How do you deal with a religious family?

[LarissaAnn]

I don't mind if my son goes to church, but I don't want religion to be pressured onto him. I will teach him about what other people believes, and I will tell him what his parents believe, but I do not want other people brainwashing him with their beliefs.

You are already a wonderful mother. The way you're approaching parenthood reminds me of George Carlin's "Teach your children to question EVERYTHING" quote which is a wonderful way to bring up a child I think, with an open mind to everything.

I wish I had some stellar advice for you. I haven't come out to my family and friends as an atheist either yet very much want to have the courage to do so.

One day I will, but it will be when I'm ready. I know you probably feel like the clock is ticking for your situation because everyone is asking when you plan to have your son baptized, but I'll say it anyway, come out when you're ready. If you do so under pressure it may not go as well as you want it to.

Remind them that these are your feelings, your beliefs, and that they don't harm or affect their own faith that you still support them having their beliefs (if that is the case) and that you're not asking them to believe as you do you're just asking them to hear and see you.

Be prepared for the worst and don't act until you're sure you can face the worst if it happens...but at the same time hope for the best. Sometimes you never know how people will react.