Today a JW friend of mine related this story to me. She was at the park with a sister whose husband is an elder. The elder's wife had their four year old son, an only child with her. The mother sends the child off to play but tells him he is not to talk to any of the worldly kids or to play with them. My friend objected for she is a more balance Witness. But the mother insisted that her child would remain pure from worldy influences.
The little boy came back to his mother several times to tell her he was not having any fun. How could he, he could not laugh and play with any of the other children. The Mother then tells this young child "you have to make a stand against Satan" and admonishes him to stay away from the other kids and play by himself. This continued several times and then the mother eventually left with one sad little boy.
This nearly broke my heart I have to say. I have very fond memories of bringing my kids to the park and watching them play with the many oher kids. I could never understand why a JW parent would not allow this. The kids at the park are not talking about religion to your child, they are playing childhood games. And you are sitting right there with them! What does she think these kids will do to her child? Didn't Jesus say that young children were pure in heart. In addition to being sad, this made me very angry. This lady is damaging her child. He is completely isolated and will suffer from depression.
I remember this lady counceling me when I was in the hall because I left my son (then 7) play with a little nieghbor boy. I told her to butt out because it was my business. She then told me in a very proud voice how SHE does not even let her child outside because they live on a street with other kids. Isn't this totally ridiculous! Not only that, I think it is mental abuse of her own child. I was thinking of writing a letter to her anonymously and plead with her, using the Bible to have a more balanced view. I'm very concerned for this young boy and my heart is breaking for him.
Do you guys think I should write to her? Lilly