William Shatner, Shatner kept pushing the idea of feeling alone, but Goldberg explained essentially, that being alone didn't mean she was lonely. Many people feel this way. It's part of their individuality. Being in a relationship for a person who isn't ready or doesn't want to be in one, can lead to abuse, neglect, adultery, depression, etc....  Mostly it will bring unhappiness to
 the individual who doesn't want a relationship or the advancement of marriage. Just because your marriage, your parents marriage, in-laws marriage, were happy doesn't mean your child will carry this sentiment.

This also applies to having children. For myself, being a parent is wonderful and my daughter is the joy of my life. I've always wanted to be a mother. Although I love being a parent, I completely understand that this responsibility is not for everyone. There are lots of people who do not want children. People who don't want children rank high on the list of people who should not have them. These people often have other dreams like traveling, careers, wealth, healthier marriages (quite often divorces happen shortly after a new child comes into the family,) and much more.

One of my friends, who doesn't want children, has three horse's. She works tirelessly to support them, while studying to be a veterinarian. I honestly don't know how she does it. I admit I couldn't do what she is doing and I admire her for it.

Then there are people who simply can not find the right match and marry incompatible partners or become depressed that they didn't achieve their goal in getting married. By accepting single individual, childless couples or single parents, gives lead to healthy alternative to the cookie cutter idea of a person's life. If your daughter can't find Mr/Mrs. Right, don't pressure her to marry Mr/ Mrs. Wrong just so she can have children. Instead, encourage her to financially capable to raise a child on her own. If your son and his partner are happy traveling the world and don't want the stress of raising a child, respect their wishes.

Another huge mistake parents often make is forcing college and careers onto their children. This is a mistake you will regret. Not all children are meant for college and there is nothing wrong with that. There are many careers offered in trade schools that can even offer higher salaries and benefits than some of the more common careers college graduates receive. If your child has learning disabilities, behavior issues, immaturity or other concerns, college may be just a waste of money. It's not impossible for people with any of these problems to graduate college, but desire is key.

Even if your child is a super genius, if he or she doesn't desire the career path they are on, it can again result in their unhappiness. Your son may have trouble listening, but taught himself how to program computer and can financially support himself that way. Your daughter might go to college, but wants to pursue an art career, instead of accounting as you hoped. Rather than threaten to take away her financial support, compromise. Suggest she takes marketing to promote their art. Where you may see education as a way to reach financial independence, your children see it as an opportunity to do something with their life they enjoy. I encourage both.

Children are not branches that extend from your trunk, if you were a tree, but the fruit which grows from your ever bending branches. Your seed, which will separate from you and grow their own way.

Nomadic Families

Stability and routine are often lumped together as one and the same in child rearing. We are all sold the story of the house with a white picket fence you buy when you get married, that has three bedrooms for your two point five children. Days go by in a blur of work and school, family dinners and rituals before bed. The American dream, so we have been told.

However for many families, for better or worse, are not in such a situation. There are families who must uproot for multiple reasons. The first that comes to mind is the military, but other careers as well as unemployment and poverty, has caused families to move often than past generations. Being a traveling family isn't necessarily bad.

Many families have successfully lived happily lives traveling together. Traveling  vendors, artist, performers, truck drivers, etc... have traveled together throughout their children's lives. Although I can not prevent your move, I do have suggestions on making the traveling easier on you and your family.

First, you need to come to terms with the move. No matter the circumstances, accept your losses and the challenges ahead of you. Breaking yourself with stress will only make any current problems worse and create new ones.

Second, get rid of as much stuff as you possibly can. When moving around a lot your items will slow you down. It cost more money to store and transport your possessions. Yard sales and charities are great ways to unload extra stuff, that can hold you down. Let your children actively play a role in what they give up. Ridding yourself of this physical excess baggage will help you with your moving run smoother.


Third, make plans for your new home. Whether it's a club house in a back yard or a garden in a flower pot in a small apartment, try to come up with an activity to make your new home more inviting.

