I believe this is my first post here, but I am in need of some parenting advice from some like-minded people.
I am a full-fledged non-believer with two kids (6 and 3). The 6-year-old is in 1st grade, but the 3-year-old is in a 5 day a week day care facility and it is bleeding us dry! $600 a month ($150 a week). My wife grew up in a very faithful house and went to a half-day preschool at the church they attended. It is still highly-regarded as a good, well-rounded preschool that focuses on education instead of babysitting, and 3-days a week is ridiculously cheap. We'd pay less per month than we are paying a week where they go now ($135 a month). And my mother-in-law would pick him up from the school when the half-day is done.
However, the program does put a heavy emphasis on a belief in God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. However, the curriculum does mention inclusion of "secular holidays" in their lessons about social studies. I think it would be a better education regardless of the christian teachings.
Even though it will only be for another 2 years before he starts kindergarten, I'm really worried that the brainwashing will set in that time. My oldest son, who has grown up not knowing anything about religion, except the occasional visit to church functions to appease the in-laws, has already learned a playground version of Christianity from his bible-belt friends at school. He came home asking about God, and when I told him I don't believe in God, he told me that I was going to Hell. Fun times!
Anyway, should I take advantage of the huge savings to my wallet and send son #2 to the church preschool, or keep paying for the non-religious babysitting day care facility?
Thoughts?
Thanks for the input!
I am a full-fledged non-believer with two kids (6 and 3). The 6-year-old is in 1st grade, but the 3-year-old is in a 5 day a week day care facility and it is bleeding us dry! $600 a month ($150 a week). My wife grew up in a very faithful house and went to a half-day preschool at the church they attended. It is still highly-regarded as a good, well-rounded preschool that focuses on education instead of babysitting, and 3-days a week is ridiculously cheap. We'd pay less per month than we are paying a week where they go now ($135 a month). And my mother-in-law would pick him up from the school when the half-day is done.
However, the program does put a heavy emphasis on a belief in God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. However, the curriculum does mention inclusion of "secular holidays" in their lessons about social studies. I think it would be a better education regardless of the christian teachings.
Even though it will only be for another 2 years before he starts kindergarten, I'm really worried that the brainwashing will set in that time. My oldest son, who has grown up not knowing anything about religion, except the occasional visit to church functions to appease the in-laws, has already learned a playground version of Christianity from his bible-belt friends at school. He came home asking about God, and when I told him I don't believe in God, he told me that I was going to Hell. Fun times!
Anyway, should I take advantage of the huge savings to my wallet and send son #2 to the church preschool, or keep paying for the non-religious babysitting day care facility?
Thoughts?
Thanks for the input!
