As parents we can really make a difference when we openly talk with our kids. Not all of these topics are easy to talk about but it’s our responsibility to communicate facts to our kids before they hear rumors from their classmates on the bus or on the playground.
We can help our kids learn about important topics at an early age that help mold their moral compass. In addition, it’s been proven that parents that communicate openly to their children using medical terms instead of slang can create an environment that promotes discussion not embarrassment.
Which brings me to the dreaded discussion that no parent wants to have and that every parent knows is coming. When you ask your friends about when they first got the talk you will be surprised to hear how their experiences are all over the map. Some reported getting the talk without realizing it was even happening—where parents use metaphors so abstract that they thought they were being taught how to put plastic rings on their stacking baby toy. Others reported the discussion was avoided all together.
This discussion of course is about Honey Boo Boo Child.
Now, I was forced into having the talk by my daughter last week and it came up way earlier than I thought (or hoped) it would. But fortunately I had prepared for this moment and my response was both confident and forceful and left nothing open to interpretation. It was quite successful and so I felt I would relay my approach to all of you in the hopes that it may help you when you are faced with this awkward discussion with your kids.
How to Talk About It
Be prepared. If you ask yourself the questions you anticipate your kids asking, you will be ready with an answer. If they ask about Honey Boo Boo dancing at the college bar for dollar bills remind them that even though Child Services were called the judge threw out the case.
Be relaxed. It is going to be challenging to stay calm when your child asks what “You’d better redneckanize” means but if they sense your discomfort with the subject they are more likely to think it is naughty or wrong. It’s in fact natural and part of being a human being!
Reassure your kids they are normal. Your kids may feel like they are the only ones going through this body change. It’s important to remind them that this is normal and so are they.
Give accurate, honest answers. Do not spend time talking about whether “butter and sugar makes everything taste better”. That’s subject and can lead to mistruths being spread to their friends. Instead stick with accurate answers like “Sugar raises blood pressure”.
Don’t use slang You may cringe when they refer to it as watching “Alana Thompson.” Explain to your kids that slang is not a healthy way to discuss this topic. Example: “Don’t use Alana Thompson. Instead we will refer to her as Honey Boo Boo Child, ok?”
Make it real. Remind your kids that by watching Honey Boo Boo it’s like watching the entire Thompson family and that will lead to the spread of positive ratings and a TLC renewal. This will make the consequences of their actions real.
Relax. It’s important to realize you don’t have all the answers. You may have had reality TV many times but tv has changed and continues to change. If you continue to discuss it your kids will only be safer in the long run.
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Gregory Ng
GOAL: Visit 100 National Parks as a family by 2020. Favorite Parks: Zion National Park, Mt Rainier National Park, Valley Forge National Historical Park
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