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I like to consider myself a “hands-on” dad. What I mean by this is that when I do something, even something stupid, I am usually fully conscious of my decision. I don’t make excuses such as I was busy or on the phone, rather my excuses center around having bohemian leanings, unusual upbringing or alien possession, the main point being it is impossible for me to judge what is considered generally acceptable.
More specifically, we let our kids watch such shows as “The
Walking Dead” and “Family Guy.” I was reluctant about the former because of
violence and the latter for sexual content. So if these are stupid decisions
why do I continue to allow viewing of these programs?
The short answer: these are two really great shows and I don’t
want to wait until after the kids have gone to sleep to view them.
The longer answer is that I trust my kids to be able to figure
out the satire of “Family Guy” and realize
that there is no zombie apocalypse (even in the American South) so looting
grocery stores and shooting everything in sight is not appropriate.
If the kids were showing anything but enjoyment from these
shows I would end viewing privileges. In fact, “Dr. Who” was forbidden from
being shown for a couple of years because the episode where the manikins came
to life freaked out the younger kid.
My kids do read books, see shows other than the abovementioned, and generally
compose their reality with a multi-faceted intake of concepts and images. I
want this intake to be diverse as possible.
At the end of the day I enjoy talking seriously about how I
would behave in a zombie apocalypse or what made me laugh while watching family
guy. If anything is disturbing to the kids I want it out in the open and
discussed.
We have two great kids with unusual and excellent senses of
humor, and (in theory) finely honed survival skills.
Works for me!
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