Being a good parent

male-nanny

I just had such a great moment with my friend who happens to be a mom with a husband and adorable little boy.  She sent me a picture of her little boy at daycare.  Her son was being held by a gay man who works at the day care.  I’m assuming he is a teacher or teacher’s assistant.  The point of the conversation was for my friend to show me how much her son loves this particular member of the daycare team.

The conversation warmed my heart because there are many people out there that would say “I don’t want a gay man taking care of my little boy at daycare”.  That is sadly the reality of the world we live in.  My friend went on to tell me that there have been parents who have actually complained.  To respect the privacy of my friend, I won’t say which state we are talking about here but let’s just say it isn’t Texas.

This is just one small example of the difference you can make in a child’s life.  Our opinions, the way we talk and the actions we take shape the world our children live in.  Imagine for a moment if you happen to be a gay child growing up and you heard your parents spewing anti-gay propaganda.  What does that do to you? I sadly know all too well what that does to someone and I can tell you it’s not fun.  It’s very easy for people to say “well…I didn’t know any better”.  I disagree.  As an adult and as a parent, it’s your job to know better.

The same can be said for any bigoted comment regarding any group (race, religion, etc.).  It isn’t just a “gay” issue.  That said, this example came up and I  wanted to share.  I am so proud of my friend.   I am so happy there are people like this in the world.  We need more people that “get it”.  Please help do your part.

 

11-year-old boy attempts suicide after being bullied

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Michael Morones

This is so heartbreaking.  An 11-year-old boy tried to take his own life in late January.  Michael Morones was allegedly teased relentlessly by the lids in school  Why you ask? Because he loved to play with the ‘My Little Pony’ toys.  He remains in critical condition and may have sustained permanent brain damage as a result of his suicide attempt.  Additionally, he currently has a tube in his throat.  

Here is what his mother had to say to reporters.  I am literally crying as I am reading about this and writing.  “He’s the kid that never walks. He dances everywhere,”.  “He’s so full of energy. He’s always on the move… We won’t know for months how much is going to heal. It could even be years before we find out what potential for healing he has.”.

I have written a good amount about gender roles and how BS it all is.  I have also illustrated examples of how marketers have decided “pink is for girls” and “blue is for boys”.  Check out some of what I have to say here. 

Reports are stating that Michael was so upset because kids at school were calling him gay for liking a “girls TV show”.  This is just disgusting.  This is 100% on the parents of those children who are so ignorant and close-minded.  As I have repeatedly mentioned, there is NO SUCH THING as “girls” and “boys” tv shows, toys, colors, etc.  This is a value that marketers place on things to segment consumers and SELL TO THEM.  That is all there is to it.  Then we have gender roles and homophobia which is perpetuated by religion through various propaganda vehicles.

This cycle has GOT TO STOP.  Please help spread this story and share awareness.  Share on social media, tell a friend.  Do your part.

Parenting

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Parenting is probably the most important topic that we can write about here.  That is where the cycles typically begin for bigotry.  Remember, children are not born to hate.  We teach them.  We will continue to post about kids/family issues as they come our way.  

We have added a kids/toddlers section where there are some GREAT resources on how to address the topic of same sex relationships with kids.

Check it out!