Courage Is A Habit: Embrace Exclusion
Good parenting has always been about exclusion.
Editor’s note: Originally published on X (formerly Twitter) on March 18, 2024.
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Strong parenting is fundamentally about exclusion, and the imposition of boundaries becomes paramount. From the moment our children are born, it is our duty as parents to build formidable barriers that protect their growth and development.
We do not welcome inclusion; we embrace exclusion. Newborns, delicate and defenseless, require a fortress against the tumultuous outside world. We rigorously limit the number of individuals permitted to hold them, acknowledging the necessity of a controlled environment that minimizes potential health risks.
As these beautiful tiny beings evolve into crawling explorers, our parenting role transforms into a vigilant act of exclusion – shielding them from the lurking dangers of electrical sockets, sharp edges, household hazards, and countless other items they want to put into their mouths.
The trajectory of parenthood traces a deliberate expansion of boundaries, mirroring the child's burgeoning independence. With every developmental stage, our responsibility as parents pivots towards a meticulous curation of influences that shape their world. The friends they choose, the content they consume, and the food they ingest all fall under the scrutiny of our discerning oversight.
Friendships
In the realm of friendships, we guide them towards relationships that instill confidence and personal growth. By cultivating a discerning approach to friendships, we foster an environment that nurtures values that reflect those within our family.
Social Media
In the digital era, where a deluge of information bombards impressionable minds, the imperative of exclusion becomes even more pronounced. We assume the role of gatekeepers, wielding control over the content they consume. In a world teeming with both constructive and detrimental influences, setting firm boundaries on screen time, online interactions, and the nature of digital content is critical to sculpting responsible, discerning individuals.
Food
The practice of exclusion extends decisively to dietary habits, where we vigorously steer our children away from the insidious allure of junk food and sugar. By instilling a profound appreciation for nutritious choices, we not only contribute to their physical well-being but also lay the groundwork for enduring habits that transcend a lifetime.
Embrace Exclusion
In essence, strong parenting asserts itself through a resolute rejection of inclusion for its own sake. While love and support remain foundational, the imposition of unwavering boundaries becomes the scaffolding that empowers our children to navigate, learn, and flourish within the safety of predefined limits. Strong parenting has always been about exclusion, not inclusion. Never let anyone, especially government school employees, guilt you into accepting "inclusion.” Those who cannot respect parental boundaries never have good intentions for children. Reject Inclusion. Embrace Exclusion.
~CourageIsAHabit.org, 2024
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