How to preserve innocence?

Question

My fiance and I have been blessed with a beautiful little girl who's 2 1/2 months old. She's got dual nationality between the USA and Holland, but we're planning on staying in Holland and raising her here. However, it being Europe it's not uncommon to see billboards of completely naked women or even s*x-related things on the TV even with parental control. What is the best way to raise our little one, preserving her innocence and teaching her that things like that are not "normal" or "ok"?

Answer 1

KEEP THEM AWAY FROM THE INTERNET THIS IS THE BEST ADVICE EVER

Answer 2

Well, it's hard to escape some of the things you see out in public.  But in the home, you can keep these things out by not letting her watch the same TV you do.  I try to let my kids only watch kid-oriented shows or none at all.  I do all my watching of shows with grown-up themes when they are asleep at naptime or in bed for the night.  

Also, be modest in your own home.  I think it's okay to be naked around your babies when they are babies, but when they start to get old enough to notice differences in anatomy (or simply notice your anatomy)--around 2 or 3--it's time to wear pajamas at night or throw on a bathrobe before they come running into your room.  

Also, it is necessary to begin teaching your children certain things of a sexual nature when they are young nowadays because there's so much perversity (is that a word?) in society.   You can do it in very subtle ways but still get a clear message across.  For example, my 5-year-old starts kindergarten and I'm very aware that he might run into some sexual predators when he is away from me.  We've spoken with him many times about how his private parts are just that--private--and that he needs to not show them to anyone.  If a doctor needs to look at them, we need to be present or give our permission.  If a grown-up or another child bares all in front of him, he needs to get out of that situation fast and let us know.  We haven't said anything about s*x or sexuality, but kids need to be on their guard nowadays.  It's sad, but true.

Answer 3

Honestly, the USA, you are so prudish !

What, are you going to ban her from the Louvre because of the venus de milo?

Nudity does not always equal sexual.

In Europe, especially in Holland, they understand that,

The human body is a beautiful thing. The naked human body is nothing to be ashamed of.

You should know, that in Holland s*x is a normal part of conversation. So if you go to other people's houses, your daughter will learn about things like that.

You want to keep her that ignorant, please don't.

Answer 4

Try to monitor her friends. They are as important as family and as influential. I know it's almost hopeless but remain vigiliant and vocal that you are here to protect her. She will get the message. And how you act is even more important than what you say. Turn off the TV and make sure she knows it is because you don't respect the values portrayed. Cover her eyes or your own when you see the bill board because that is a "private" picture not a public picture& then tsk tsk about the lady on the billboard's ignorence and she should be ashamed. Act more like a prude than you are. Don't wear revealing clothing or swear. Act like you are in touch with your own innocence and you will be better prepared to protect hers. Because what you are saying is you are preserving your own spirituality as well as preparing hers - and you are.

Answer 5

Hold on.  You sound a little bit overprotective.  Why do you want your child to think that s*x and nakedness are not normal?  I am naked at some time every day, and I have s*x frequently with my wife.  Does that make me abnormal?

Of course, I don't want my kids to watch p**n or ultraviolent movies, but I also don't want them to grow up sheltered and hating their bodies and having a distorted view of s*x (this, by the way, will probably lead them to consume more pornography).

So lighten up.  You should be happy that your kids will be raised in such a progressive culture.

Answer 6

keep her really sheltered so that way when your child sees anyone but you they start screaming and then when they git older they have to break on thru to the other side and go totally oppisite of what you want

Answer 7

If I were in your situation I would seek out people in the Netherlands who feel the way you do about the culture. Church is a good place to find these people. The few Dutch Christians I've met are very serious about not conforming to the culture of promiscuity in their country. I'm sure they have some ideas.