This morning my wife opened the door to yet another visit from Jehovah's Witnesses, but this one was different. A young girl about eight
years old attempted to deliver the usual spiel while two adult minders hovered in the
background.
It was no contest of course and she was easily brushed off,
but I’m not sure what I think of it. Our visit certainly brings home the determination
of adults to infect their offspring with their own standpoint, however outlandish and isolating it may be. Because it must be isolating and that provokes another thought about the Named Person scheme in Scotland, the legislation for which comes into force in August 2016.
Most children and young people get all the help and support they need from their parent(s), wider family and community, but sometimes they may need a bit of extra support.
Children and young people from birth to 18, or beyond if still in school, have access to a Named Person to help support their wellbeing as part of the Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) approach.
Total government is never far away these days. What would be the outcome if our young religious visitor happened to live in Scotland and decided to consult her Named Person about her doorstep preaching? If the legislation comes south we may well find out.
3 comments:
If the little girl doesn't melt your heart with her naive winsome faith, they'll be back later with a labrador puppy that can quote scripture. Every sceptic has their emotional price.
I've never understood how they managed to get the "Named Person" scheme started in Scotland, of all places. Scots are not known for their docile obedient nature. Someone should start a rumour that it was an idea originating south of Berwick, and it would be wrecked in days.
In many cases where parents seek to have their children grow up to share and follow the same beliefs it all goes haywire when then get to be teenagers. Some think that the best way to ensure they do something very different is to be as authoritarian as possible when they are young.
Sam - if their political loyalties are any guide, Scots seem to be more docile than their reputation. Canny though.
Demetrius - yes, it often seems to backfire. I knew a JW at school but could never see him continuing it into adult life.
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