FOR PARENTS- how would you feel about your child becoming a pagan (wiccan)?

Question

i was schocked by my own mothers reaction to me first researching wicca, i falsly assumed she would be suporitive as she did not christian me as she belive it should be my own choice and is her self now an atheist. how would you feel about your own child following a pagan branch of religion? baring in mind that they were no off joining any form of cult and was a purly solitary practioner?

Answer 1

That would be fine with me, I've two myself. They must live life to the fullest, and for me to hold them back or to judge them because they have different views, would be wrong. Being supportive and understanding is one thing, but also protecting your children is another, research with your children let he/she know that you care, and that you want to BE and SEE your child's interest and for you to teach them responsibly of choices they make in there life. Parenting is about learning and growing with your children.

Live life how you see fit.

Answer 2

When I was in middle school I started searching for a religion and being Wiccan was on the stop. I will answer these questions keeping how I was treated back then. And I can tell you it wasn't good. 1. Are you open with your child’s teacher of your religious beliefs? Why or why not? -- I am an Atheist, thus I have no religious beliefs. Religion isn't something that can be preached in school so theirs or my religious beliefs should never be an issue. 2. Do you feel that your child’s beliefs are respected in the school? -- As a non-Christian I can tell you no. If someone doesn't believe in God and Jesus then they are made fun of by the other children, and often times the teachers that do believe in God try preaching to those students. This happened to be a lot when I was going to school, and even now that I am in College it's still happening. 3. Do you allow your child to participate in activities that are Christian based, such as Christmas (Holiday) Parties or Christmas (Holiday) plays? --Christmas started out as a pagan Holiday long before "Christ" was ever in the picture. Holidays for children are about fun and not nearly as much about religion. For a child Christmas is Christmas... It's only with time does the child relate that to Christ being born. 4. Do you feel that educators misunderstand Paganism? --I think everyone that isn't Pagan themselves misunderstand it. The only problem is that teachers have power over the minds of children and thus can sway their thinking. I had a friend that has a pentagram taken away from him by a Christian teacher. She then had him suspended. Yet, a lot of kids have crosses around their necks and nothing happens. 5. Do you pull your children from school on religious holidays? (Since Pagan and the ‘normed’ holidays fall on different days? --Most Pagan holidays fall on the same days a Christian holidays because Christians stole most of them for their own. Again I am an Atheist so no. 6. Do you feel that your child is accepted in the classroom? --I was never accepted in the classroom when I was Pagan, nor would I be as an Atheist. 7. What concerns do you have with your child's education? --That teachers focus on religions text more than science.

Answer 3

I used to be a Wiccan. My mother who is a Christian was profoundly shocked. She thought I had just sold my soul to the devil. She honestly believes that Wicca is worshiping the devil.

I know what the true religion, but I put myself in her shoes.
This is what she believes. I wish that I had taken the time to educate her, but I secretly practiced Wicca.

I converted to Islam and I knew that I had to tell her. Being who you are and hiding that from other people sucks!

If I as a parent found out that my child was a pagan or a Wicca then I would be fine with that even though that is totally against my beliefs.
I know from my own life that when people try to tell you how to live your own life then there is more of a possibility that you will rebel from their advice. Whenever my mom said don't do this then I did it! Yes, my mom has cried many tears for me.

Just show your mom that you are doing nothing wrong. There are several books for family and friends of Wiccans.
They address everything about Wicca and calms their fears.
Show her your books and internet sites.
That is what I did with my mom about Islam. I helped show her that there is nothing wrong. Do the same with your mom!

Answer 4

I remember very well, the reaction of my mother when she learned I was learning about it many years ago. She's a born-again Christian and she called all of her born-again Christian friends over to the house to attemp an exorcism. They were positive I was possessed because I literally fought them for three hours without tiring. Hello mom, you were a nurse once. Don't you remember what adrenaline is?

It's now years later. My mother's apologized for her reaction back then. She still doesn't approve of my choices, but we agree to disagree and leave it at that. She knows I'm not evil, so how could Wicca be?

Answer 5

I would just want to make sure that the child investigated all possible ramifications of that religious belief before strictly adhering to it. In other words, explore it but don't give away any thoughts of there being another or a better way. I am not Catholic but my daughter became one. I was interested in the process and their beliefs as opposed to what mine were growing up. Maybe your Mom should look at it more as an educational experience and learn from you!

Answer 6

It depends on the Wicca. A group like cuew.org, which I'm a part of, wouldn't bother me.

If my son joined some other groups which I will not name, I'd be heartbroken.

Answer 7

I would be fine with it. I have researched Wicca myself but so far I've stay Catholic. I would be fine with it. I'm thinking about sending my children to the Wiccan school in N. Carolina when they get older. That way they can be well informed of there options. At least i would know my child or children are peaceful and respecting the earth.

Answer 8

i am proudly raising 3 pagan children ages 9, 12, 14

give your mother the book called "when someone you love is wiccan" it's a great way to introduce her to your beliefs. i'm not sure of your age, if you're young, which could be a reason for her not being thrilled about it, but you appear intelligent, so i would think you're not a kid.

anyway, give her some time, and some knowledge of what you believe.

Answer 9

I'd love my children no matter what religion they chose to be (or not to be). They may end up being an atheist or they may not. I'll be okay with whatever they want to do. I want them to find their own path just like I did.

Answer 10

I'd be so happy they chose a peaceful way. I'd kiss them and take them to the store to buy them a bunch of good books on Wicca.