Atheist Parenting Guide

[freedeepthink]

I am an atheist parent of two girls: a seven year old and an infant. My first daughter was baptized at the Catholic Church before I was an informed atheist, but I am no longer willing to have my daughters participate in any religious activities, i.e. contributing to the brainwashing of children. A couple of my oldest daughters friends go to a Christian School and innocently mentioned God a couple of times.

I haven't discussed religion with her yet, other than to tell her that all different poeple believe all sorts of interesting things. However, I am beginning to consider ways to address the subject with her so she is prepared to cope with belief/faith questions from others.

My wife is an atheist too, but less informed than myself on the subject. Her family is catholic and my family is Lutheran. We haven't come out as an atheists to either family or most friends for that matter. That is another topic...or is it? We live in a Southern California beach community that is pretty open minded so I don't expect to be ostracized from the community if we did come out as atheists.

Are you an atheist parent or were/are you a child of atheist parents that has deal with these issue and what were the outcomes? Any suggestions?

Thanks!