Rita: Thank you Rita, very much.

“Just to know that you will keep honest communications with your children as they grow, emphasizes the “Dad” in writer “Dad.” The way you explained yourself so eloquently certainly reveals the “Writer” part.”

That’s the finest compliment from someone I’m not married to I’ve had all day. Thanks again, I enjoyed our exchange.

To hear that you will eventually – and at an age-appropriate time – teach your children that there are often “two sides to most stories” is inspirational to me. I agree – there is no reason to give a small cild nightmares, or remove their innocence too early.

Just to know that you will keep honest communications with your children as they grow, emphasizes the “Dad” in writer “Dad.” The way you explained yourself so eloquently certainly reveals the “Writer” part.

You are a credit to your “blog name” and the blogoshpere as a whole. In addition, I think that you and your wife sound like terrific, open-minded parents who understand that information needs to be parceled-out at the appropriate age for a child to understand – so that they can make informed – and intelligent decisions.

More power to you!

Rita

Ritas last blog post..Rita’s a Racist (or, if you Prefer, Bloggrrl’s a Bigot)

I think that at least one concentrated rough patch that people scuff on while walking exists because of a tendency to follow absolutes.

But if we did that, life would lose most joy, because almost all good things in life are tainted somewhere, somehow.

But we should all be granted the privileges that come from shining light on the good things this earth has to offer. Even if, just outside of that cone of light, sits something bad.

Derecks last blog post..[Breaking News]: Scientists Find Link Between Atheism, Sense of Urgency

There isn’t a single subject I would feel uncomfortable discussing with my children, providing that it’s age appropriate. There will be more than enough time to dump on the Olympics in the future, but that is simply not where I am right now.

There probably aren’t too many negative things that could be said about the Olympics that I would disagree with, but there are also plenty of things celebrate as well. With my children, six and four, and a pre-school filled with toddlers, I have plenty of things to observe without putting human cruelty on the table. Those are not the images I need to place in their heads; it simply isn’t necessary.

History is a passion of mine, and I look forward to peering into the darkest shadows of the past with my children, but first I will show them the well lit arenas, because that is how they learn best.

Daisy and I are as straight as an arrow when it comes to being honest with our children. When they ask questions, which we strongly encourage, they get honest answers, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t employ an effective filter.

Our country has a lot of problems, and has been responsible for some truly terrible things. However, it has also been home to some of the grandest ideals ever given voice. Right now, we are teaching our children to love their country and all the things it stands for. That way, when they are older, their foundation will be strong enough to support the weight of the difficult questions we expect them to ask.

Munich was a dark day for the world, but my daughter does NOT need to imagine it as she’s laying her head on her pillow.

That they are taken away from their families at a young age for the sole purpose of “training,” often to the point of body deformities and lack of menses in girls – and worse?

That they miss their entire childhoods for the sake of being “programmed” to be the best, often at the sacrifice of playing with other children – and their educations?

That if they do NOT bring home a medal, they have trouble fitting into society – and are lucky to find jobs as coaches – if at all?

This, to me, is NOT athletics. It is programming a human being to be a technological winner. The humanity and joy of the “games” is gone. It’s either “bring home a medal. or you have let your country down.”

And will you teach them the most important aspect of the Olympics -that like a Broadway show, “the show MUST go on” – even if nearly an entire country’s team is murdered in their dorms?

I certainly do hope that your childrn DO get to see the Opympics. I’ve been there, and the mini-country created for the games is more fun – and more expensive – than Disney World.

I just hope that you give them some good explanations as to why certain countries are known for “excelling” at their sports!

Rita

Ritas last blog post..Rita’s a Racist (or, if you Prefer, Bloggrrl’s a Bigot)

Ellen: That is auspicious. Happy Anniversary.

Dereck: Thank you for your compliment, and your help.

Al @ 7P: Perfectly stated.

Andy: You are very welcome. Thank you for reading.

Nards: If I don’t think they’ll appreciate it, we will not be going.

Barbara Swafford: I imagine that yes, I will still be blogging four years from now. Thank you for your confidence.