Grasping for the Wind

Parents, be polite to the childless.

Of late, I've noticed that a lot of folks tend to point out to me that I don't really know what I'm talking about then I make comments about children. (This is especially true since my church is highly focused on kids, as the the majority of the members have several.) They usually say something like, "Wait till you have kids." in response to my comments.

OK, I don't have kids, but I was trained as a teacher and did teach in the schools for three years. I know a lot about kids in a group, and something of them as individuals. Perhaps I don't know a lot about parenting, but what call do you have to make me feel bad about not having kids? Cause that is what happens when folks point out something like that.

The closest thing I can liken it to is when you were single and people said. "Wait until you are married." The kids statement just makes a person feel like their opinion has no value because of biology. Spirituality isn't governed by the theory of evolution, so why should my opinion about children be governed by a lack of children.

Some of my opinions may be wrong, but do me the courtesy of pointing out why, not pointing to an obvious biological fact and speaking in the ethereal.

You know your kids, your may know more facts about kids, or a little more about their nature, but this does not invalidate my training, or my opinion. At least debate me, even if you disagree. Don't hide behind the statement, "Wait till you have kids."

Posted by John on June 6, 2007 03:58 PM | Posted to Personal Journal
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