Unpopular Opinion: Passion Without Knowledge Is Dangerous for Our Kids
Parenting in Progress
I’m going to say something that might make people uncomfortable…
Not every kid out there protesting actually understands what they’re protesting.
And before anyone gets defensive—pause.
Because this isn’t about silencing our kids. It’s about protecting them.
Our kids are watching everything right now. Social media. Protests. Opinions flying left and right.
And what I’m seeing is a lot of emotion… without enough information.
And that? That’s where things get dangerous.
“This isn’t about silencing our kids. It’s about protecting them.”
The other night, Fred and I sat down with our kids and had a conversation most parents are avoiding.
We talked about ICE. We talked about rights. We talked about what to do if they’re ever approached.
Because as parents of olive-toned kids…
We don’t get to pretend this won’t affect us.
Let me be real for a second:
Our kids can be respectful, smart, and doing everything “right”…
and still be judged in a split second.
So no—we’re not raising our kids to be fearless.
We’re raising them to be informed and prepared.
Because there’s a difference.
What We Told Them (No Fluff)
- You have rights—but you need to know how to use them
- You do not answer questions about where you were born
- You do not offer extra information
- If approached: stay calm, don’t run
- You say: “I’m choosing to remain silent.”
- And you call us immediately
Fred said it best
“Don’t try to be brave. Be smart. Call us.”
What every child needs to hear
“You are never in trouble for protecting yourself.”
Now Let’s Talk About Protests
I’m not against protesting.
Let me be clear.
But I am against kids showing up:
- not knowing the full issue
- not understanding their rights
- not having an exit plan
- getting swept up in crowd energy they can’t control
Because once things shift?
That crowd will not protect your child. You will.
So we told our kids:
- If you’re going to stand for something, know what you’re standing for
- Stay aware, always
- The moment it feels off, you leave
- And you call us
No hesitation. No pride. No “I got this.”
The Part That Matters Most
“This is not about you doing anything wrong. This is about making sure you know how to move in a world that might not always see you clearly.”
To the Parents Reading This
I know this conversation is uncomfortable.
I know part of you wants to believe my child will be fine.
But hope is not a plan.
And silence is not protection.
If you don’t teach your kids how to move, the world will.
And it won’t do it gently.
Start Here
Younger Kids
Keep it simple:
“If anything ever feels scary or confusing, find a safe adult and call me.”
Teens
Be direct. Be real.
- What would you do if someone approached you?
- Who are you calling first?
- Practice the words out loud: “I choose to remain silent.”
One More Thing
Set up an emergency plan in their phone. Because when adrenaline hits, thinking goes out the window. Training doesn’t.
You can be a parent who hopes… or a parent who prepares.
If this made you uncomfortable, sit with that.
If it made you think, share it.
If it made you realize you need to have this conversation…
Have it tonight.