Fourth, parents ideally try to move over the summer so their children can finish the school year at their current schools. However, moves can be sudden and inconsiderate at times, which is why I suggest home schooling if you are able to provide it for your children.

If you are going to consistently move throughout their childhood, you should consider this option, so your children's grades don't suffer.

Fifth, keep contact with the friends you and your family encounter through your travels. This will give your children the childhood friends memories are made of. Moving a lot has its benefits, such as meeting all kinds of people who come from different walks of life. Where other children may graduate with the same people they have known since kindergarten, your children will have the opportunity to meet lots of different people.

Sixth, no matter how far or often you move, remember this is your families life. Make the best of it to create a happy life and happy memories. Try to keep, keepsakes from each place to be a part of the root of your family life.

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Some of us travel, a lot. Remember, not all who wander are lost.

The negative impact of your own self image!

 For a long time, I've tried to stay out of photographs. I always thought my face was weird, I felt my nose looked too pointy, I've had acne for two thirds of my life, my face always was too round to me...No matter how hard I tried, I was never the weight, via scale, I wanted to be. My thighs always touched, my arms were flabby and I never had a flat stomach.I could criticize myself all day. 

Then one day, I saw photo of myself that was a few years old and I wasn't embarrassed about my physical appearance. It was taken less than a year from me giving birth, but looking at the photo, I realized I didn't look grotesque, as I often saw myself. I started to go through albums I've kept on my computer. I didn't start saving pictures until shortly before my daughter was born. Looking at body photos, that I use to be ashamed to look at, now seemed fine. Face shots, I couldn't stand, because how I saw my own face, now appeared young and vibrant.

I like many women struggled with these issues. Nearly all women I know, including my mother, have had to live with an unhealthy body image. Never once has my mother been happy with her body and that is truly tragic. Never once in my lifetime had she dawned a bikini at the beach, because her body didn't fit the image of social beauty and when it did, her mind didn't see it.

Being a mother of a little girl, one of my biggest concerns is how she feels about herself. I remind my daughter, daily that she is smart, but also that she is beautiful. However, as her parent, it is not just about how I tell or treat her that she is smart and beautiful, but how I treat myself. Being insecure in this manner can be harmful and chances are it has harmed you. The best thing you can give your child in this case is your own confidence.

A trend has been buzzing around, of women of all shapes and sizes wearing bikinis. Giving a diverse view of what beauty is. Before mass visual media, what was considered attractive had more diversity. Women of all weights and sizes, were considered beautiful to different people. Some wanted the style of beauty that is popular today, others wanted larger women from moderate too extreme. Body hair wasn't even an issue and poor teeth was to be expected. There wasn't plastic surgery to make things bigger, smaller or cut away. People worked with what they had and did so with a confidences few today posses.

People are tired of being ashamed of themselves and I agree with this logic. People have had enough of being critical over issue that are literally skin deep, that the internet has been flooded with all different kinks, preferences, personalities, physical appearances, etc. Returning our whole species to again a more diverse desires in regards to what is beauty, what is sexy, what is really important, etc...

Not only must we end our own insecurities, we as parents have to protect and build our children self-esteem. There are simple habits I picked up that helps. 

One I never buy, read or acknowledge the tabloids, fashion magazines, etc... all together. I don't care about celebrities personal lives and anything in a magazine can be found for free online, along with an immeasurable amount other options. Honestly, ridding yourself of this habit will greatly improve your self confidence. If you find yourself bored at the check out line, most people can just do anything they like on the phone. If you are like me and have a basic phone, I suggest to bring a book or if you have children with you use this time as a moment to give them attention. 

