What's That? By Golly, It's a Spade!

I try to keep my posts light. I think focusing on the humorous side of parenting really keeps me sane. We as moms try really hard to stay PC, never telling another mom that a choice she’s made is wrong. This is wise and kind. For the most part, we are all doing the best we can with a pure motivation of love for our kids. The pressure is so hard to “get it right” that we don’t need our own fears of inadequacy voiced by another person. There are a few things, though, that I think should be a no-brainer and yet I see it so much that I just have to comment.

The other night I went to see a movie (one that is clearly not for children) and there were four young boys sitting behind me. The youngest looked to be about four or five, the oldest maybe ten. Every time there was a violent or sexual act on the screen I cringed, wondering what must be going through those little minds. So, I’m just going to say what I believe. Children should not be watching violent and sexual images.

I believe strongly that “You Are What You Eat.” If you want a healthy body, you need to fill it with good things. If you want a healthy mind and spirit, likewise. There are images I don’t think adults should expose themselves to, not to mention our children.

What really disturbs me is the trend in society as a whole to believe that all images and subject matters are appropriate for children of all ages. Sex Ed for kindergartners? Why? Oral sex education for 5th graders? Madness. (Note: These programs were being discussed for public schools in Montana). If we all agree that a fourteen year old shouldn’t be having sex, then why on earth would anyone hand that child a condom? The argument that “they’re going to do it anyway, so let’s make sure it’s safe” is akin to “mass murderers can’t help themselves, so we should just make sure they’re properly educated.” It is the natural tendency of my toddler to want to run out into the parking lot unattended or eat junk food all day, to scream and throw himself in the floor when he doesn’t get his way (a behavior he has to LEARN to control) but I train him otherwise because, as his parent, I know what’s best for him. Does he still ask for cookies for dinner and throw tantrums? YES! But I don't give up on training him and just try to teach him "safe" ways pitch a fit. Do we not, then, train our teenagers in the same manner because it might be hard? I surely hope that's not the case.

Our children get to retain their youth and innocence for so short a time. What’s the rush? Why do we need to expose them to the harsh realities of adulthood before they’ve really had time to enjoy being children? If you could go back to believing the store running out of your favorite flavor of ice cream is the world’s greatest tragedy, wouldn’t you do it?

So much of parenting can feel like guesswork, but when it comes to whether or not my child should see someone murdered or violently attacked, I don’t have to hesitate. I know we live in a culture of Go Along to Get Along, but every now and again I like to call a spade a…well, you know.