I have to admit I spend way too much of my time being utterly baffled. It takes me a little longer to process social data than the average person and I’m not sure if that qualifies me as anti-social or just plain awkward. When I think about it I really believe it’s all due to be being a parent, these kids are incredibly far beyond my understanding. I blame television, because that’s what you do, right? Seriously, I watched just as much tv as my kids do but they are eons ahead of me in intelligence at that age and I’m convinced it all has something to do with the type of television they watch.
‘Awesome’ kids’ fare
While I was their age I spent my television time glued to awesome shows like Thundercats, He-Man, Eureka’s Castle, Gummy Bears and Transformers, all classic in their own regards. Yet the programs my kids end up watching are filled with things my shows were not, educative material.
While I watched He-Man exact some Grey Skullian justice upon Skeletor my kids are watching Dora and learning a second language. Sesame Street just introduced their first autistic character to teach kids about autism and its very real social implications. What the heck Hollywood? I never stood a chance! Of course I want my kids to be smarter than I was but there’s a limit to just how much! At this rate I’m positive my kids will have my power of attorney by 18.
In all seriousness, I have great expectations for their generation, they are kind, generous and down-right intelligent. Even the manner in which we discipline our children may stem from these kids being so darn smart.
When I first became a parent, my wife and I decided we would be the type of parents that don’t strike their children, no spanking, no physical dominance whatsoever. I understand others may differ in opinion and that’s their choice.
I and my wife just feel we don’t have to physically strike little humans in order to communicate with them. So if you’re going to quote some obscure reference from a book that’s been changed thousands of times over thousands of years, I’m going to save you some time and just suggest you don’t. Doesn’t go far with me.
My kids respond to rational speech, they interact with us verbally and understand our house rules and consequences without the need of physical discipline. Of course, they don’t always obey or listen but thats just what kids do, there are bigger tragedies in the world than my kids not picking up their socks.
As we have continued to evolve as a species both biologically and sociologically, it seems ever more likely that we may finally be able to move beyond physical demonstrations of prowess and into a more intellectual and effective manner of communication.But what do I know? Blah blah blah…Millennial….Blah blah…snowflake… See I took care of you counterargument already, you’re welcome. Ever your public servant!