Wait Until You’re Older — By John Reed

Wait Until You’re Older
I can’t count the number of times my parents gave me that answer when I wanted to do something. I have said it myself to the next generation or two, whenever they wanted to shoot a gun or drive an ATV or do something else they’re not ready for.
As a teacher, I spent four decades, deciding what material to teach to my classes based on their readiness. Just as my fifth graders weren’t ready to learn about F-sharp minor chords, my high schoolers needed something more than “Hot Cross Buns.“ The buzzwords “scope and sequence“ became the mantra for planning curriculum.
It’s no secret that every child matures at a different rate, emotionally, socially, cognitively. Not to mention the vast differences in approach parents take in raising their children. Complicating matters further is the vast expansion of technology and information available to everyone, even at the youngest age.
So it shouldn’t be a surprise that we’re having loud debates on what topics kids should be exposed to or what activities they should engage in, and at what age. When is it ok for a child to hear about men having sex with other men? When should we allow them to chop off their own male members and start wearing lipstick?
And what role should government have in bypassing the parents in making these decisions? As a teacher, I saw evidence of some pretty lousy parenting every day, as well as some great examples. And to be honest, not every decision teachers or school administrators made was in the best interest of the child.
The decline of churches’ role in providing a moral compass adds to the confusion. Thus what’s acceptable for some isn’t for others. We’re not the only society trying to come to grips with technology outstripping our ethics.
The only solution is to have clear-headed, open, and civil conversations. Good luck with that. Every side yells its politics and belief system at the top of its lungs, demonizing opponents.
If the adults in the room would grow up our kids would be better off.