Thread by @insomnochick

Why did you have kids? Serious question, not being snide/coy or antagonistic. I want honest answers. To be fair, here are mine, raw and real:
* Had a crap childhood, wanted to be the parent I didn't have
* Felt ripped off by my "education," wanted to provide what I didn't have 1/

* Did the math, saw decent, smart, thoughtful people with sound, rational principles and values, were not reproducing, worried a bit about my own old age
* Believed in the value of the nuclear family
* Was curious/wanted to meet and get to know them 2/

* Wanted to see the world through their innocent eyes, and learn about life all over again.

Now for why I'm asking...3/

It occurs to me, the "world" (make of that what you will: gov't, social/peer pressure, pop culture, etc.) has most of us on such a hamster treadmill, we parents have forgotten our reasons, and that's why it's been so easy for gov't schools to replace us without noticing 4/

We assumed people who stepped up to "help" us with our kids were on the same page, working on the same project: producing a happy, healthy, well-educated, well-adjusted, mature, independent thinking citizenry, and now the cog. dissonance between that and reality hurts, a LOT. 5/

It's been my experience the only way to really deal with cog. dissonance is to step back, and reflect on what you KNOW to be true, and what you feel about what you know. Let that sink in for a while, THEN approach the stuff you're being told by other people. 6/

When you're solidly in touch with your own values, you can reprioritize, if need be, and ask better questions, demand real answers, and all without feeling as much anxiety, or pressure to shut up fast, or not ask at all. As we (used to) tell our kids: KNOW THYSELF first. 7/

I meet SO many parents who are terrified of their schools, the teachers and admins in them, the gov't that runs them, etc, and I'm convinced the fears are mostly unfounded. Unless and until they are literally rolling out tanks, there's a LOT we can do to protect our kids. 8/

But first we have to remember where we end, and they begin, for real. We have to know why we're upset, and how important it is to us to protect and help our children *right now,* as in today. You don't have to answer here, but consider what I'm suggesting.9/

Superman isn't coming. No one is coming to save us, or our kids, or us for that matter. Whatever we want out of this life, for ourselves, and our children, has to start with us. What example are we setting if fear of discomfort and sacrifice stops us from doing what's right. 10/

Right now we're not talking about leaving home to meet up at the bridge at Lexington and Concord or anything, we're talking about speaking to each other, asking questions openly, without fear of disapproval or labeling. 11/

Most parents still have NO IDEA what's happening. We on Twitter (etc SocMed) think "everyone knows," but no, most don't, and won't, until we get brave and start talking IN PERSON, with neighbors, friends, co-workers, etc. You can start with questions, you needn't go on a rant.12/

You can ask how they're feeling about school lately? How their kids are feeling? Tell your own story, express your feelings, share your concerns, pose your rhetorical questions, like "How does racializing the curriculum help them read/do math, etc...?" 13/

You can also ask "Are you OK with the teachers asking personal questions of your child without your knowledge and permission, things about your income, their sexuality, their feelings about you, etc.?" You might get "They're doing WHAT?" Then show them evidence. 14/

But the courage to do any of this starts with ONE QUESTION. Know this: I believe in you. I think too many parents get a bad rap by default. Yes, there are lousy ones, at all income strata, but I still believe in PARENTING, and that the STATE ought not be doing it. /END

@GabsClark5 @Nicoletta0602 @DrKarlynB @JusticeJHG @pauldrossi @JasonTheeHuman @danielidfresne @DylanLabella

I'm done playin'