Protecting Children

We were watching the morning news and there was a clip of two young boys who learned that their favorite football player was being traded to another team.

The father recorded them as he told them about the trade, and the one little boy, devastated to hear the news, fell apart, letting out a big cry and stomping his feet.

The story ended on a happy note as they received shirts from their favorite player, from his new team. 

I didn't think much of it, but my husband reacted as I have heard him react before. I always appreciate his sensitive Dad perspective.

He observed that not only did the Dad record his son, most likely knowing how devastated he would be, but that the recording made its way to the public.

"What was the point of the Dad doing that?" my husband asked. I have to admit he was right. 

Now, as my husband pointed out, this little boy's terrible moment was published online for all the world to see, and then, it made its way to the national morning news show, which gave it even more traction.

We have always been protective of our kids' image and information being made public. I suppose most people would laugh at the little boy's reaction, but when you think about it, it really wasn't very nice that it was recorded and made public.

Would you want one of your worst moments recorded and published? 

As parents, we need to be responsible when it comes to our children. I have watched parents over the years laugh when their kids curse or are sassy, but that just encourages them.

At some point, most little kids say and do inappropriate stuff that make their parents laugh, but rather than encourage their behavior, it is best to just quietly laugh to yourself if you simply can't resist.

But record it for others to publicly see it? I don't think so.

It really doesn't matter if someone is 9 or 90, there is still such a thing as personal dignity. We have become a society where another's faux pas is an acceptable thing to be shared with all.

Parents, keep your kids' image offline. Don't share things that can potentially embarrass them--no matter how funny or cute you think they are. Teach them to respect themselves and others. Don't set them up so others will laugh at their expense. 

Again, respect their image and information, always.

It is painful (and shameful) when parents allow their children to be a punchline. 

Many of us may not think twice about a story like the one we saw on the news, being so desensitized to it as we are. I am so grateful that there are still dads in this world who understand that part of their role is to defend and protect children from being exploited. 

Janet Cassidy

Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

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