I recently saw a conversation online where someone disagreed with a certain parenting style. They ultimately lashed out in frustration, saying “stop brainwashing your kids!”
Here is my opinion on brainwashing.
I’m all for it.
I’m absolutely going to brainwash my daughter.
I’m going to brainwash her to be respectful to her mom, to do her chores or there’ll be consequences. I’ll brainwash her to share, play nice, stand up for herself, think for herself, and take care of herself.
I’m definitely brainwashing her to love Boise State football, and buy her as much popcorn as it takes to make sure that happens. I’ll brainwash her to play hard, work hard, and know that she can do hard things.
And yes, I want her to believe in God, to love Him and pray to Him and cultivate a faith that can get her through anything. To be virtuous and kind, to serve others and do it for the right reasons.
To confidently take the last shot, to “marry up“, to eat green stuff, and to read lots of great books.
To make time for important things, to take a stand, to play outside, to love nature, to use common sense, to listen to oldies and classic rock (very important), to be smart with her money.
Yeah, I’ll be brainwashing my kids.
Allowing young children to “decide when they’re older” is also brainwashing them, just in a different way. If you’re not actively teaching them, they’ll still follow your example. You just have less control over the outcome.
“Brainwashing” used to be called teaching, guiding, or instructing. But the old days are over, and the fad is to let children decide on everything. No, parents, that’s YOUR job. Your kids’ brains won’t be mature for a couple of decades, according to research, so it’s up to you to make sure they’re on the right track.
I’m brainwashing.
Are you?
