The idea that children should be seen but not heard lingers today.
I am 100% in favor of keeping specific conversations between the adults, as children and even older teens do not have the experience or wherewithal to provide anything of value. But that should not be the default, and should only be reserved for discussions of obvious topics.
But the idea that in 2025, children should be spared from all of the difficult conversations is preposterous.
To think that by protecting their ears, we’re protecting their innocence is as backwards as possible; safe spaces breed weak humans.
You do not change the world by pretending it’s sunshine and rainbows; you save it by showing children how it works and guiding them as they learn how to improve it.
Catch the Last Parenting Piece Here:
Let Them Grow Up in This World
Every time tragedy hits the headlines, whether it’s the death of Iryna, Charlie, or countless others, I hear parents sigh and mutter the same line:
The world is not slowing down for our kids.
If we raise them in silence, we’re not giving them peace; we’re sending them into a battlefield unarmed, having never developed their voice or a mind that can defend itself against ideas and “authority”.
The Responsibility of Parents
I recognize that some adults don’t want kids around when discussing specific topics.
Again, that’s their right.
Some conversations carry weight, scars, and burdens too heavy for those who haven’t lived them, and I respect that.
But, as their father, I expect my children to engage with the world.
I expect them to listen, ask questions, challenge what doesn’t make sense, and wrestle with ideas that don’t fit neatly into their young minds, and to ask me “Why?’, say, “No”, and think that I am wrong, and to have me explain my logic and reasoning.
Because that’s how you grow, you learn to thrive in a world that will not bend to your comfort.
Silence Breeds Ignorance
Too many kids are growing up blind because their parents mistook silence for safety.
These people think shielding their children from reality is love, but it’s fear; Love equips your son or daughter to stand in the storm and not break.
If my kids hear something they don’t understand, I don’t tell them, “Don’t worry about it.” I tell them, “Let’s talk about it.” That’s the difference between raising sheep and raising lions.
The Expectation in My House
In my home, the expectation is simple; you will partake in the world, you will not hide from it.
You will learn to discern truth from lies, courage from cowardice, and wisdom from noise. And you will sharpen your mind by engaging, even when the conversation is uncomfortable.
I would rather my children ask the wrong question than stay silent in the corner.
I would rather they stumble in pursuit of clarity than remain ignorant out of fear.
The Next Generation of Warriors
If we want to raise a generation that can withstand the chaos ahead, we must stop raising them to be fragile.
We have to stop mistaking silence for strength.
Our kids don’t need to be hidden away; they need to be trained, tested, and trusted to stand in the fire of the world’s conversations.
The truth is, they won’t be kids one day.
And when that day comes, I want mine to step into the arena with scars already forming, callouses already toughened, and a voice that doesn’t tremble when it speaks truth.
Because the future belongs to those who aren’t afraid to join the conversation.
- Zac Small