Response to WWJD

Alright Dear Readers here we go! I am so excited!! Thank you Cara for bringing your problem forward for advice, I will do my best.

"Hi Jen (ok, so I knew that), I have a problem. I have been a member of a mothers group for almost two years, and I enjoy attending and making friends, but I have an issue. The parent organization is a christian group, which I was aware of, and was not concerned, and the group is sponsored by a local church. Childcare is voluntary and mostly through the church members. After the last meeting I went to pick up my child, and she had a Crown with a christian message printed large on it. I am not a christian, and I don't really want them indoctrinating my child in a religion I don't share. Should I simply stop attending, without saying why, or should I quietly speak to one of the steering committee on my reasons for leaving, and ask if the religious subjects be toned down in childcare? WWJenD?"

First off I am just like you. I am not religious and I have a hard time navigating among the "saved" as well. As far as your question of stopping cold turkey or speaking to the steering committee I would talk to the committee. In the last 9 months I have really come to realize the importance of having mommy friends. Real friends and mommy friends are sometimes one and the same but most of the time (at least for me) they are separate. I have found that even if I have different religious beliefs, or political beliefs, I need friends that understand what it is like to go through this crazy shit that we call motherhood. And despite our many differences I really enjoy and find satisfaction in commiserating with my mommy friends. I have even had the lucky experience of having one of my mommy friends become my real friend. And she and I couldn't be more opposite on politics and religion.

So my advice to you is to try to make the whole thing work because in the end you are the only one that can indoctrinate your child, one paper crown ain't gonna do it. Ask BK if you have any doubts. =)

Keep the questions coming ya'll, I'll post responses every Tuesday from now on.