My partner and I engage in open and candid conversations with our children. No topic is off the table — when they have questions, we strive to provide clear answers that suit their understanding. However, we remain mindful of what, when, and how much we introduce them to at each stage of their development. Yes, we unapologetically shield them from issues we feel they aren’t prepared to handle. Kids aren’t miniature adults; they’re kids, and they deserve to enjoy their childhood for as long as they can.
Some people criticize the idea of sheltering kids, but I hold the belief that innocence is a precious thing. It serves as a safe haven where children can learn to navigate life’s calm waters, building the strength and resilience they’ll need to face the inevitable storms ahead. Innocence isn’t meant to last forever, and it shouldn’t, but that doesn’t mean it should be discarded without a thought.
Considering how much more children are exposed to today compared to when I was young, the goal of preserving their innocence seems increasingly rare. I don’t need to elaborate on the vast array of content that’s just a click away. Even families who are vigilant about protecting their kids have encountered inappropriate material, and the prevalence of horror films during family-friendly viewing hours is shocking. Shielding our children from what they aren’t ready for is a challenge, but it’s one we should embrace.
I recall visiting a friend’s home where a children’s show aired on a popular network. The program was rated TV-Y7, indicating it was suitable for kids ages seven and up. In just ten minutes of viewing, I witnessed a scene where a teenage boy at a soda shop encountered his friend making out with a girl. After a brief, awkward pause, the boy asks, “Did you even know that girl?” to which his friend nonchalantly replies, “What? I bought her a Coke first.” The audience erupts in laughter. Really? Is this the kind of content second and third graders should be consuming? Without adult guidance to unpack the sexist undertones, what messages are kids absorbing? Are they learning that this is normal teenage behavior or that it’s okay to treat girls as mere objects who can be “bought” with a drink?
I can imagine some parents watching these shows with their kids and discussing the implications, but I suspect that’s not the norm. Most parents likely assume that, because the content is aimed at children, it must be innocuous. I would argue otherwise, and studies back me up; the media kids consume does have an impact on their development.
To be clear, I don’t want to shelter my kids from the topic of sex entirely. As they grow older, we have open discussions about it. However, I do want to shield them from unhealthy messages surrounding sexuality, particularly the over-sexualization of women and girls, and the relentless stream of sexualized images that permeate our lives, often unnoticed.
Having children has heightened my awareness of how the world influences them. I recognize that while I can’t protect them from everything, I can certainly be discerning about what they see. And shows like that? No, thank you. There are countless enriching activities and content that can inspire and engage them, such as art, music, literature, playing with friends, and exploring the great outdoors. Even watching films that are genuine works of art can expand their imagination and provoke thoughtful discussions.
So yes, I do steer my kids away from much of mainstream youth culture. Does this mean they might not always fit in? Probably. Am I okay with that? Absolutely. Fitting in isn’t a prerequisite for forming deep and meaningful friendships. I love that my kids and their peers spend time discussing their favorite book series or inventing imaginative role-play games. I genuinely don’t believe they are missing out on anything essential.
Some argue that children must be exposed to various experiences to learn. While there’s truth to that, timing is key. Just like you start seeds indoors in the spring, when the weather is too harsh for them to thrive, sheltering children during their early years can help them develop strong foundations. Gradually introducing them to more complex themes seems like a more prudent approach than throwing them into the deep end and hoping they’ll swim.
I contend that exposing young kids to adult themes and unhealthy relationship messages is detrimental, and I choose to shelter my kids — not indefinitely, but until they possess the emotional and psychological tools to process those concepts. Childhood innocence is fleeting enough as it is. They will have a lifetime to navigate adulthood; I want my kids to embrace their childhood for as long as possible.
Summary:
The article advocates for the importance of shielding children from inappropriate content and unhealthy messages for as long as possible, allowing them to enjoy their innocence. It emphasizes the need for parents to engage in open conversations with their children while being mindful of what they expose them to. The author believes that providing a safe environment helps children develop strong foundations before facing the complexities of adulthood.