Guarding the Innocence of Children in A Everyday Modern Life

Innocent

I recently listened to a sermon by Tasha Cobbs Leonard where she talked about the innocence her son displayed. She expressed the joy he would exhibit upon witnessing others receive gifts. It didn’t matter if the gifts were his or someone else’s. This prompted me to contemplate the importance of innocence in children’s lives, realizing that it isn’t solely lost through abuse, but through neglect. Reflecting on moments with my nieces and nephews, I witnessed the purity of innocence in simple gestures like singing Christmas carols while strolling through a store or boldly greeting strangers with genuine enthusiasm.

These reflections hit closer to home when I considered my daughter. Observing her unfiltered joy firsthand, I’ve seen her brighten strangers’ days with spontaneous hugs, cheerful waves, or a simple yet sincere “Hi” delivered with infectious excitement. It dawned on me how easily these moments of innocence can be stripped away or tainted by influences we may not even realize.

Understanding Innocence

In our society, innocence is often revered as a precious quality in children—an embodiment of purity, joy, and wonder. It’s the gleam in a child’s eye upon discovering the world, the laughter that bubbles forth without reservation, and the unquestioning trust they place in those around them. However, innocence is not just a state of being; it’s a fragile cloak that can be stripped away in various ways.

As parents, caregivers, and educators, we stand at the frontline of defense, protecting our children from these modern-day perils. We must be vigilant guardians, monitoring their online activities, setting firm boundaries, and engaging in honest conversations about the dangers they may encounter. But our duty doesn’t end there. I believe we have to understand what we are safeguarding.

Contextual Reflections

Recently, my nephew moved away, providing context for my reflections. While he lived in the same state as me, he attended church every time its doors opened. His mother, my sister, is still grappling with life’s challenges. Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, we cope with what we know. Despite his exposure to outside influences, which needed careful handling, my nephew was deeply involved in church.

Recently, I noticed a change in him. He seemed cooped up in his room more often, contrary to his usual outdoor activities like playing, riding bikes, and exploring. Unlike many kids today, he wasn’t much into video games. My family and I were raised to enjoy outdoor activities or take walks to the store. My aunt often took us out to stretch our legs. Seeing him confined to his room was a departure from his usual self, yet his innocence persisted.

Observing the influences around him, particularly his older cousin’s lifestyle and music taste, worried me. My heart ached, fearing his innocence might be eroded by these influences. That might seem overboard, but have you ever encountered someone in a bad state and wondered about their childhood? What made them who they are? What influenced such behavior in that persons life?

Influence

Influence from people, places, and things can shape our children’s minds. They will start to mirror what they see and hear and will most definitely try to repeat it, especially in this day and age. Since the internet, games, and social media have taken us by storm, we can see even more that it’s high- time for us to be more vigilant.

Children today are exposed to a barrage of media content, much of which is not age-appropriate. From explicit advertisements to violent video games, the messages they encounter can shape their perceptions and behaviors in profound ways. Moreover, the anonymity of the internet allows harmful individuals to target and exploit vulnerable children, posing a threat to their innocence and safety.

Today, TV and the internet hold immense sway, often overtaking parental guidance. The pressures of work and bills compel parents to resort to screens as babysitters, oblivious to the repercussions for their children. This is not about passing judgment or assigning blame, but about igniting a sense of urgency for change. I, too, have been complicit in this, succumbing to the demands of a job that deems me expendable. The relentless bills dictate that they must be paid, lest my child and I find ourselves without food or shelter.

Awareness

Now that I have a child of my own, I keenly recognize the influences I wish to shield her from. I avoid music or messages that degrade rather than inspire. I do my best to screen what she watches, especially on YouTube and Netflix. My husband and I make a deliberate effort to switch off the TV and spend quality time with her. Whether it’s outdoors at a park for 30 minutes to an hour, kicking a soccer ball, or even playing hockey indoors. While some parents might find this unrealistic, every moment counts.

Cooking together or driving to get something to eat can become cherished moments. Every second is valuable, offering an opportunity for connection. Even if you have more than one child, each deserves one-on-one time. Allocate 15 minutes or take PTO, a day off, or sick leave if necessary. Get to know your child, and let them get to know you.

Every day, I gain deeper insight into what Jesus meant when he urged us to become like little children. As he sat a child in the midst of his disciples, he explained that whoever humbles themselves like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:2-4). It’s a testament to a child’s humility and innocence—the absence of shame in their beliefs. Their teachable spirit and eagerness to learn are what make them truly great.

Weakness in a Child

Recently, I came across a comment dismissing a child’s impressionability as a weakness, showing ignorance. Children absorb everything around them like sponges. Comparing their minds to adults displays a lack of understanding. It’s essential to lead by example and protect them from harmful influences, lest they veer off course in life.

Ask a child about their aspirations, and their answers evolve as they grow. None would dream of becoming criminals or addicts. Yet, exposure to such behaviors can shape them. Just as we’re mindful of our diets, we must consider the influences our children consume.

In closing, nurturing innocence in children is a responsibility we all share. It’s about safeguarding their purity in a world that often seems determined to erode it. I invite you to join me on my podcast, where we delve deeper into these topics. We discuss preserving innocence in children, navigating the challenges of modern parenting, and empowering the next generation.

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