For Wiccans Only. When is it time to tell and teach children about your faith?

Question

I have always included my children in The Sabbats, But my oldest wants to have an altar and learn more about spellwork. The child is 10.

Answer 1

My husband and I have been Pagan since my daughter was born and we have been teaching her our Craft all along. She has a very firm understanding in our religion and feels very proud to be Mommy and Daddy's 'little Witchy-Poo'. I feel that families that are spiritual together, stay together.

There is nothing wrong with teaching your children the Craft, so I say just follow your own heart...only you will know when it's time to teach your child spellwork. Since he/she is taking an interest, then I would say that the time is now. I think it is wonderful idea to let him/her have his/her own altar, so he/she can pray, meditate and commune with the Ancient Ones in his/her own, personal way. The only advice I have for letting your son/daughter have his/her own altar is to not allow him/her to have candles, matches and/or an athame. Children are not ready to handle these things yet. If he/she needs something to focus his/her power, then let him/her have a wand instead of an athame, oil instead of incense, etc..

My stepson is 10 years old as well, and my hubby and I started teaching him a year or so ago. He is learning at an unbelievable rate, and knows more then most adults. He is very good at spellwork and my hubby and I are so proud of him. :-) So if our 10 year old can do it, then yours can too.

I hope this has helped and good luck!

P.S. Don't listen to these Bible thumpers. You didn't ask anyone to pray for you, so they just need to let you be. I hate close-minded, stupid people, don't you?

Answer 2

I didn't take up my faith till I was about 20, but allowed by a very open minded mother to learn the tarot and rune casting by 8th grade so.... 12-13... as well be allowed to "try out" different religions. Knowing that she already takes part in some aspects of it make me think that if you start with one item at a time, and only when she fully understands, say the alter, and why we have it, why we use it, etc. she could move on.

Answer 3

I'd start helping him/her learn more. As for the altar, let him/her have one. It's up to you & the child on how to handle this. My son's content to participate in my rituals whenever he wants to. Just make sure your child is wanting to learn the Craft, not to get back at someone or something that's been done to him/her.

Answer 4

I think anytime is a good time. If they really want to learn, teach them. Its not like you have a church that you can go to and explain all the minor details, plus no one knows how to teach your child better than you. Go for it. She can have a mini altar next to yours, it would be a good experience.

Answer 5

If your oldest is showing interest in the arcane arts, then it's important that he/she learns how to work with magic under the guidance of someone more experienced. It helps them learn how to use it correctly and responsibly.

My father started teaching me about the magics involved with my family's beliefs (Druidism) when I was 4 years old, and was always under the supervision of either him or my grandfather when practising it until he was sure that I could use it in a safe and responsible manner.

Answer 6

My 3 yearold says goodnight to the goddess each night. She decided to do it by herself. My partner and I don't say good night like she does but it's very cute.
I think you should teach your children so they don't learn from "other people". Also you will know what feels right, if a child asks answer. We don't want to raise mis-informed witches/pagans.

Answer 7

When your child is old enough to understand and participate. That goes for any religion a child is raised in. What you teach your child from the beginning stays with her.

Answer 8

i'm not wiccan, sorry, but i think i can answer your question.

i think that giving your child information is never harmful. teaching them the correct way of doing something yourself saves them from looking to other, less accurate, sources.

Answer 9

Yes, that's about the right age. (8-12 is, in my humble opinion, depending on their interest and maturity.) Ask her motivations, and if they are pure, I would give her guidance and encouragement. Blessed be...

Answer 10

I AM PRAYING FOR YOUR FAMILY NOW THAT YOU WILL LEARN THAT THE LORD IS WHO YOU NEED. READ THE BIBLE, GO TO CHURCH. WHAT YOUR DOING IS AGAINST GOD. I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT AS A PARENT YOU WILL COME TO YOUR SENSES BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.