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 Thoughts on Wiccan Parenting I've received some inquiries as to raising a child in a pagan/Wiccan household. The questions have been: "Are you raising your child to be Wiccan?" Answer: Yes. Question: How will you handle things when he's old enough to be in school. The only answer I have for this is that I will raise him with love and teach him to be loving and tolerant of all individuals, regardless of appearance, belief or lifestyle. Pretty much the same as any other household. My feeling is that you have to give your kids somewhere to start-be it Christianity, Wicca, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism or whatever belief structure you hold. When the child is old enough to make his/her choices, to be supportive and respectful of his/her individuality and choice. I told a friend of mine that very thing, and she laughed and said "Yeah, you watch-your kid will turn out to be a born-again Christian." I chuckled back, but honestly, he might! And if he does, I will be supportive of his choice, as long as he doesn't invade my personal choices with his beliefs. We have a special challenge, since our son was diagnosed with high-functioning autism in March of 1999. It's a very difficult thing to learn your child has a disability, and then to do what's best for him without changing who he is. I think one of the hardest things about raising a child is that I, as a parent, have many obligations to fill my beautiful vessel of a child with knowledge and joy, to protect and love him...and still know that I do not "own" him. He is his own person. It's hard to remember that when you see your child doing or saying things you know may not be choices in his best interest, but the most you can do is try to steer them in a direction that you believe is healthy and positive, without dominating, intimidating or damaging their self-esteem. It's a very big responsibility, this parenting thing...
So, what are your thoughts? E-mail me and let me know. I'll post your thoughts, and we'll get a dialogue going. Blessed Be! 
[What is Wicca?
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