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 Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 7:57 pm
I haven't run across this yet, but as my daughter is getting closer to school age I have been thinking about it more and more.
My husband and I don't flaunt the fact that we pagan or that we practice magic, however I am still concerned about our daughter being negatively impacted for our beleifs and lifestyle.
I don't want her to lose friends because their parents find out that we cast spells or that we don't go to church..ever. Though I kind of figure that if it comes down to it most people are rational enough that we could work something out.
I know this one of those deal with it as it comes sort of issues. But I am a mommy and as such I can't help worrying about my little girl.
Just curious if there are any other parents here, what concerns they have, what situations they may have been faced with.
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Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 2:06 pm
I do not forsee parenthood in my near future, though I may have something to contribute.
When I was a child, a friend's father practiced witchcraft. I wasn't turned away from this at all, in fact, I think that is what may have sparked my passion for the craft; however, when my parents found out, they contemplated no longer letting me play with my friends.
Eventually, they saw how unfair this was. My father was eager to forbid, but being a stubborn child, I explained to my mother how harmless it was, and she reluctantly let me keep my friends. Over time, trust developed, and everything was okay. For other parents, I think it would be important that, if other children discover, that they understand what it is not.
We are in a day in age when the accepting population is accepting of even more. Unfortunately, the ignorant population is more bitter and paranoid.
My voice is totally inexperienced in this area, but I would think other parents would only want the comfort of knowing that you are not exposing their children to it. From what I understand, parents all have a dream of what their child will be once they have grown, and that is the only reason I can gather that they would want their children away from it.
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Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 5:57 pm
Not a parent, either, nor do I plan on being one any time soon, but...
My sister has held Pagan beliefs for some time, and it turned out the worse for her in middle school. When she was in grade 6 she did a speech on Ancient Ireland, talking about their gods and goddesses, and a student asked her a question as to why she chose this topic. She bluntly put that she believed in the pagan gods, and ever since most of the school has disliked her (thankfully she is entering high school this year, and won't have to deal with those people anymore). A lot of them even spread rumours about her being a "devil child" and demonic and whatnot. Stupid, really. So I'm not sure, I doubt that this would happen everywhere, but just make sure your kid knows not to flaunt their beliefs/parent's beliefs; be careful about what they say and to whom.
I can also say that my sister had a Christian friend; They've been friends since they were in elementary school, so for many years now. They're having some rough spots now, but it's nothing to do with beliefs. This goes to show that some people are accepting and willing to be friends despite opposite beliefs.
I don't know if that was helpful or hindering...definitely some negativity there, but life is full of both positive and negative - we need a balance in order for us to survive, right?
I just hope that things go well for your daughter and your family. Good luck!
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Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 8:20 pm
Your kid should be okay. She's young. Other kids are generally fine about stuff for the next couple of years... Besides, if you caution your child not to talk about it much it shouldn't, hopefully, come up, and then wouldn't be an issue.
But basically, yeah, there's not too much you can do about it... except move to somewhere where religion is less of an issue, I suppose.
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