My partner and I engage in open and honest conversations with our children. No topic is off-limits; when they have questions, we strive to provide clear answers that are appropriate for their age. However, we are mindful of what, when, and how much information we share with them. Yes, we deliberately shield them from topics we believe they aren’t yet equipped to handle. After all, children are just that—children. They should enjoy their childhood for as long as they can.
There’s often a negative connotation associated with the idea of sheltering kids, but I see a great worth in preserving their innocence. This stage of life serves as a safe space where they can explore and grow, building resilience before facing the harsher realities of the world. Innocence is temporary, and while it shouldn’t last forever, it certainly shouldn’t be disregarded.
Given the overwhelming exposure children face today, maintaining their innocence seems increasingly rare. The internet offers a vast array of content, and even the most vigilant parents can find their children stumbling upon inappropriate material. I’ve witnessed this firsthand, including the alarming amount of inappropriate content that sometimes airs during daytime television.
Just the other day, I found myself at a friend’s house watching a kids’ show on a popular network. The program was rated TV-Y7, designed for children aged seven and up. In a short span of time, I observed a scene where a teenage boy was working at a soda shop while his friend was making out with a girl. The first boy awkwardly interrupts, only to be met with a dismissive shrug from the make-out boy, who says, “What? I bought her a Coke first.” This moment was played for laughs.
Is this really what we want our young children absorbing? Without an adult present to unpack the problematic messages about relationships, what conclusions are kids drawing? That it’s acceptable to view women as objects? That such behavior is humorous? I cannot help but wonder how many parents actually engage with their children during these shows to discuss the underlying implications. Most likely, they trust that content made for kids is innocent, but the reality is far from it.
Research supports the notion that media consumption impacts children. While I don’t advocate for a complete ban on discussions about sex, I do believe in protecting them from unhealthy narratives and images that overly sexualize women and girls. The constant influx of sexualized content is something we often overlook, but it’s a reality we must confront.
Having children has made me acutely aware of the influences surrounding them. I understand that shielding them from everything is unrealistic, nor would I wish to do so. However, I draw the line at certain types of content. There are countless enriching activities that can capture their imagination—like art, music, reading, and exploring nature; these are far more beneficial than the messages often found in pop culture.
So yes, I consciously keep my children away from most mainstream pop culture. Will this make them feel out of place at times? Probably. But I’m perfectly fine with that. Fitting in is not a prerequisite for forming genuine friendships. I cherish the moments when my kids discuss their favorite books or invent imaginative games with friends. I genuinely don’t think they’re missing out on anything vital.
There’s a common belief that children need exposure to various experiences to learn and grow. While there’s some truth to that, timing is everything. Just as you nurture seedlings indoors until the weather is right, providing our kids with a sheltered environment early on can foster strong foundations. Gradually introducing them to more complex themes seems far more sensible than throwing them into the deep end without preparation.
I firmly believe that exposing young children to adult themes and damaging narratives is detrimental. Therefore, I choose to shelter my kids—not indefinitely, but until they have the emotional tools to process those realities. Innocence is fleeting enough; they will have their entire lives to navigate adulthood. I want my children to relish their childhood while it lasts.
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Summary:
In this piece, I advocate for the importance of preserving childhood innocence by selectively exposing children to age-appropriate content. While some argue that exposure is necessary for learning, I believe in providing a nurturing environment until children are emotionally equipped to process more complex themes. Our children deserve to enjoy their youth and grow strong before facing the challenges of adulthood.
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