Another week, another hot parenting topic turned TV-appearance.
It was just another Wednesday when I got a text from one of my old producer buddies at CNN/HLN:
“Can you come to Michaela’s show today and talk about the Daddy/Daughter Dance that was cancelled in New York?” (Yes, I’m talking about the incomparable Michaela Pereira — smart, fierce, champion for all. Woman’s got it happening and I’ve always respected her.)
I jumped with excitement and then clicked on the news link that came with the text to see what I’d be talking about — my eyes rolled immediately. Another one of our harmless, innocent traditions that so many kids and families look forward to was cancelled because it “excluded” some. I texted back quickly. “I’ll be there.”
Before you watch the segment the below, I’ll say this in print: I do not believe in excluding kids for sport. I do not find joy in knowing that others might get their feelings hurt.
I do, however, don’t believe in shutting down traditional, positive, family-bonding activities and experiences just because some folks’ family situations might not be applicable to said activity.
I also believe in respecting others’ opinions, even if we feel differently about this. (I do. Respect.)
But seriously… where do we draw the line? Do we cancel Mother’s Day for all the children who have lost their moms? (No. We don’t. And we shouldn’t.)
Now keep in mind, one of the first questions I always ask my daughters after school is “Were you nice to everyone today?” I also followup with “Did you make anyone feel bad? Did you exclude a friend? Is there anyone you feel like you need to apologize to today — if you accidentally (or, purposefully) hurt their feelings?” So no, I am not a fan of excluding people — especially kids.
However, I am curious about how all of this rightful ‘don’t exclude’ policies that are being taken to another, exaggerated level (ie: cancelling innocent daddy/daughter dances!) are going to shape this generation of kids. Is this the new ‘everyone gets a trophy’ syndrome? Are we going to be inundated with adults who throw temper tantrums or go on wild violent sprees 20 years from now if they don’t get invited to their neighbors’ cousins’ uncle’s Superbowl Party because they never had to deal with not being a part of any given activity in any way during their youth?
More comments and fervor from all walks of life can be found on my Facebook profile (where I posted a snip of this video). I also did a Facebook LIVE just before going on-air that got some jacked up too.
WATCH the video, high-five, be enraged, share… peace and love. (My appearance starts around 2:30 time — after the setup news package). Your thoughts?
