Wayzata Community Church Nursery School

If you don't want your kids growing up with some religious foundation, I wouldn't consider putting them in church schools. You have to figure out what your beliefs are and check with the schools you are interested in to see if they correlate. I'm going on my 3rd year of preschool at Westwood Community Church in Excelsior/Chanhassen border and have loved it. The kids are taught bible basics along with respect for each other. I volunteer there alot and am extremely happy with their programs.

If you don't want your child to learn about God don't send him to a church school. It will not teach him discipline, it will teach him religion. Instead invest in a parenting book on disciplining your child. I recommed a publisher of childrens books called Love and Logic (www.loveandlogic.com) I have five year old daughter who started to act up about 6-8 months ago, she was so defiant, I actually found myself argueing with a 4 year old, as if that was going to work some how. Oh, I was so frustrated. Anyway I found this book called "How to Discipline your Kids Without Losing Their Love and Respect" I found it very helpfull. My 5 year old no longer throws tantrums, she rarely backtalks, people are always commenting on how polite and well behaved she is (if they only knew). They also have a whole series of books to deal with age specific issues. Check out the website I sure you could find something to help, and it is a tool for you to use all through their childhood not just one summer. Good Luck!!

Your son sounds like a normal little boy with a new sibling. His acting out might be an attempt at getting attention since his new little sibling is taking mom and dad's time away from him. I don't know if putting him in summer school is going to change that, but if he's missing the social atmosphere of school and missing being with kids his age, then the school might be good for him. Learning not to yell for attention will come with time - don't give in to him when he behaves in a manner that is not acceptable to you. Tell him he's hurting your ears and you can't understand unless he talks in a normal voice. (when my kids did that, I covered my ears and pretended it hurt). Does he get much of a physical outlet? Does dad get down on his level to play with him? My guess is he's wanting something from Dad. Can Dad find ways to get him to be daddy's helper? Do something special with just him?

As far as learning religious stuff, that's definitely something you'll want to consider. Personally, I think it's great to expose kids to all kinds of religions (tolerance and diversity). Regardless, you will still be the biggest influence on him over his beliefs. Maybe you can visit the school for a day and see what you think - my guess is they are not getting "preaching" at all, but are learning about love, being kind to others, being helpful, having fun with games and activities, etc.
As a mom of two boys I can tell you they may not "mellow down" for a long time! Mine are 14 and 16 and just starting to mellow out a bit. :)

Research the place before you register him. Go there and watch a class to see what they teach and preach. Is is the spiritual side that you want or some help with obedience? YOu need to tour the places before you make the decision. Go with your gut. I have a 4 1/2 year old boy and he is becoming a little more aggressive and assertive. I think it is the age. Remind him that you are the parent and he needs to learn respect. At the same time he is testing you and his independence. Make sure the message they are sending is what you want your child to hear and you.