We understand that sports are supposed to tire them out. We understand that math is supposed to be hard. We understand that learning a new language takes time and focus. But then, for some reason, we shelter our kids when it comes to the world of ideas. When it comes to history. When it comes to literature. Even when it comes to movies.
We pick what’s easy, what we think they’ll understand. We go with what they like. We keep them away from things that might be inappropriate or offensive or morbid.
In a recent interview, author George Saunders explained:
Our daughters went to a really good school, and at one point this fifth- or sixth-grade teacher was teaching Ambrose Bierce, some of those really dark Civil War nonfiction pieces—beautifully written, very ornate and tough, and the subject material was dark as hell. Some parents objected to it. It was too hard. And they got rid of it. Nobody was saying that calculus was too difficult, that calculus was causing their kids trouble.
It’s crazy! How are they supposed to learn? How are they supposed to learn how to deal with reality, which, by the way, is dark and is difficult?
Ideas and discussions are not always going to be comfortable. Just like an equation, we have to work at them. Books are supposed to challenge our thinking, art is supposed to challenge our perspective. We are not helping them when we decide that real and true things are too hard for our kids to handle. We’re not saving them from anything either…because eventually they’ll come face-to-face with much worse than a painting or a play with some provocative themes.
As we’ve said before, don’t baby your kids when it comes to books and ideas. Teach them how to be mature enough to understand them, to learn from them, to grow from them.
P.S. It isn’t always easy watching our kids struggle or take on difficult challenges. That’s why we created our Daily Dad Luctor et Emergo medallion. It’s a tangible reminder for us to support them, but also let them challenge themselves—helping them build the confidence they’ll need for the real world.
Get your Luctor et Emergo Medallion at the Daily Dad Store today to help you remember to take a step back and let your kids “struggle and emerge.” They’ll be stronger for it.
