So, this parenting post is more of an observation than anything. I read a library book to the kids today about a character not feeling respected enough and wanting to go off on his own adventure, alone. He went.
As he was off on his adventure he encountered a bunch of dangerous and frightening experiences. After being lost, then chased by a predator he somehow found his way home where everyone was so excited to see him. They thought they’d “never see him again.” He was fine.
Then just a few minutes ago, the kids were watching a popular tv program where a character broke her mother’s necklace and decided to run away. She got lost and couldn’t find her way back. Her brothers found her and everything was alright in the end.
Now, here’s the problem, these stories and shows are giving our kids the message that when times are tough it’s a good idea to run away. Then it teaches them that if they do, it might be frightening but they will be okay and return home.
My concern is that this is not the case in real life. When kids run away, some end up dead or missing forever. God only knows their fate and it is very unsettling that these “lessons” are being taught.
As drastic as it might seem, would it be better for the show to set an example of one or two of these runaways having a not so happy ending?
I feel as young as they are, kids have a better understanding of life and the world when we show them the truth about it as early as possible.
What do you think?!?! Tell me in the comments, would you tell your child a “runaway” story where the kid doesn’t get to come home??
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