I've seen several lists of "warning signs" for parents that include such things as interest in the occult, Wicca, paganism, heavy metal, vampires etc. etc. etc.
Would you consider your child's interest in such things as a "warning sign"? If so, a warning sign of what? And how would you handle it?
It's a warning sign of adolescence. As kids are transitioning into adulthood, they need to sort out their own identity and practice independence. Going to the opposite extreme of parental expectations is one way to practice being an individual apart from the family. It usually works; parents freak out and much drama ensues.
The way I would handle it is to give the kids enough room to be independent but still keep enough of an eye on what's going on to make sure they don't do anything too risky.
No. If my child is interested in any of those things, that is fine with me because I am interested in such things, and so are my parents, in-laws, and fiance. I will not tell him (my son) to be interested in them because he has the freedom to believe in things he chooses, but I will not shun them from him.
Wicca is a religion. Siince when is interest in a path other than blind ignorance and hate something to deem needing warning? That makes no sense at all.
S
It shouldn't be a warning sign for anything. I was a teen when I found Wicca, and I really just wanted to better myself. Naturally my parents didn't understand, but that's because parents these days don't do the research and try to UNDERSTAND their children instead of freaking out and arguing.
I would take it as a warning sign that they are exercising their imagination, developing and defining their identity, beginning to assert their autonomy from their parents. Kids thinking for themselves.
I was a Christian for over 20 years. I have been a Wiccan for almost 20 years. I have also been a parent for 20 years.
I think Christians make a mistake when they turn their child's interest in another religion into an opportunity to rebel.
Most kids who get interested in Wicca don't know what it is really about... not that it's about anything bad, far from it. Wicca is very uplifting and fulfilling and positive. But kids just see it as something exotic and different.
Most Teena's interest in Wicca would be short-lived... Wiccan groups & teachers won't accept minors and if they go asking real Wiccans what to do, they are going to be told to study and meditate-- 2 things that make kids lose interest rather quickly.
The thing is, if the child's interest in Wicca is truly sincere, it's not something that is going to go away and eventually they will be an adult. And if it's a passing fancy, when they learn it is not special effects and hocks pocks but an actual religion & study & meditation, they'll pass right over it eventually. It is the parents going nuts that tends to turn their attraction to Wicca into a stand for independence.
Xtian parents: is Wicca a warning sign?