Two as a rule I never discuss my weight or any insecurities about my appearance around my child. I've gotten to the point to were I never talk about it. I'm not what most considered thin or even attractive, but I don't care. I realized I'm not so bad. I do yoga, body toning and some aerobics. I have a sweet tooth, but I keep it at bay. I've come to accept the body I'm in. I enjoy the loosening of my clothes, but I won't freak out when they begin to feel tight. I don't have a scale, because weight doesn't tell you body fat and muscle compositions. I eat mostly home cooked meals and keep portions at a healthy level. I exercise daily and do so in front of my daughter. I want to give her healthy habits, not low self-esteem.

Three, as a woman in my thirties I have found natural beauty to be more attractive than plastic surgery, Photoshopped images, makeup, materialism or the overtly thin woman. What many people see as flaws, like wrinkles, body fat, scars, etc... I  find to be a beautiful, unique difference in every person. I'm not sure whether I stopped judging others or myself first, the world is a less uglier place, when your mind is not busy looking for flaws in everyone and everything you come across. This is the world I would prefer my daughter to see.

Four make a point to watch with your children the process of how pictures are photoshopped, especially models. The more you watch these videos, you see how the person image in the picture is distorted from that of an oil painting. It's a likeness, but not what the actual model looks like. Put the science behind the image, in your child's head first, to avoid a false idol, metaphorically speaking.

Five try to expose yourself and your children to diverse groups of people. Encourage tolerance, acceptance and free expression for your children. This will expand their horizons in many areas, including different ideas of beauty

Six, be kind to yourself and others. Say someone in the family may need to lose weight for medical reasons, rather than criticize yourself or others, be open to solutions of expanding your palette to different foods and your body to exercise. Btw, even if it's not you, there is no reason not to offer to exercise with them. Regardless :/your actions are needed more than your harsh words. You also don't need a gym membership to exercise. On nice days go to the park or your backyard. Chase your kids on play ground, that's a work out, plus it's free and your with your kids spending quality time. On rainy days you can lifted containers of water or invest in weights. In the end, the point is pretty much, stop being a dick to yourself or others. Be a part of the solution not the problem. If your teenager gets pregnant, don't be the first to call her a slut. If you don't get a promotion, don't spend time putting yourself down. 

Seven, use anatomically correct terms for genitals. Penis and vagina are not bad words, but correct medical terms. We shouldn't encourage the notion that there is a part our body that is inherently wrong. It may take practice, but it gives your children a healthy and medically sound prespective of their own body.

Eight, don't ban make up or make it a requirement for personal happiness. Make-up is simply paint. It's an art medium, nothing more.  It is the mask we paint with make up to hide and run from our insecurities, that is harmful. If you wear make up that is fine, but never put down the face behind the mask. Let your children see your natural face as often as possible. Keep make up a ritual for special occasions or a for certain daily requirement, such as employment. Let your children of both genders play with it. Let them draw on their face and body a little. Simply make them wash it off when their done. Keeping makeup away, creates the desire to want it, then making it a requirement makes the idea of self image as dirty as we use to sex.

Nine, be aware it's okay not to be attracted to everyone and not everyone will be attracted to either and that's okay. Everyone has their own personal taste and we shouldn't be offended if we aren't some else's idea of beauty. It's no different than ice cream flavors and there is always variety.

When all is said and done, the rewards of giving your child a happy and healthy out look about themselves and the world around them. My daughter tells me I'm beautiful and I believe her. There is no opinion means more or is more genuine.

Explaining god to children

Teaching children about god, can be a complex situation. I have my beliefs, my husband has his, and our child has not yet developed her own idea's on the subject. The definition of god or gods has different meaning to different belief systems and religions throughout the world. The most recognizable definition of god in this part of the world, is a singular, supernatural, omnipotent, omnipresent, often depicted as masculine and credited for the literal creation of everything.

My husband and I decided as a family our child should be allow to find her own spiritual path, but simply expecting her to find her own beliefs without any guidance can cause her to simply reject spirituality. I'm not against my child following a secular path, but I want that to be HER choice, not just something she has always known. Right now my daughter is a preschooler and hasn't even uttered the word god yet.

