That goes to show that there is variability in how strict people were raised as witlesses. Those who had "weak" parents usually had more freedom, and hence they had a more normal childhood. Those include parents that allow children to go on class trips, have a lenient standard with music, and do not force the children to go out in field circus every damn chance they can and get baptized at age 6. Those people, while the witlesses did some damage, had it quite easy.
Imagine, however, a child who has to go out in field circus every chance they get. They have to get up at 5:30 in the morning on a school day, stay out until time for school, come back out at 3:00 PM, get the most spankings and beatings for trivial meeting-related infractions, and whose every move has to be perfect. Beyond that, they are going to get baptized at age 6 no matter what it takes. Medical (and sometimes physical) needs are put on hold awaiting that "new" order that keeps not coming. They are often told that there is no way they are going to do anything but pioneer when they grow up. Even after they are baptized at age 6, they have to pioneer every time there are five Saturdays and/or Sundays or they get vacation from school. Those children have really had it horrible.
Yes, absolutely! Add to that being told there are demons lurking around every corner. If you read a comic book, accept a birthday coffee mug, watch Casper....how do you think that affects a little child? I spent my childhood terrified that if I did anything wrong Jehovah would destroy me. I had nightmares about Armageddon. The example they always used at the KH of "tongues rotting out of their heads" and the literal meaning of that made me have stomach cramps.
The pictures in the Paradise book of the "wordly people" falling into a huge crack in the earth....screaming and being burned....while Jehovah's Witnesses look on cheerfully. As a 5 yo child, somehow I was very upset about that. I guess that's why Jesus said "be like little children," huh?
My point is, children should not have to be made to believe most of the world, including their grand-dad, uncles, aunts, cousins...are going to fall into that "pit" and have their tongues rot out. Children at age 4, 5, 6....should be playing with their friends, having birthday parties, thinking about their next doll, or a new game. Or watching Casper without being terrified demons are going to come for you.
I truly envy those who had sensible and decent JW parents. How different my life might have been if only.....
