Have you ever wondered how you, as an educator, should deal with a neo-Nazi family in your group? I (name known to the editors) asked myself this question a few years ago and didn't have a good answer. This thought unsettled me, and I decided to delve deeper into the topic, pursue further training, and find answers to some questions.
How are children raised in a neo-Nazi family?
There is no single, unified educational ideal within the far right, but many aim to raise their children ideologically. Far-right parenting guides are often consulted, frequently recommending a pedagogy with little attachment, denying bonding and affection. Well-known parenting guides from the Nazi era, such as "The German Mother and Her Child" by Johanna Haarer or by Mathilde Luddendorff, the founder of the antisemitic and nationalist movement "League of German God-Knowledge," are still used in this context today.
The aim is not to allow the children to develop freely and pursue their own interests; rather, the children are expected to follow in their parents' far-right footsteps. The upbringing in many neo-Nazi families is highly authoritarian, and shared ideals include toughness, discipline, obedience, loyalty, camaraderie, and a sense of duty.
Children are instilled with fear from an early age through stories of alleged threats, catastrophes, or war. This is particularly evident in the case of the völkisch settlers. The only solution to these ongoing "threats" is seen in the "national community." More information on "völkisch settlers"
The new right and their children (Documentary Kulturjournal, available until 31.01.2023)
What are some signs of growing up in a neo-Nazi family?
Early childhood educators and teachers often perceive children from neo-Nazi families as very quiet and report that they respond without question, almost obeying orders. These children are frequently very well-behaved but appear overly compliant and intimidated. Due to the contrasting experiences at home and in daycare, the children don't always manage to behave inconspicuously. The different aspects of their socialization are incompatible for them, which can overwhelm them. This can lead to, among other things, loyalty conflicts.
Children are deliberately denied access to different walks of life. But when they then start attending daycare or school, they suddenly have to cope in the democratic society, which is portrayed as the enemy. Their parents swear them to secrecy; nothing about home or family life is to be revealed.
Children's play behavior often reveals aspects of their upbringing. For example, some children express that they only want to play with certain other children because this rule was imposed on them at home. Other children draw runes (even forbidden ones) or reproduce racist remarks from home in role-playing games.
Older children from neo-Nazi families are often encouraged to seek confrontation at school and promote their ideology. Violence is omnipresent and is especially expected of boys. This is intended, among other things, to foster their "readiness to defend themselves" and to give them a form of expression of toughness.
How might child endangerment manifest itself specifically in a neo-Nazi family?
The explanatory video from the specialist unit on right-wing extremism and family provides some specific information on child welfare risks that can occur particularly in neo-Nazi families:
YouTube video: Child endangerment in neo-Nazi families
One indication of child endangerment might be that children are subjected to harsh training, such as long forced marches or witnessing physical and psychological abuse. An authoritarian parenting style, governed by strict hierarchies, can also be a sign of child endangerment. This includes situations involving humiliation or degrading methods, such as the children being "toughened up" through insufficient food and inadequate clothing.
Whether children have access to conventional medical care can also be an indicator of potential child endangerment. since the death of a four-year-old girl in Saxony-Anhalt from diabetes because her parents, driven by ideological conviction, refused to administer insulin.
The indoctrination of misanthropic ideas and violent upbringing have significant effects on children's worldview, their behavior in society, and their development. The brochure "Functionalized Children" offers support specifically for professionals in the fields of law and (social) pedagogy.
How can I deal with such a case?
Child welfare at the forefront: I've learned that it's important not to lose touch with children and to always keep their well-being in mind. After all, children in kindergarten and primary school can experience democratic processes, participation, and diversity very well – and learn from them. This shows children an alternative path, also relevant to their adult lives.
Protection and safeguarding policies: It is also about protecting other children who may experience (racist/anti-Semitic) discrimination from the neo-Nazi-influenced children or their parents. Solidarity should be shown to colleagues who fit the family's image of the enemy or who are targeted as political opponents and receive threats. Discussing safeguarding policies within the team can be helpful in this regard.
Peer consultation: Peer case consultation and supervision can help the team find a way to deal with the situation and reflect on it. By adapting the mission statement, which enshrines the institution's democratic values, the professionals have a basis for setting clear boundaries in the face of misanthropic remarks.
Who can these professionals, e.g., from daycare centers or schools, contact in Bremen in such cases? Where can they find information and advice? How should I react?
Generally, it's always important to familiarize yourself with the topic and acquire knowledge. This allows you to assess and evaluate situations. Your own safety and that of your team should be considered, and measures should be taken if necessary, for example, having your registered address blocked to prevent threats by mail or at your doorstep.
There are nationwide counseling centers that professionals can contact. Counseling can strengthen their ability to act and long-term support is also possible. Expert counseling services are available for parents and relatives who have questions or uncertainties.
Advice centers for relatives, interested parties and educational professionals:
The Center for Right-Wing Extremism and Family (RuF)
offers consultations for families, relatives, and professionals in child and youth welfare services who are confronted with right-wing extremist families and are seeking support and options for action. Target groups include, among others, daycare centers, staff from youth welfare offices, family counseling centers, midwives, and child protection centers.
In 2023, the RuF specialist center is offering a modular further training course for professionals:
“Counseling in the context of right-wing extremism and family” 2023
>> Change of Perspective (Bremen)
The exit and distancing counselling is aimed at professionals, caregivers and interested parties.
>> Perspective Exit – Association for the Promotion of Democracy and Prevention of Right-Wing Extremism eV
The offer of the civil society distancing and exit counselling service of the state of Bremen is aimed at people who want to leave extreme right-wing structures or are in the process of coming to terms with them.
>> Mobile advisory team against right-wing extremism Bremen and Bremerhaven:
Advice and support for all questions and concerns in the areas of right-wing extremism, racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of group-related hostility in Bremen and Bremerhaven.
>> Support for parents and relatives of right-wing extremist youth (RuF specialist center)
Institutions from the state advisory network offer information and advice for parents and relatives of right-wing extremist youth seeking help.
Nationwide information and advice:
>> The specialist unit for right-wing extremism and families
offers consultations for families, relatives, and professionals in child and youth welfare who are confronted with right-wing extremist families and are seeking support and courses of action. Target groups include, among others, daycare centers, staff from youth welfare offices, family counseling centers, midwives, and child protection centers.
>> Brochure “The Hide and Seek”
More information on the lifestyle, symbols and codes of neo-Nazis and the extreme right.
The Association of Counseling Centers for Victims of Right-Wing, Racist, and Anti-Semitic Violence
provides counseling and support to victims of right-wing, racist, and anti-Semitic violence in all German states. The professional counseling and support offered by these centers is aimed at those directly and indirectly affected, their relatives, and witnesses of an attack.
>> Federal Association of Mobile Counseling
The Federal Association of Mobile Counseling eV (BMB) is the umbrella organization of 50 mobile counseling teams nationwide, which provide advice on dealing with right-wing extremism, racism, anti-Semitism, conspiracy theories and right-wing populism.