Whats your thoughts on unconventional parenting?

Question

Ok -so - I do try not to be judgemental but when a family decides to live a certain way that is quite extreme isn't it unfair on the child?

As an example - this mother doesn't let her child watch ANY tv, is strict on foods and has decided to home school.

Won;t all three of those things together make her child quite isolated and make it harder for her child to associate in 'the real world' when she is older?

Answer 1

I think it's the parents choice, don't you? Why do you care so much anyways.....

Answer 2

While I do respect the rights of parents to choose the method of parenting that seems best for them, I personally don't agree with parenting by isolation.  

The ultimate goal of raising children is to help them develop into happy, healthy and productive adults.  In my opinion, children need to learn the tools and social skills necessary to function in the outside world.  It's tough to do that when the child isn't allowed contact with the outside world!

Answer 3

Children don't need tv. We didn't have cable until I was 16 so I never watched much tv growing up. Sure, I didn't know a lot of the TV shows my friends did but I had never seen them so I didn't feel like I missed out. I've never seen a lot of the scary movies and PG-13 movies from the 80s and 90s, but again, I'm not sad about it. I have no desire to see them. I think I am normal.

Does she let her child do social stuff with other home schooled kids? 95% of homeschooled kids go to educational outings with other homeschooled kids week. They get plenty of socialization.

As far as strict foods go, good for her! Kids don't need junk food. Again, you don't know you are missing out if you never are introduced to it. Kids don't need candy to have fun.

Answer 4

Parents need to have the freedom to raise their children as they see fit.

My half brother put his television away when his children were young and they were forced to find other ways to occupy their time.

Oldest daughter: graduated from Virginia Commonwealth and works as a designer for Fox television.

Second daughter: about to graduate from Virginia Commonwealth and go on to grad school in writing at Columbia

Youngest -- a son: graduated from a military school and about to graduate from Marine bootcamp. Will go to ROTC program at Dartmouth.

All of them are happy and loving young adults with brilliant senses of humor.

So...no. TV can be isolating.

Answer 5

My kids will not be able to watch nearly as much television as is normal, they won't have television in their room, and there will be no video games at all. We're a mixed household so those rules may be different for my step-son but that's the way it goes down at my house. As for the strict foods, we're veggie and soy milk only, that's just how it goes. Public school though. It's all up to the parents. If they have play dates or go to parks I don't see any problem in social development.

Answer 6

You are right, but they can't understand & the consequences the child may face in future.

pkn

Answer 7

Her decision to restrict TV, certain foods and to homeschool don't necessarily isolate the child. Isolation would mean she restricts the child from interacting with others and keeps her away from the rest of the world. If the child isn't allowed to have friends, doesn't visit friends and relatives and doesn't go to places where she can socialise with other children her age, then you should be concerned. Otherwise, live and let live.

Answer 8

Every family has it's own unique ways of rearing their offspring. Without this uniqueness how would we create individuality? No two people are the same. As long as it is a healthy and nurturing environment with no abuse evident, there is no wrong way to bring up a child.

Answer 9

Kids who don't have t.v., don't miss t.v. Now, all of the things you mentioned are actually very wholesome and worthwhile, what I don't agree with, is when the parent makes it impossible for the child to relate. If you homeschool, network network network. Take your children to your local library, have them take part in local intramural sports, etc....don't let them be outcasts because they can't relate. Take them to a movie every now and then that you approve of.

Edit: The thing about strict food, is that when kids never have any "junk" food, they tend to go overboard when they have the opportunity. Food is part of the joy of life and should be seen as that as long as a healthy foundation is set.

Answer 10

i agree how do you expect your child to relate to any one if they have never been allowed to experience life espically when they are home schooled. it's one thing to be strict with junk food and tv but to isolate them with home school and not allow them to go out and make friends is crazy they are setting their kids up for a rude awakening.