My dilemma in raising a child lies in determining how to pass on my value system or lack thereof. For example, let’s say I have really strong views about a controversial issue, like abortion or blog commenting. Should I just come out and tell the boy what to believe? Wouldn’t that risk a backlash/rebellion later on? Should I perhaps instead teach him the opposite of what I believe?
“Son, whatever you do, stay away from big hair bands and *gulp* arena ballads.”
Or should I teach him how to come up with his own values, and trust that he won’t humiliate me in front of a court of law or the local media?
I think that this latter is how I approach the issue, because frankly, I don’t watch television anyway.
But how do I indirectly teach him my views about controversial topics?
Well, I suppose I could hide subtle lessons within cleverly related stories…
/cue the ducks
Abortion
“Tristan, you remember when Tsi-Tsu was about to have kitties?”
“Yeah, they were cute.”
“They were, weren’t they? Wait. Do you remember how miserable she was before they were born?”
“She peed all over the couch.”
“Oh, yeah, I forgot about that. Goddamned cat.”
“Mommy says we shouldn’t say bad words.”
“Well, that’s her choice, isn’t it?”
Death Penalty
“Hey, what’s daddy’s favorite flower?”
“Dandelions?”
“Yes! Daddy likes them because everyone in the world thinks that they’re useless weeds, but they still have value. Daddy has a great deal of respect for anything that’s underappreciated.”
“And you like to wear yellow!”
“I do! And there’s nothing wrong with men wearing yellow, now, is there?”
/says nothing, kicks at dirt, looks away
“Don’t make me hurt you, child.”
War
“Which video game do you want for Christmas, son?”
“Something with fighting.”
/pulls up Call of Duty 2 on eCost.com
“FIFTY-SEVEN DOLLARS!”
“But it’s really fun!”
“Yes, it is, but sometimes, it’s just not worth the cost.”
“So we’re not getting it?”
“We’re gonna wait til it goes on sale.”
Immigration
“Remember back when we had dial-up internet and I threatened to have your mother deported if she wouldn’t get off the phone?”
“Yes.”
“That was wrong.”
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