I met a really nice woman yesterday when I picked up some baby clothes from her. She mentioned she was starting a playgroup, and I told her I was interested. It's for birth to preschool age, and it's very close by. The problem? I'm not sure if it's religious or not.

The paper she gave me with info had a lot about how God was telling her to make a playgroup (or something like that), and something else about "an opportunity to pray for the children." I sort of think that part was probably a typo and she meant "play" for the children.

When I was over there getting the clothes, her child was watching a religious video. It was cute and all, but not something I would want my daughter watching on a regular basis.

DH and I have very different religious beliefs from this woman, and I'm wondering how to politely ask her how religious the playgroup is. I don't want to have my daughter exposed to religious beliefs that are so different from ours. She's too young to notice at this point, but if this playgroup lasts, it's going to be a problem in the future. I respect her beliefs, but I want to make sure she'll respect ours as well.

How do I ask without offending her?

I would say something like "so, based on your flyer, could you tell me specifically how religion-focused the playgroup will be?" You don't have to give her reasons why you want to know, just ask out of curiosity. Then decide from there.

The paper she gave me with info had a lot about how God was telling her to make a playgroup (or something like that), and something else about "an opportunity to pray for the children." I sort of think that part was probably a typo and she meant "play" for the children.
I wouldn't be so sure that's a typo...it COULD be but that would be a fairly awkward sentence that way.

I agree with what Anne said about how to approach her. Also - and this is just how I'd feel but I've never been in a playgroup - I would want to go to the playgroup to chat and meet other moms, but I'd want it to be moms with whom I have a lot in common. You might not get that in a group that has a very strong religious focus at the core of the group.

I have to agree.....if she put in there that "God was telling her" to make a playgroup, I think she meant "pray" and not "play".

Ask something along the lines of what Anne said.

I sent off an e-mail similarly worded to what Anne posted. Here's hoping the playgroup will be something for us!

Given all you said, it sounds to me like she's planning a pretty religion-focused playgroup.
Maybe you could go once just to see what it's like and meet some other moms. Then you could say it doesn't fit your schedule, if you decide not to continue.

Good luck! :sunny:

Hopefully you will get the answer you are looking for. I don't think she should be offended if your beliefs don't jive with hers. I think she would also want to know if you are good for the group or not. If you aren't the type of person that will fit into her group, then I'm sure she wouldn't want you there as much as you wouldn't want to be there. Do you know what I mean? No offense here - just thinking that she may feel more like you than you realize. I would just be open and honest with her.

I already got a response from her. She was incredibly polite, but this will not be our playgroup. She said the activities, crafts, etc. would be focused on Bible stories. She also said if this was too much for me, she'd understand and hopes we can still go to some of her scrapbooking crops she'll be hosting.

I will politely respond and let her know that this playgroup will not suit us, but I'd love to come scrap with her.

Thanks for the advice! Hopefully I'll find a better-suited playgroup sometime. I've been thinking about starting one with the moms I see when I go to Reel Moms.

Glad you have an answer, Amy - and hope you find a playgroup that suits you!