Unitarian Universalism
One way I found some help in introducing spirituality to my child is the Unitarian Universalist Church. This is great if you don't mind going to services, which can give your family a sense of community and belonging. Unitarian Universalis are extremely open to pagans and even provided CUUPS The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans. http://www.cuups.org/
Unitarian Universalist go by seven principles

1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
2nd Principle: Justice, equality and compassion in human relations;
3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Another plus, they host a coffee hour after service. This is a great way to meet new people and allow your children to play with other children. Most congregations have play areas for children.

If you like the Unitarian Universalist idea, but can't make it on Sunday, try out other programs they offer on other days of the week. If there isn't a Unitarian Universalist location near by you or that order near by may be too conservative, you have ways to bring theses concepts into your home. You can hang up the seven principles in your home and try to remember them and keep to them. Teach your children theses principles by talking about them and living by them. Another advantage is the world wide web. You can join Unitarian Universalist chat boards, read and write blogs and watch videos from different congregations world wide web.
Symbols of faith pt 1
Symbols of faith pt 2
Symbols of faith pt 3


Liberal Quakers
I have also heard of liberal Quakers. I admit I have no personal experience with them but I found this video to be interesting
What does George Fox Say?

Buddhism
A great source of spirituality and discipline. The concepts of Buddhism is a basic ground of philosophy and it can help you learn to train yourself spiritually to meditate and contempt.

I'm not sure how child appeasing Buddhist temples are, I attended a Buddhist service at the Unitarian Universalist Church. However I brought Buddhism into my home. With small children you may simply want to play Buddhist meditation music to them, especially if you are trying to clam them down. You may want to try yoga with your child. You can go online to learn exercises and discipline methods, for most ages. This would be a great time to spend time with your kids, while providing both physical and mental stimulation. Please be careful and make sure all involved are healthy enough to do the exercise. Remember there is always another exercise.

Children Books can be a great source for spirituality, without drilling a belief system into your children heads. The books I choose for spiritual lessons often encourage community, family, making difficult decisions, building of character, dealing with hardships by healthy means, encourages appreciation of life, etc...

One Naked Baby
By Maggie Smith
Ages 0-3 years
http://www.amazon.com/One-Naked-Baby-Maggie-Smith-ebook/dp/B004S3HFL2

The Legend of the Bluebonnet
Retold by Tomie dePaola
Ages 4-8 years
http://www.amazon.com/The-Legend-Bluebonnet-Tomie-dePaola/dp/0698113594

The Moon's Revenge
By Joan Aiken
Ages 7 and up
http://www.amazon.com/The-Moons-Revenge-Joan-Aiken/dp/0394893808


I put the link from Amazon for these books, not for you to buy them, but feel free if you want to, but so you can read the description and reviews from other parents.




Music is a great way to bring spirituality to a child. Meditation music is great to help children claim down, go to sleep or meditate. However don't over look nursery rhymes.

One night my husband caught my daughter seeking into our back yard at night, so she could sing " Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to the sky. Something we didn't teach her to do. She sang her song, said good night to her daddy, the cat's and the night sky, then went to bed.

I don't care if my child ends up believing in one god, multiple gods, spirits, energy magic, prayer or a rejection of all of the above.

Maybe she will develop an interest in astronomy. Regardless, however she makes sense of life, my ultimate goal is for her to be happy.

Introduction

Every day I wake up and make my little girl breakfast. In the mist of cooking scramble eggs, digging out a package of yogurt in the back of the refrigerator and chasing my kid down to get her dressed, what is unique about us isn't necessarily obvious.

My husband and I both actively play a role in our child's education, her play time, her friends and every activity she is involved in this point, at the tender age of three. We aren't unlike most families. I work, my husband is struggling to gain employment in this economy. We share in household chores, feed our cats, endless errands from dropping off time sheets to food shopping, maybe catch a few hours at the playground. We are like many families of today and not too different from families of the past. However, we aren't considered traditional, we are a pagan family. 

