I really feel like I dodged a bullet, as my kids are now in their late 20's, and have grown into healthy, delightful adults. The phone thing was only just getting going when they were in grade school. All those insecurities still existed, but that hideous reinforcement pounding at kids from screens these days was less intense.
On another note- even I feel bombarded with wrinkle cream, fashion for the over 50s, and other miracle cures for aging. Thank goodness I like to walk, and still don't take sugar in my tea!
Yes, I'd say you dodged a bullet! The sheer number of screens parents these days need to navigate and restrict is mind-boggling. My parents kept the TV on a cart with wheels in our hall closet, but up until my high school years, that was the only screen in the house that they had to put limits on.
And yeah, the anti-aging product brigade started targeting me in my 30s. Sheesh!
It's true, they affect us all, not just our kids. But it's definitely a wake-up call as to just how insidious and pervasive our culture's toxicity is when you're trying instill healthy habits in your small humans!
The more I think about your essay, the more spot on you are! I feel it even more acutely as an immigrant.
My Canadian dad moved our family internationally for his work but also a big part of that was getting away from the materiality and consumerism of North American culture. I recall coming back to visit one summer, seeing a former classmate at the mall and being deeply uncomfortable with her 12 year old face covered in make-up.
Nature walks/hike were something we did often. Perhaps not every weekend but often enough that it was a staple of my childhood and teenage years. For my husband's family, walking is something you do on vacation, if ever. I find it hard to replicate that childhood my parents gave me.
My daughter is too young for body image issues, but I am conscious to watch my self body talk around her. I have future anxiety about social media issues, even if I don't have to deal with them for a few more precious years.
Also you make me want to unsubscribe from all the marketing emails I'm on, making me buy stuff I don't *really* need.
I really feel like I dodged a bullet, as my kids are now in their late 20's, and have grown into healthy, delightful adults. The phone thing was only just getting going when they were in grade school. All those insecurities still existed, but that hideous reinforcement pounding at kids from screens these days was less intense.
On another note- even I feel bombarded with wrinkle cream, fashion for the over 50s, and other miracle cures for aging. Thank goodness I like to walk, and still don't take sugar in my tea!
Yes, I'd say you dodged a bullet! The sheer number of screens parents these days need to navigate and restrict is mind-boggling. My parents kept the TV on a cart with wheels in our hall closet, but up until my high school years, that was the only screen in the house that they had to put limits on.
And yeah, the anti-aging product brigade started targeting me in my 30s. Sheesh!
Having kids is a big wake-up call to all these issues!
It's true, they affect us all, not just our kids. But it's definitely a wake-up call as to just how insidious and pervasive our culture's toxicity is when you're trying instill healthy habits in your small humans!
The more I think about your essay, the more spot on you are! I feel it even more acutely as an immigrant.
My Canadian dad moved our family internationally for his work but also a big part of that was getting away from the materiality and consumerism of North American culture. I recall coming back to visit one summer, seeing a former classmate at the mall and being deeply uncomfortable with her 12 year old face covered in make-up.
Nature walks/hike were something we did often. Perhaps not every weekend but often enough that it was a staple of my childhood and teenage years. For my husband's family, walking is something you do on vacation, if ever. I find it hard to replicate that childhood my parents gave me.
My daughter is too young for body image issues, but I am conscious to watch my self body talk around her. I have future anxiety about social media issues, even if I don't have to deal with them for a few more precious years.
Also you make me want to unsubscribe from all the marketing emails I'm on, making me buy stuff I don't *really* need.
Thanks for giving me something to chew on !!