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One of the bigger shortcomings in the Canadian atheist community (in my humble opinion, of course) is the lack of resources/groups for secular families.  As far as I know, there’s only one secular parenting group in Canada (though I would LOVE to be corrected in the comments!).  That said, I realize that the secular parenting movement is still fairly new, so I’m hoping in the next few years we can build some momentum and get some more groups going up here in the Great White North.

Until that time, here are some great resources I’ve been coming across over the last few weeks that I’d thought I’d share:

  • SocraticMama:  a new website/community started by Anne Crumpacker, the mom of  9-year-old Mason (who infamously asked Christopher Hitchens “What should I read?” last month at the Texas Freethought Convention).  The SocraticMama site is meant to be a “a place where ideas are judged on merit alone, where questions are explored, and where adults and kids can come together to puzzle about life’s wonders.” It’s still new, so go check it out!
  • Speaking of Mason, here’s an inspiring interview with her in this past Sunday’s Dallas Morning News.  My favorite bit:

Why did you decide it was important to ask a question of Hitchens? Because I had just found out that he was dying, and he’s a brilliant man. And I felt that his knowledge of the world shouldn’t be wasted, and that someone should continue what he started.

Where will he go when he dies?

Nowhere.

Did he answer you the way you expected to be answered?

Yes. He was very honest to me and very, very nice. I think all adults should be honest to kids with their answers and take them seriously. They’re living people, too. I especially hate when adults dumb it down for me.

  • Another site to check out for musings on secular parenting is the Parents Beyond Belief blog.  This is a resource for secular parenting groups and religion-free parenting approaches — the blog features posts by a variety of contributors, with topics ranging from the perils of secular homeschooling to Camp Quest experiences to reflections on teaching your child critical thinking skills. [disclosure: I help edit the blog -- so if there are any Canadian secular parents who would like to contribute, contact me!]
  • Here’s another good blog on secular parenting: Relax, It’s Just God by Wendy Thomas Russell. I really like her writing style, and it’s a place where “you’ll find suggestions and encouragement for modern, secular
    parents ready to talk to their kids about God.”  Check it out.
  • Finally, there’s a newly-formed Facebook group that’s targeted to secular mamas: Mothers Beyond Belief.  It’s only been around for about 5 days, in in that time, we’ve gotten over 500 members! It’s a private group, meant to be a resource/support for secular moms.  I help to admin the group, and I can attest to it being a great group of women to interact with!

So, there you have it.  If you have any resources/links you’d like to share, feel free to pass ‘em along.