The traditional image of a strict, religious mother as the ideal parent is giving way to a new perspective, says a recent Los Angeles Times article. Studies indicate that a secular upbringing may be more beneficial for children. A Duke University study reveals that children raised without religious influence exhibit lower susceptibility to racism and peer pressure and display traits like tolerance and reduced authoritarianism. The number of self-identified non-religious Americans, termed “Nones,” has risen to 23%, up from 4% in the ’50s, according to Pew Research. USC professor Vern Bengston, overseeing a major family study, notes that secular households provide a solid foundation for children, emphasizing ethical principles and purposeful lives. Surprisingly, atheists are notably underrepresented in prisons, making up less than 0.5% of inmates. A Boston University study also suggests that religious children struggle more with distinguishing between reality and fiction than their non-religious peers. The article concludes that secular morality, based on empathetic reciprocity, requires no supernatural beliefs.