If you are an atheist would you feel comfortable

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't have a problem with it though I'm more agnostic than athiest. It's important to know Bible stories whether you are religious or not as there are many references in the secular world. So I'd actually see that as a plus. And really at such a young age, they are only going to be teaching basic morality, not going into hot button topics like gay marriage and abortion. Now if this were late elementary/ middle school, I'd say no way.

[Anonymous]

Part of every activity? No thanks. A prayer or story every now & then would be ok with me, but that sounds over the top.

Agree with PP that maybe just until you find something better? If you really have no other options right now.

[Anonymous]

This thread is so depressing. Too many of you are confirming how I already feel, that this isn't a good fit. In fact, when I asked the director exactly how religious it was, even she suggested that it might not be a good fit. So my choices are this, a place I thought was chaotic and kind of dirty, and a place that seems great, with great reviews, but he went there for 1.5 years and the last 6 months he told me often that he didn't like it and didn't want to go back. At the end, he seemed kind of miserable and I have never been able to get at the bottom of exactly why. I hate this.

[Anonymous]

How old is he OP?

[Anonymous]

OP, is there any way your kid can do a trial run that you sit in on? Then you could get a feel for both the program and how your child fits in.

[Anonymous]

I'd be willing to check it out, but DH atheist would never, ever let it go. School is school, you're in charge of spiritual instruction, don't let the person teaching him the sky is the color blue also teach him about hell and heaven. IT's too confusing. Can you start a secular co-op or something? There must be more than the two options.

[Anonymous]

As an atheist I would be uncomfortable. You can say "some people believe this and some that" to your kids but they will be getting religious instructions in absolutes and I think that dissonance is difficult for little kids. "The teacher is right about math and wrong about hell" is a tough one and why I won't send to religious school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This thread is so depressing. Too many of you are confirming how I already feel, that this isn't a good fit. In fact, when I asked the director exactly how religious it was, even she suggested that it might not be a good fit. So my choices are this, a place I thought was chaotic and kind of dirty, and a place that seems great, with great reviews, but he went there for 1.5 years and the last 6 months he told me often that he didn't like it and didn't want to go back. At the end, he seemed kind of miserable and I have never been able to get at the bottom of exactly why. I hate this.

My sister once picked her DD up from daycare, strapped her in her carseat, and starting driving home. DD was looking out the window, and then she quietly said, "I think we need to find me a new daycare." My sister was surprised and asked why, but DD couldn't or wouldn't explain. She's never gotten an explanation. But, needless to say, they found DD a new daycare.

What was chaotic and dirty about Option B?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, I wouldn't feel comfortable with that at all. Exposure to religion is very different than having a child in a faith-based program.

this is how I'd feel. And I'm agnostic. The kids in those programs seem brainwashed to me. My friend's 7 year old proselytizes to me all the time. Drives me a little batty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This thread is so depressing. Too many of you are confirming how I already feel, that this isn't a good fit. In fact, when I asked the director exactly how religious it was, even she suggested that it might not be a good fit. So my choices are this, a place I thought was chaotic and kind of dirty, and a place that seems great, with great reviews, but he went there for 1.5 years and the last 6 months he told me often that he didn't like it and didn't want to go back. At the end, he seemed kind of miserable and I have never been able to get at the bottom of exactly why. I hate this.

I'm sorry, OP, but go with your gut. Where is your location? We felt hopeless last summer than got a suggestion on here for a wonderful place that I didn't know existed. If your child is miserable it's not a good fit. We were at a very religious place before and were more bothered than I thought I would be. Exposure would have been fine but it was too much. If you post your location and what you are looking for others may be able to help. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm trying to put myself in your shoes from the reverse position. I'm a Christian and purposely seek out places like the school you have found. Would I send my child to a preschool run by avowed atheists who taught from an "inclusive" (love that word), secular world view? No way. Not even if I was desperate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I'm trying to put myself in your shoes from the reverse position. I'm a Christian and purposely seek out places like the school you have found. Would I send my child to a preschool run by avowed atheists who taught from an "inclusive" (love that word), secular world view? No way. Not even if I was desperate.

Um, you really have a problem with inclusiveness?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I'm trying to put myself in your shoes from the reverse position. I'm a Christian and purposely seek out places like the school you have found. Would I send my child to a preschool run by avowed atheists who taught from an "inclusive" (love that word), secular world view? No way. Not even if I was desperate.

Um, you really have a problem with inclusiveness?

I have a problem with what that word has become code for, yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This thread is so depressing. Too many of you are confirming how I already feel, that this isn't a good fit. In fact, when I asked the director exactly how religious it was, even she suggested that it might not be a good fit. So my choices are this, a place I thought was chaotic and kind of dirty, and a place that seems great, with great reviews, but he went there for 1.5 years and the last 6 months he told me often that he didn't like it and didn't want to go back. At the end, he seemed kind of miserable and I have never been able to get at the bottom of exactly why. I hate this.

Regardless of the religious part, read what you wrote - it is dirty, chaotic and you child is unhappy. Why would you keep him there?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I'm trying to put myself in your shoes from the reverse position. I'm a Christian and purposely seek out places like the school you have found. Would I send my child to a preschool run by avowed atheists who taught from an "inclusive" (love that word), secular world view? No way. Not even if I was desperate.

Um, you really have a problem with inclusiveness?

Inclusive is only in the sense they will take your child and money but they are not changing to consider your religious beliefs and respect them when it comes to your child.