Kids see things from a very simple angle. There's no prejudice, no life experience to weigh them down, and things are pretty black and white.
Out of the blue the other day, Violet asks me, "Can anyone get married in our country?"
I asked for more clarification of her question, and she said, "Well, can people who are both the same sex get married?"
"Only in two states, I believe. Gay marriage rights are much further along in Europe."
"Well, that's stupid. People should be able to marry anyone they love, even if it's the same as them."
This was also the child who wanted to know, "Do we put very sick or hurt old people to sleep, just like we do dogs and cats?"
I explained to her that it was a complicated issue, and gave a little background on Dr. Kevorkian. She responded with, "But if we put animals to sleep because it's the kind thing to do for them, why isn't it the same for humans?"
Just thought I'd share some thought provoking discussion this morning, courtesy of my 11 year old.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
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4 comments:
Wow! I am always amazed at the thinking of our children.
As for me, I even struggled with the idea of 'hospice' until I took a social ethics class. It was very difficult to watch my mother without her medicines and with morphine to keep her calm and comfortable. The social ethics class introduced me to the humanity of hospice. But it is still a difficult memory for me.
Love the mindset of your eleven year old 'grown up'. I don't think I had an original thought till I was eighteen...it threw me for six.
Wow... it's amazing how curious kids can be and observant at the same time! I guess all we can do is try to answer their questions the best way we can!
:) i am very curious!
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