All Sides

I have this friend who is a wonderful person and we get along great- except when politics are involved. We were talking at a recent party and she told me about when she had her nephew staying with her and she was very lax with what he was allowed to do. Her only condition? That he not watch a certain TV channel with whose politics she disagrees. This really stuck in my craw. But why? After much thought, I know why it bothered me so. I believe very strongly in showing people (especially my children) all sides of a story so they can make an informed decision. I completely respect everyone's different views- all I ask is that they research it, ponder it, and decide for themselves- rather than just listen to what the media tells them. And this all turned out to be a good thing, albeit indirectly. It was a catalyst for me to discuss my beliefs with my hubby who, it turns out, agrees with me. Not that I was surprised, but it is always nice to have confirmation that you and your hubby are on the same page when raising children. These are the things couples forget to discuss when planning a family. Usually people are so wrapped up in living quarters, financial worries and more straight forward discipline to focus on these smaller issues- which in actuality turn out to be huge influences on our children's lives. (To my friend who sparked all this... Please don't be offended, I am grateful for your friendship and wish no harm. In fact, I want to thank you for making me think something through that I had never given much thought to.)