Today, parents having different religions is more commonplace in our society. Families in this situation usually find their own unique ways of managing issues and answering questions that may come up from their kids.
However, when parents of different faiths divorce, raising their children while honoring their respective beliefs can become complicated. Here are some considerations about raising your children when you and your ex have different religions:
Ask Yourself What Matters and Why
If you and your ex managed to marry and live together with different religions, it is possible you are not completely dissimilar when it comes to certain beliefs. If you once agreed that both faiths teach the values you want for your children but now insist that your religion be your child’s primary belief system, it’s important to examine your reasons for needing to exclude the other parent’s religion.
If it is more about fighting with your ex than instructing your child, you may need to re-examine your position. If you recognize commonalities, you and the other parent could agree to discuss the ways your religions are similar to your children and explain that having different views is acceptable.
Include Details in Your Parenting Agreement
Wisconsin law favors parents having an equal say in raising their children, and each parenting plan will be required to state what a child’s religious commitment will be if any. Parents with different religions will have to develop their own plan to this effect, or the court may order one if they are unable to agree.
Most people find that working out how they want things to function is far preferable to a judge’s ruling. Your agreement could include terms that allow both of you to discuss your faiths without disparaging the other parent’s beliefs about your child.
Further, you could include specific provisions about the child’s participation in rituals such as baptism or bar mitzvahs.
Honor Special Holidays
When a child is raised with multiple religions, it is likely that his or her parents will want to be with them to celebrate significant holidays. Parents need to plan on how they can cooperate to allow their children to participate in important traditions and events.
It may be helpful to consider how you managed these days before the divorce as you prepare your placement time and parenting agreement.
