My partner and I engage in open conversations with our kids. No topic is off-limits; whenever they have questions, we strive to provide clear answers that suit their understanding. However, we are mindful of what, when, and how much information we share with them at different stages of their development. Yes, we unapologetically choose to shield them from things we believe they aren’t equipped to handle. Children are not mini-adults—they are kids, and they should enjoy that part of their lives for as long as they can.
While some argue that sheltering children is detrimental, I see the value in preserving their innocence. This innocence serves as a protective zone where they can develop resilience and strength before facing life’s more tumultuous moments. Innocence is fleeting, and while it shouldn’t last forever, it’s certainly not something we should discard lightly.
Today’s children are exposed to far more than we ever were growing up. I don’t need to elaborate on the vast array of content available online. Even families who are diligent about protecting their kids often encounter inappropriate material, like explicit content or graphic imagery in media aimed at children. It’s a constant struggle to keep them away from these influences, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make the effort.
Recently, I was at a friend’s house when I caught a glimpse of a show targeted at children on a popular channel. Rated TV-Y7, it was supposed to be suitable for kids ages seven and up. In less than ten minutes, I witnessed a scene where one teen boy approaches his friend, who is busy making out with a girl. When the boy asks if his friend even knows her, the reply is that he bought her a soda first. The audience laughed, but I couldn’t help but wonder about the implications of such a portrayal. What kind of messages are children absorbing about relationships and respect?
I’m sure some parents view these shows with their kids and discuss the content, but I doubt it’s a widespread practice. Many assume that kids’ programming is inherently harmless. I believe, however, that it can be quite the opposite. Research supports the idea that the media kids consume shapes their perceptions and attitudes.
Let me be clear: I don’t intend to completely shield my children from the topic of sex as they grow older. We have open discussions about it, but I do want to protect them from unhealthy portrayals and the over-sexualization of women and girls prevalent in media today. The bombardment of sexualized content is often subtle, but its impact can be significant.
Having children makes you hyper-aware of their surroundings and the messages they receive. While I understand that shielding them from everything is impossible, I want to create a nurturing environment. There’s a wealth of enriching experiences available to them—art, music, literature, outdoor adventures—that can inspire and stimulate their imagination more than mindless pop culture ever could.
Yes, I tend to steer my kids away from most contemporary youth pop culture. Will this make them stand out? Probably. Am I okay with that? Absolutely. Fitting in isn’t necessary for building meaningful friendships. I love that my kids and their friends enjoy discussing their favorite books and inventing their own games. They’re not missing out on anything vital.
People often argue that exposure is essential for learning, and while that holds some truth, timing is key. Just like planting seeds indoors until the weather is right, providing shelter during childhood can help them develop strong foundations. Gradually introducing them to the complexities of the world when they are emotionally equipped seems far wiser than throwing them into the deep end and hoping they’ll manage.
In short, I believe that shielding young children from adult themes and harmful messages is crucial. I aim to protect my kids not indefinitely, but until they possess the emotional and psychological skills to navigate these issues. Childhood innocence is too precious to squander; they will have their entire lives to take on adult responsibilities. I want them to savor their youth while they still can.
For more insights about parenting and childhood development, you can check out this other blog post.
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Summary: Protecting children from adult themes and unhealthy messages is essential for their development. While some exposure is necessary for learning, it’s crucial to choose the right time and context for those lessons. Childhood innocence should be cherished and preserved for as long as possible, allowing kids to grow strong roots before facing the complexities of adulthood.