I agree with Xena and with watching certain things when we know there is a child present. But to exclude someone is hurtful, we forget how hard things are at their age. It is awkward enough as it is being a child and teenager in all this.
Children have feelings too and should be encouraged to discuss these things. To stifle them and limit them is wrong. Are we so callous as to not include them in the healing process? They too have been through a trauma and could use a little support from their peers and fellow ex-jw’s. This attitude of tearing people apart has to stop or we as people will never go forward. Are we so selfish, to not include the children we claim we want to protect from the pedophiles and horrors of the WTS. Is there pain any less than ours?
I my self have came very close to leaving the D.B. because of the horrid attitude of some, but there are a few that have helped me salvage what is good on this board and on others.
I have been concerned about the emotional harm it can cause when someone decides to tear into someone else. You don’t know the emotional state of the other person, who is on the other side of monitor. I believe you should treat others with respect and kindness. One does not want to cause someone emotional harm and inflict anymore pain to someone. Unless of course that is your nature, if so then you need to seek counseling.
I believe the WTS has done enough to cause pain and suffering for many here. Let’s not inflict any more and remember the pain it caused us. And the pain it has; and is causing in our children too. We tend to forget that..
Perhaps, Simon would put a Children's section in, so the kids could have some "quality time" to speak with friends, who can relate on the Ex-JW experience. Yes, this is an adult board in some cases; yes, we have a concern when we have a child viewing certain things. But Utopian sounds like a responsible mother who monitors internet time and what she allows to be viewed. We complain and moan about what the WTS did to us, but don’t think twice about cannibalizing another person in the name of self righteousness.
Now we have caused pain to someone who was seeking support and was hurting. Regardless of a person’s age, state or being, they are entitled to seek solace. We just denied someone that…this is not our most proudest hour.
I ask you should we exclude our children in the healing process. What are we telling them by saying this is an adult board you are not welcome. I did not see an age limit posted, have you? Here we protest, scream and fight abuses to our children yet we forget them in the process of the very basic need, the desire to heal and share. I am ashamed of our closed mind in regards to this.
Utopian is the parent here, yes you could have questioned her. An allowed her child to feel included, validated and perhaps heal a bit from the sting of being shunned. Is that what we are about? ME,