When I was in middle school, I had a fleeting infatuation with a pop star named Alex Martin. This was long before he came out, and I naively believed I had a shot.
Do you recall Alex Martin’s catchy tune, “I Want Your Affection”? As a young teenager, I often pondered how inappropriate it was for me to sing along. Now, as a parent, my thoughts have shifted to, “What were our parents thinking?”
Decades later, it’s artists like Selena Gomez proclaiming, “Love is in the air, I don’t care, I adore the thrill of it,” and I find myself hastily changing the radio station before my preschooler memorizes the lyrics and sings them at family gatherings. (There’s a historical context to consider.)
The amount of questionable content that threatens childhood innocence in our everyday lives is rather alarming (I’m referring to you, sensational magazine covers at the grocery store), and it’s notable that most people hardly bat an eyelash. However, these concerns become magnified when viewed through the lens of parenthood—or what I like to call “parental goggles.”
With these goggles on, something that once appeared harmless or mildly annoying transforms into a significant threat that could corrupt my innocent children and potentially lead to societal decline. (Yes, I’m looking at you, Miley Cyrus.)
The unsettling aspects of our culture are evident from an early age. I once believed that children’s programs like “Blue’s Clues” and “Curious George” were entirely benign—educational even. Then I became a parent, and suddenly, Blue’s Clues morphed into an untrustworthy figure promoting tantrums, while Curious George became a mischievous character who teaches kids new ways to misbehave. It’s not exactly “The Real World,” but those parental goggles amplify disturbing elements I never noticed before.
Consider channels like Nickelodeon and Disney. I used to think of them as quality family entertainment, but now I see their portrayal of sassy, disrespectful teenagers who talk back to their parents as less than ideal. People remember Hannah Montana as the sweet girl next door, but was she really the best role model? Rude, right?
One day, while watching a Disney show with my nieces and nephews, I noticed a scene that shocked me. A teenage boy was making out in a diner with a girl, and when interrupted, he dismissed her with a comment about having bought her a soda. Cue the canned laughter. I was taken aback—not just by the content but by the fact that this was considered suitable for preteens. Many children consume Disney and Nickelodeon content without any adult supervision. Who doesn’t trust Disney? But every time I tune in, I feel compelled to shield my children from such influences, longing for a simpler time reminiscent of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.
At times, I recognize that these parental goggles are driven by fear and anxiety. I’m concerned about the impact of pop culture on my children’s character. I worry about the pervasive influence of mass media and consumerism and fear that my efforts to impart wisdom will be overshadowed by the torrent of negative messages surrounding us. I fear my children might opt for a more glamorous yet misguided path.
I understand it’s impossible to protect them from everything, nor is it a realistic goal. Just as children need to play in the dirt to build their immune systems, they also require some exposure to life’s complexities in order to learn how to navigate them. Perhaps occasionally, I should take off the parental goggles and embrace a little ignorance.
Yet, my inclination leans toward caution. My fears are not without basis. I don’t trust the entities trying to sell things to my kids or the entertainment industry that increasingly sexualizes youth. I’m wary of corporations that exploit trends to push whatever marketing strategy will maximize profits this month.
While some undesirable elements will inevitably find their way into our lives, we need not welcome them with open arms. There’s a significant difference between dealing with minor leaks and facing a full-blown flood. Similarly, there’s a contrast between children being left alone with negative influences and parents actively guiding them through discussions about critical thinking and discernment.
In our family, we chose to protect our children from many influences while they were younger. As they matured, we began watching shows and reading materials together, engaging in conversations about the media we consume and its impact on our intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We discuss the motivations behind the choices made by marketers and celebrities, analyze specific programs and scenes, and relate them to real-life scenarios. Dialogue is key.
Yet, my worries persist. Perhaps they always will. As time passes, these parental goggles may evolve into something like “Grandparent Goggles,” and I wonder how they will perceive the world. Perhaps today’s controversies will seem trivial in the future. Maybe things will improve, or perhaps they will worsen. Ultimately, I hope that by then, I will have gained insight into the notion that children are often more influenced by their parents than by pop culture.
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Summary
In summary, parental goggles can significantly alter our perception of media and cultural influences on children. As caregivers, it’s vital to engage in active discussions about what children consume, balancing protection with exposure to help them develop critical thinking skills. While worries about societal influences persist, fostering open dialogue and parental involvement remains essential in nurturing resilient and discerning children.