Schools call in Ed Psych's for JW children!

by dmouse 6 Replies latest jw friends

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  dmouse

  I was chatting with my 14 year old son today and he happened to mention that his teacher had recommended he talk with a ‘counsellor’. This was news to me, sounds like an educational psychologist and I was quite disturbed that they had instigated this without contacting us as parents.
  However, my son tells me that the counsellor said to him that she has a number of JW children ‘on her books’ (but didn’t give any details issues of confidentiality I guess), and that she was used to handling the sort of problems that JW children have! Apparently my son told her how ‘trapped’ he felt by the religion, with no possibility of escape until he was older, she said that she was hearing this from other JW children too.

  Does this mean that my local education authority has identified JW children as possibly needing psychological support? How many JW children in my area (East Midlands, UK)will be targeted? I am not a JW but my wife is, I just hope she doesn’t find out about this counsellor or she’ll flip.
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  Perry

  Maybe you should visit with the counselor yourself to get more information?
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  avengers

  Good idea.
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  JT

  yus i agree with others you need to followup and you are 110% correct

  YOUR WIFE WILL FLIP
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  RunningMan

  The fact that you recognize that your wife will flip is an indication that your son is right - he IS trapped, and is unable to truly speak his mind to both of his parents, although he appears to confide in you.

  If you go to the counsellor by yourself, he/she might feel obligated to include both parents. Personally, I would encourage your son to see the counsellor if he feels the need. You know that the counsellor will likely give good, objective, non-JW advice.

  I have a 14 year old and an 11 year old myself.

  I find it interesting that JW difficulties are recognized by professionals. Yet another indication of the "happiest people on earth" - complaining is forbidden.
• 

  dmouse

  Hmmm, never thought about it like that RunningMan, I guess you're right - they are the happiest people on earth because they aren't allowed to complain. LOL

  I do intend to follow this up, but carefully; I don't want to spoil the trust I have with my son. He can always speak his mind with me and know he'll get a reasoned and reasonable response. He shares things with me he would never share with his Mum, JW relatives or JW 'friends'.
• 

  Joseph Joachim

  I do intend to follow this up, but carefully; I don't want to spoil the trust I have with my son.

  I think that's the best strategy. I too grew up in a "divided home"; my mother has never been a JW (wise woman), but never confronted my father openly. As a result, my brother and I have a much better relationship with her than with my JW father, although my brother is still a dub.

  Sooner or later, your patience will pay off.