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#Post#: 39329--------------------------------------------------
Jehovah Witness
By: DaDancingPsych Date: September 26, 2019, 10:18 am
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I think I made a faux pas. I am required to recognize every
child’s birthday for one of my jobs. I did not know that one of
the kids was a Jehovah Witness and I made a big deal of her
birthday. Luckily the kid is 11 and cool, so she handled
everything with such class. (We could learn a lot from this
kid.) But I feel awful!
Going forward, how can I do better? Should I not mention her
birthday at all? Would it be better to take her to the side and
ask what she prefers? Will there be issues with her wishing
other kids a happy birthday? Is there anything else that I
should know about Jehovah Witnesses to avoid future mistakes?
#Post#: 39333--------------------------------------------------
Re: Jehovah Witness
By: Aleko Date: September 26, 2019, 11:11 am
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I would totally ask the child. If she handled it so well on the
spot she should be able to handle your questions.
#Post#: 39334--------------------------------------------------
Re: Jehovah Witness
By: lakey Date: September 26, 2019, 11:24 am
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You didn't do anything wrong. If she or her parents wanted
something that is different from the norm, they could have let
you know. They are used to having traditions that are different
from the majority. They probably aren't giving this a second
thought. Often in situations like this people will say something
like, "Sorry, you didn't realize we're _______, so I can't
participate. Don't worry about it."
I'm saying this from the point of view of someone who was a
Catholic child back when Catholics didn't eat meat on Fridays.
We never would have held others responsible for serving meat on
a Friday. We would just eat the side dishes. You get so used to
it, that you take it in stride.
With holidays coming up, it probably wouldn't hurt to find out
from the child or the parents how they would like it all
handled.
#Post#: 39335--------------------------------------------------
Re: Jehovah Witness
By: DaDancingPsych Date: September 26, 2019, 11:32 am
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[quote author=lakey link=topic=1346.msg39334#msg39334
date=1569515055]
You didn't do anything wrong. If she or her parents wanted
something that is different from the norm, they could have let
you know. They are used to having traditions that are different
from the majority. They probably aren't giving this a second
thought.
[/quote]
You are so right. This kid was so cool. She told me that she
doesn't celebrate her birthday as if she was telling me that she
preferred the color blue. This is really about me and my
feelings, so I appreciate the reassurance. Still, I do want to
try to do better in the future.
#Post#: 39339--------------------------------------------------
Re: Jehovah Witness
By: andi Date: September 26, 2019, 1:04 pm
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While I no longer practice, I was raised as one until I was 20.
Trust me, that’s not the worst thing she’s ever gone through.
She was taught to be polite and not make a fuss if somebody else
makes a fuss. If you have a parent teacher conference, I
probably just let her parents know that she handled herself very
well and that you do respect their beliefs. At the beginning of
each school year when I was in school, my mom used to meet with
the teachers and give them a little brochure about what we did
and did not celebrate to avoid stuff like this. But life gets
busy and sometimes people forget.
#Post#: 39342--------------------------------------------------
Re: Jehovah Witness
By: DaDancingPsych Date: September 26, 2019, 1:16 pm
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[quote author=andi link=topic=1346.msg39339#msg39339
date=1569521080]
While I no longer practice, I was raised as one until I was 20.
Trust me, that’s not the worst thing she’s ever gone through.
She was taught to be polite and not make a fuss if somebody else
makes a fuss. If you have a parent teacher conference, I
probably just let her parents know that she handled herself very
well and that you do respect their beliefs. At the beginning of
each school year when I was in school, my mom used to meet with
the teachers and give them a little brochure about what we did
and did not celebrate to avoid stuff like this. But life gets
busy and sometimes people forget.
[/quote]
Your perspective is helpful. I guess I need a brochure!
#Post#: 39349--------------------------------------------------
Re: Jehovah Witness
By: andi Date: September 26, 2019, 3:12 pm
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[quote author=DaDancingPsych link=topic=1346.msg39342#msg39342
date=1569521797]
[quote author=andi link=topic=1346.msg39339#msg39339
date=1569521080]
While I no longer practice, I was raised as one until I was 20.
Trust me, that’s not the worst thing she’s ever gone through.
She was taught to be polite and not make a fuss if somebody else
makes a fuss. If you have a parent teacher conference, I
probably just let her parents know that she handled herself very
well and that you do respect their beliefs. At the beginning of
each school year when I was in school, my mom used to meet with
the teachers and give them a little brochure about what we did
and did not celebrate to avoid stuff like this. But life gets
busy and sometimes people forget.
[/quote]
You can send a note home to her parents asking for one. It’s
very well laid out and explains everything from their biblical
perspective. I know it’s been a few years since I’ve been in
school, but I believe it’s still used or they may have an
updated one. I’m sure they’ll be happy to supply it for you
Your perspective is helpful. I guess I need a brochure!
[/quote]
#Post#: 39427--------------------------------------------------
Re: Jehovah Witness
By: Thitpualso Date: September 27, 2019, 8:39 pm
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I agree with all the others. You shouldn’t feel bad about this.
The girl in question seems to be mature enough to handle
something like a birthday recognition for a tween when her
religion doesn’t celebrate birthdays. She knew your heart was in
the right place and that’s what matters.
Jehovah’s Witnesses aren’t usually all that strict about what
people who do not share their faith observe. they may not
celebrate Christmas but a friendly greeting or a small gift of
cookies will usually not be considered an insult.
#Post#: 39428--------------------------------------------------
Re: Jehovah Witness
By: Runningstar Date: September 27, 2019, 8:43 pm
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Halloween might be a thing that the child doesn't celebrate.
#Post#: 39437--------------------------------------------------
Re: Jehovah Witness
By: bridalviolet Date: September 28, 2019, 7:39 am
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As a Witness, I really appreciate your attitude, OP. You did
nothing wrong, just didn't have the information about the
child's beliefs and once you did, you complied with them. Just
as a heads-up, you can get a lot of your questions about our
beliefs answered on our official website, jw.org. Hope it's ok
to put this here--if not, I apologize and will delete.
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