Never a JW but the "Elder" gave me the book on Families to see how I would react. I never did get to fully discuss my feelings on how children were raised in a JW family with the "Elder" but as a single mother of two, one boy and one girl and they were raised the same to enter this big bad world as self sufficient ADULTS. My goal was by the age of 18 they should be able to make life decisions on their OWN!!! When I read in the book on Families that high school students were going to their parents for approval about school activities, the book took flight across the room and my blood pressure went through the roof. At what age will these kids become ADULTS will Mommy and Daddy be holding their hands forever. Both of my kids made ALL of their curriculum and after school decisions and college decisions on their OWN!!! They graduated with honors, have excellent manners and were brought up to believe in God but if they choose to follow a religion that is up to them.
I do not think the JWS prepare their children for life on their own in the least bit. They are not prepared to make decisions, they are not prepared to live on their own and far from critical thinking about any subject matter.
Rant over.