As parents, it’s natural to want to protect our children from the more challenging aspects of life. We want to shield them from anything that could potentially harm them or disturb their innocent view of the world. However, as much as we might try to hold onto that naive sparkle that charms most kids’ eyes, we must recognize that it’s not always possible.
One recent example of this came from Waukesha, Wisconsin, where a controversy erupted over a song choice for an elementary school spring concert. While most of the songs to be performed were innocuous tunes such as “Here Comes the Sun” and “What a Wonderful World,” one teacher chose a more controversial selection: “Rainbowland” by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton.
The song is about acceptance of the LGBTQ community, and while the message is certainly a worthy one, some parents and administrators took issue with the fact that 6-year-olds were being taught about sexual orientation at school. They felt that it was inappropriate to use a school concert as a platform for what they saw as performative activism.
Amid the uproar, the administration ultimately decided to nix the song from the performance, citing concerns that it could be perceived as “controversial.” While some have criticized this decision as bigoted or non-supportive of LGBTQ students, it’s important to remember that the school had a policy in place regarding “controversial” material, and it was simply following that policy.
The larger issue here, however, is the question of when and how we should introduce more difficult or mature topics to our children. While we might wish to keep them in the bubble of childhood for as long as possible, the reality is that they will eventually come into contact with these topics, whether at school, in the media, or through personal experience.
This doesn’t mean that we should abandon all efforts to protect our children’s innocence or shield them from harm. Rather, it means that we should be thoughtful and intentional in how we approach these topics, recognizing that children are capable of understanding more than we might give them credit for.
For example, when discussing issues like diversity, inclusion, or mental health, we can seek out age-appropriate materials or activities that engage kids in ways that are both informative and fun. We can use stories or games to help them see the world from different perspectives, or involve them in community projects that promote kindness or service.
Ultimately, the goal should be to help children develop the skills and resilience they need to navigate the complexities of the world they live in. We can’t protect them from everything, but we can equip them with the tools they need to thrive in spite of the challenges they may face.
So while it’s understandable to want to hold onto the innocent magic of childhood for as long as possible, we must also recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. We must be flexible, adaptable, and willing to engage with our children in ways that are both loving and empowering. Only then can we truly let them be children for as long as they can be, while still preparing them for the realities of the world they will one day inherit.
