Scientology Parenting
I'm always fascinated when people live by strict codes and doctrines, and with so many celebrities practicing the religion of Scientology, I had to know what this belief system says about bringing up children. I'm not the only one. The recent media attention on Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' daughter Suri has got lots of people curious.
The Church of Scientology is a pay-as-you go sort of faith, so it's a bit difficult to get direct information. Here's what I've been able to dig up. Feel free to add information in the comments below. Let us know if we've got it wrong or tell us ways real life Scientologists are raising kids away from the paparazzi.
Silent Birth
Silent birth got a lot of attention when Katie Holmes was pregnant. Apparently Scientologists believe babies should come into the world in an environment where nobody speaks. (Grunts and screams are okay.) They think that whatever a newborn hears during childbirth is significant. Therefore words spoken out of pain, or under the effects of pain medication, can adversely affect the child later in life.
Barley Better Than Breastmilk?
There is supposedly no official stance on breastfeeding, but Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard is quoted in many places stating that his recipe for a formula made of water, barley, milk, and corn syrup is often "better than breast milk." I think anyone would be hard pressed to show how barley and sugar are better for baby than a healthy mother's milk.
Read more star parenting antics at Celebrity Playdate.
Scientologists Only
Children being raised as Scientologists are supposed to attend Scientology classes several hours a day. The idea is that they are not to be influenced by people with other views. I didn't find anything about what age this is supposed to start or stop, or whether children are supposed to be involved in traditional education.
Don't Freak Out
Scientologist parents are taught not to overreact when a child gets hurt or otherwise is involved in an accident. They believe they are helping avoid irrational fears being recorded on a child's subconscious mind. This one may be common sense. Kids take their cues from their caregivers. A cut squished pinky hurts a lot more when Mommy gasps and scrunches up her face.
Just Say Yes
Hubbard apparently warned parents in his 1950 treatise, Dianetics, against disciplining a child. His argument is that kids need love and affection from their parents.
Scientologists are supposedly forbidden to say no to their kids. They are also urged to act like the child's friend. If the child does something wrong, parents should gently point out the "wrong action" but are not to dole out punishment.
Read more star parenting antics at Celebrity Playdate.
