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Seeing Through Parenting Lenses
Back in junior high, I had a major crush on a pop star named Jordan Michaels. This was before he publicly came out, so I thought I had a shot. Remember his hit song, “I Want Your Love”? As a young teen, I felt a little weird singing along, but now, as a parent, I’m left wondering what on earth our parents were thinking.
Fast forward to today, and it’s artists like Bella Thorne crooning, “Love in the air, I don’t care, I revel in it.” I find myself quickly switching the radio station before my kindergartener picks up the lyrics and starts singing them at family gatherings. (Trust me, been there, done that.)
It’s startling how much questionable content sneaks into our lives—especially those tabloid covers at the grocery store checkout. Most folks brush it off, but once you start viewing the world through the lens of parenthood—what I like to call “parenting goggles”—everything takes on a different hue.
Through these goggles, what once seemed harmless or just mildly annoying transforms into a catastrophic threat to my children’s innocence and the very fabric of society. (I’m looking at you, Tiffany.)
The unsettling reality that parenting goggles reveal starts early. I used to think shows like “Doodle and Friends” and “Bobby and Friends” were innocuous—maybe even educational. Then I had a 3-year-old, and suddenly, Doodle turned into the obnoxious kid who throws tantrums and whines incessantly. Meanwhile, Bobby and his pals became the embodiment of sibling rivalry, showcasing inventive ways to insult each other. It’s no “Jersey Shore,” but those parenting goggles definitely amplify the unsettling details I never noticed before.
What about channels like Cartoon Universe or Fun Channel? I thought they offered quality family programming—boy, was I wrong. Now, they feature snarky, disrespectful teens who constantly talk back to their parents. People remember her as the sweet girl before she got all sassy, but Samantha from “Dance Party” was no role model herself. Talk about rudeness!
Once, I was hanging out with my nieces and nephews while they watched a show on Fun Channel. It was rated for ages 7 and up. A teenage boy was at a diner, making out with a girl. That alone felt inappropriate for a kids’ show. Then, his buddy walked over, cleared his throat, and the make-out boy dismissed his date with “What? I bought her a soda first.” Cue the canned laughter.
I was flabbergasted. Not that such scenes exist (there are worse things out there), but I couldn’t believe this was on a show aimed at preteens. Many kids watch those channels without any adult supervision. Who wouldn’t trust a brand like Fun Channel? But every time I tune in, I feel like hiding my kids away in a room with nothing but “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” on repeat.
Sometimes, I recognize that these parenting goggles are just my fears and worries manifesting. I dread the impact pop culture might have on my children’s values. I fret over mass media and consumerism and worry that my efforts to teach them wisdom will get drowned out by the tidal wave of nonsense surrounding them. I’m terrified they’ll decide it’s easier to jump onto the yacht with Justin Bieber.
I know I can’t shield them from everything, nor do I want to. Just like letting kids play in the dirt helps build their immune systems, a little exposure to the less savory aspects of life helps them learn how to navigate those waters. So, sometimes I think about taking off the parenting goggles for a bit of blissful ignorance.
But then again, I lean toward caution. My apprehensions aren’t unfounded. I don’t trust the corporations marketing to my kids. I don’t trust the entertainment industry pushing adult themes on younger audiences. I don’t trust companies that exploit popularity to push whatever makes them a quick buck this month.
While these influences will inevitably seep into our lives, we don’t have to welcome them with open arms. There’s a vast difference between mopping up a spill and dealing with a full-blown flood. And there’s a significant distinction between kids consuming this content alone and parents engaging them in discussions about critical thinking and discernment.
We made a conscious choice to shield our kids from many things when they were younger. As they’ve grown, we watch and read together, having discussions about what we allow into our lives. We talk about how the media we consume affects us emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. We dissect why marketers and celebrities make the choices they do. We analyze specific shows and real-life scenarios. We communicate a lot.
Yet, I still worry. Maybe I always will. These parenting goggles will eventually turn into Grandma Goggles, and who knows how they’ll view the world then. Perhaps the outrageous behaviors of the 2010s pop culture will seem tame in comparison. Maybe it’ll be better. Maybe worse. Hopefully, by then, I’ll have learned that kids are more influenced by their parents than by external trends.
I certainly hope so.
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Summary
The article reflects on the challenges of parenting in a media-saturated world, highlighting how perceptions shift once you become a parent. It discusses the importance of being aware of the influences on children and the need for open discussions about media consumption. The author shares personal anecdotes and worries, ultimately advocating for a balanced approach to exposing children to the world while maintaining healthy boundaries.