October 6, 2016
Recently, I experienced a striking moment of parenting. My kids and I were gathered around the kitchen table, casually snacking on graham crackers while listening to the radio, when a familiar squabble erupted between my two young boys. As their playful hitting escalated, I called out, “Hey, no hitting! We don’t behave that way with family.”
At that very moment, the voice of a prominent political figure crackled through the speakers. “I was going to hit this guy so hard, his head would spin,” he remarked about a rival speaker at a political event. I quickly silenced the radio, aware that my attempts at fostering kindness were being overshadowed by the aggressive rhetoric of a candidate for president.
This juxtaposition highlights the challenges of parenting in today’s political climate. As I strive to teach my children the importance of thoughtful communication and respect for others, I am confronted by the actions of a public figure who seems to embody the very opposite values. This isn’t an isolated incident; I often find myself reminding my children to refrain from name-calling, even as they hear a major political candidate hurling derogatory nicknames at his opponents. As I emphasize respect and kindness, that same candidate is on the television, mocking individuals with disabilities.
The disparity between the standards I try to uphold at home and the behavior exhibited by a leading political figure is troubling. While I may wish to shield my children from the harsher realities of the world, they pick up more than I realize. They hear snippets of news, see images from press conferences, and overhear adult conversations about the election. Unlike adults, who can analyze and filter out the drama, children take such incendiary remarks at face value, and the implications can be serious. For instance, a mother in Fairfax County shared that her third-grade son faced bullying from classmates who claimed he would be deported if the political candidate won. The more they hear inflammatory language, the more they may adopt it.
Even if the candidate does not secure the presidency, the impact of his divisive rhetoric will likely linger long after the election. His suggestions of election tampering and veiled threats to his supporters create an environment where hostility becomes normalized. This attitude can easily trickle down to our children’s interactions, affecting how they treat one another on playgrounds and in classrooms.
It’s essential to recognize that this candidate resonates with many individuals who feel overlooked in a rapidly changing economy, but his approach to dissenters is alarming. His comments towards the grieving mother of a fallen soldier exemplify a lack of empathy that leaves me questioning how he would address the needs of various groups, from unemployed workers to struggling parents seeking affordable childcare. Even when he attempts to address minority issues, I find myself turning off the radio, concerned that my children might repeat his harsh words during playtime.
For now, my kids are blissfully unaware of the political discourse. They spend their time wrestling, and while I encourage some roughhousing, I’ve set clear boundaries: no hitting, no kicking someone when they’re down, and mutual consent for wrestling. Yet, with each passing day of this election cycle, I see a parallel between their play and the lack of decorum exhibited by the candidate, who seems to disregard these fundamental rules of engagement.
The next president will play a significant role in shaping my children’s experiences as they transition into formal education, where they will learn about our nation’s founding principles of justice, freedom, and equality. I worry whether these lessons will align with the behaviors they witness in the world or if a culture of disdain will overshadow the teachings of tolerance and acceptance.
This election is more than a choice for a leader; it’s about the kind of dialogue we expect from our elected officials. We must reflect on whether the values we impart to our children—kindness, respect, and accountability—are merely tools for compliance or if we genuinely hope to cultivate a society governed by these principles. If it’s the latter, we cannot condone the conduct we see exemplified by this candidate.
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Summary:
The article discusses the challenges of parenting in a politically charged environment, highlighting the disparity between the values parents instill in their children and the aggressive rhetoric displayed by political figures. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing kindness and respect in children while acknowledging the pervasive influence of public discourse on their behavior. As the election approaches, the piece calls for reflection on the type of discourse we expect from leaders and the values we wish to impart to future generations.
Keyphrase: Political Influence on Parenting
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