1. Better nursery. Most larger churches (a) have a clean, child-safe nursery for your infant or toddler and (b) require some form of identification from the person who will be picking up your child afterward.
2. Better preschool programs for your child (while you attend grown-up church). Most larger churches (a) have warm and well-decorated rooms for every age and (b) require police background checks and child-safety training of every staff member and volunteer.
3. Better age-graded programs for children in grades K-12. Most (a) present a specific curriculum during the school year, (b) require at least two teachers, and (c) offer a range of quality mid-week and summer programs.
4. Better youth programs for your teenager. Most (a) offer separate programs for middle school and senior high school students and (b) offer a full range of weekend retreats and summer programs. Many offer small-group mentoring programs, as well.
5. Better marriage and family programs. Most (a) offer marriage and parenting classes and (b) publicize upcoming marriage and family conferences and retreats in your area.
6. Better library services for you and your child. Most offer a wide selection of books, DVDs and videos, CDs and audio cassettes, and other family-friendly resources.
Decide what other options to pursue.
