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Dear Delriece...
I am the mother of Jenica, who made a neopet wiccan
website, she has corresponded with you. My 11 year old son told his
christian friend we are pagans, and got out the cauldron and did some
"spells." This friend told parents, who deduced we are devil worshippers.
What to do? Try and pass it off as "play" or be honest and say yes, we
are pagans? I am not out of the broomcloset, but do not want to live a
lie. Our town is small and is a mix of open minded and narrow minded
people. My concern is for the children (I have 5) being ostracized from
friends. What is more impoortant, living honestly, or protecting
children from pain?
Thank you for the work you do. Your response is appreciated.
Allegra in Grand forks BC Canada
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Dear Allegra,
Sooner or later, your children will run into people who have a negative view of Paganism. It is up to you, of course, to decide how to protect them from the disapproval of others. My first suggestion is that you supervize all play between your son and these Christian friends of his, so that you know he isn't being verbally abused by his friends or their parents.
I also advise that you have a talk with all of your children. Eplain to them that there are people who will disapprove of their beliefs. That this doesn't mean that the Christians think that they are bad kids, just simply that others may not understand or may have opposing beliefs. By the time your kids reach school age, and especially age 11 and 12, they are beginning to understand more and more that other people have different thoughts in their head than they do. If you can help them think critically about why people are treating them this way, they will be better prepared to face the inevitable.
Light!
Delriece
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