...because it seems that you took the mother's contention at face value.
I just wanted to know if you had experience as a parent. Having children yourself, you must know that children at that age are remarkably self absorbed. From my experience, it seems somewhat of a stretch that children of their ages could, independently, assess and react to this situation, as they did.
My point is that if these children reacted as their mother claims, then they are mighty special. I don't believe her.
If it is true, than they have been brainwashed from a very early age. How they turn out as adults will be interesting to observe.
You have your child and adolescent psych all mixed up. It is the later teens who are extremely self-absorbed...age 16 to 20.
Children from age 10 to 15 are very altruistic, and have been at the center of many charitable and kind efforts. From 12 year-olds handing out blankets to homeless people, to 14 year-old Candy Stripers, to 13 year-old volunteers at the local Food Bank.
You greatly underestimate the beautiful character of many young teens...most of them Christian children raised in a truly Christian environment.
Because I have no other way to take it. I cannot sit 500 miles away and judge her any other way.
Having children yourself, you must know that children at that age are remarkably self absorbed.
I don't know that I go along with that statement 100%, at least as far as my kids ( and most of their friends ) go.
If it is true, than they have been brainwashed from a very early age
Please define "brainwashed" in the context of this subject. And how "brainwashed" differs from being brought up "properly" i.e. caring about other humans....