To parents: Why do you shelter your kids?

Question

I was wondering, why exactly do you shelter your kids from sexual things, or profane things? My parents were like this. And another thing, why do some people shelter their kids from things like that EVEN AFTER they are well aware what it is? Its like watering a plant after it dies. It wastes water and it isn't gonna bring the plant back.

Answer 1

We don't introduce things at inappropriate ages where children couldn't understand subtle nuances of adult issues.

Adult issues should be for adults and it isn't appropriate to try to educate a child about things like that too young...a child would be confused and frightened, not educated, because mentally they don't have the capability until they are an older child.

You sound bitter because you feel overprotected.  I'm sure your parents meant well but they should have presented the information in a caring, factual manner while trying to instill values.

Answer 2

I'm not a parent, but I agree with every statement you made expect the last one.

My mum had a rose plant and was dead for about 6 months, but I kept pouring water in the thing and it grew again.

Answer 3

I do shelter my son, but only up to a certain extent. We live in Vegas and I know living here there are going to be things he is going to see and learn that he wouldn't learn living somewhere else. But I also think that at 9 years old his brain can't handle learning about s*x yet. He knows a little bit, just not the whole thing. I think it all depends on the age of the child and what they can handle learning about at the time.

Answer 4

They love you and are trying to protect you the best way they know how.  They feel that buy protecting you from those things, you won't be hurt/affected by them.  They do it out of love. THey don't want anything to happen to you.  They want you to have a happy childhood and keep you from growing up too soon.  

Answer 5

I think that parents try to because they want them to maintain their innocence for as long as possible. I have two boys 10 and 12 and my theory was if they are old enough to ask about it they are old enough to get a straight answer. My husband does not agree fully with my methods but I believe in being open and honest with children especially when it comes to s*x. I believe that an informed child will make better choices when it comes to having s*x or any type of sexual activity. I think that some parents, like my husband are unsure of how to talk to their children about s*x. And that comes from the way they were raised and then it passes on to their children and so on until someone breaks the cycle.  

Answer 6

to maintain their innocence

and one thing is to shelter and another one is to be in denial

I'm glad my parents sheltered me during my early childhood it really helped me enjoy my childhood longer.

(yes they did tell me what s*x was and everything but i was not exposed to profane situations and such)