While growing up in my family, I discovered that the "Grown-ups" used the phrase, "Nisht in front of the Kinder!" when I was around. It meant that certain discussions shouldn't be heard by the little ones. I would suggest that you set up some ground rules with your 17-year-old, to ensure that his friend keep controversial subjects away from children who are too young to handle them on their own. Because "You're the Mommy!"

What does her religious beliefs have to do with interacting with a 5 yr old? Does she sit and play legos with him and chant 'there is no God, there is no God'... Lady, I can see right through you just by your question. You are using your 5 yr old as an excuse so you can righteously refuse to accept a girl you don't like simply because she is not christian. Get a life. Simply because someone does not share all of your beliefs does not mean they are a bad person. Arn't we all God's children?

The only person you need to protect your 5-year old from is you!

Protect him from what? The fact that there are different beliefs out there? He or she is going to find out eventually. But if you really think that exposing your child to different beliefs will be detrimental and that they'll convert just like that, then just sit the girl down and explain that you don't want any religion talk in front of your kid, because it's such a touchy subject. This shouldn't be an issue. How hard is it not to talk about God? In any case, this girl is dating your son and probably wants you to like her, so even if you do come off as xenophobic she probably won't mind too much.

Burn her at the stake or hang her from a tree. It's worked in the past and I'm sure you'll still find a lot of supporters out there

Start with the nice thing "I think you are a really sweet girl and I am so happy Bobby can be with a girl like you, but..." Tell her how you can respect her non belief in God, but you would appriciate it if she would respect your beliefe in him. Tell her you don't think it is her place to take to your five year old about religion (come on can a 5 year old really hold a conversation about religion), you don't think he is old enough and your family has their own beliefs that differ from hers. Maybe when your son is old enough to form his own opinion on the matter they can talk.

So long as you are teaching your five year old HOW to think and not WHAT to think, they will be fine. If your religious beliefs are correct, and you have taught your child HOW to think, no doubt the child will grow up loving those beliefs, regardless of what he/she is told by their big brother's girlfriend.

I have tried to upgrade everyone's answer because I believe that you all deserve it for answering no matter what that answer is. I am sorry about the hateful person who keeps DRing everyone!

I understand what you're saying, Nightline, and I think it's great you respect your son especially, as well as his girlfriend. In the future, your five-year-old will be in the face of all kinds of opinions on religion. However, they won't be five anymore, they'll be more able to take it in, mull it over, decipher. So I can see that you're concerned for them now, as a young person's opinion can be influenced by those older. I wander how much a five-year-old can be influenced, though? Maybe it wouldn't be a big thing to them anyway, if they can't realy comprehend religion all that well. Still, kids are sponges, they do soak things in. Anyway- I think the best thing to do would be to take the girlfriend aside one day, and tell her how you are for her and your son and do not object to them, and you understand she does not believe in God, and you respect her opinion, but if she could refrain from saying anything that shows her disagreement to your religion in front of your young'un, that you would really appreciate that. Ask her if this sits ok with her? (and make sure that sounds [and is] sincere, as if she knows you're open to hear her opinion on this, she'll know she isn't being shut down). If she's a nice girl, she should respect this, as you sound like a person who doesn't want to hurt her feelings, and wouldn't ask this request of her in a way that would. You only want what's best for your child. Good luck :)

I would let her know that it's not appropriate for her to discuss religious beliefs in your home.

You know, I'm an atheist too and I wouldn't dream of forcing my beliefs on anyone. I'm not thinking your five year old needs protection if someone isn't out to harm. From what are you protecting her/him? If the gf is kind, considerate, friendly and warm, I don't see why "religion" needs to be in the mix at all.

Your 5 year old will not be protected by projecting a fantasy that everyone in the world shares the same set of beliefs. They do not. Preach tolerance as Jesus did. Tolerance extends to those who don't share the same beliefs as you. You are not without fault, so stop throwing the first stones.

I would talk to your 5 year old about it first. They're going to hear things regardless so it's best to explain it to them. Kids can understand pretty well that some people believe one way and some people believe another way. My 7 year old knows all about religion and the different religions out there and he understands it pretty well.