In junior high school I discovered wicca, an earth based religion. Unlike my spouse, my family didn't push the Christian religion onto me, so I was free to openly explore my new found faith. At this time, very few new age, pagan, wiccan families were visible. Some families would hide behind a more mainstream religion, claim to be nonreligious or some families would hide their spiritual practices from their own children. I as a teenager wasn't afraid to be out and open. I wore my pentagram proudly and read Scott Cunningham introduction to Wicca, anywhere I damn well pleased.

Twenty years later and what many thought was a teen fad, was still an active role in my spiritual life. My husband and I didn't have a Christian or secular wedding. We had a rather in your face pagan ceremony and wedding. When our daughter was born, names like Mary and Christine weren't even considered. We chose a pagan first and middle name. We wouldn't allow family to pressure us to raise our child with their religious traditions, but that lead to a new problem? What traditions as pagans are we going to give our child?  

How do we balance between our own paths, while giving our child guidance without hindering her personal freedoms?

Which traditions from our personal past and experience do we pass on? Then of course how do find the energy to find something age appropriate to involve our child in these new and old traditions. 


I'm a pagan parent. I'm not a phase. I'm not going away. I'm apart of society and so is my child. My child may not be the first to be raised pagan, but I intend to raise her openly while practicing my spirituality and allowing my child to find her own path.

Why I refused to baptize my child

It's not a big deal, so I have been told. Just a sprinkle of water on your babies head, no harm done.

Or is there? My husband and I are both pagans but his parents are Roman Catholic As pagans we try to mix ancient tradition while creating new traditions. Which is why we celebrated our child's birth with a naming ceremony from the Unitarian Universalist church.

To my in-laws baptism is essential, a strongly held tradition which we were the first to break. I have been asked why I didn't just have the ceremony to make his family happy and have them off our back. To keep the tradition and the image of being Catholic. 

Yet there are many reasons why I'm against this action being done to children. Although I can't prevent people from baptizing their children, I'm able to protect my child from this ceremony and concept. I personally don't believe children should be committed to a religion, when they themselves are not able to understand what that religion is. I feel it is wrong to assume that the child is going to practice the faith of their parents and take away choices that should be the individual's to make. To join a church, a religion or to rid one self of original sin are all decisions I feel should be made by an informed and willing adult.

With that alone, is enough for me, but some people may still feel tempted to give in to traditions and family pressures. However this isn't respecting the Christian tradition. The Catholic church takes educating children into their tradition very seriously. To have a baptism of my child, my husband and I would be required to flat out lie to a priest. I know I wasn't converting or my husband returning to Catholicism, something we  would be expected when raising a "Catholic" child. We would have to assure the priest we would see to it that our child attend their religious education programs and have our child receive the sacrament of communion and confirmation. We however knew this was not an option for our family. So in order to have a priest preform the ceremony, we would have to lie. I ask myself, what would this teach my child about Catholicism? That it's okay to lie to their clergy, for a short ceremony to appease family. 

It isn't just the forced religious commitment and lying to the Catholic clergy, but the very concept of baptism I find personally offensive. As pagans my husband and I reject the Christian notion of original sin. Original sin is the sexual act of conception, which the church believe can and should be washed away though the sacrament of baptism. The idea that sex is sinful, is negative and unhealthy. My husband and I at the time of our child's conception, welcomed each other of our own free will. The idea of trying to disassociate a child from the concept at the extreme baptism does, is more appropriate in cases of rape.

Our child was not a product of rape. We felt no need to wash away the idea of how she was conceived. We do not agree with the churches ideals regarding sex. We don't believe sex, masturbation, homosexuality, birth control, etc... are sinful, shameful or wrong. We don't feel this is ethical to raise our child with. 

As an adult our child/ren will know of many forms of Christianity, including Catholicism. What our child/ren will do with the broad education and exposure to multiple beliefs and ideas remains to be seen. Regardless of the belief system they may choose, it will be chosen of their own free will.