Our culture is so overly-connected and inundated with media's opinions that we doubt ourselves, our standards, and our convictions on nearly every level. We are quick to adopt personal philosophies and standards of people we respect as well as societal norms that say something is 'okay' rather than working to define within our own hearts the truths and values we personally cherish. We're all guilty of this at one time or another.
"Their family does it this way, and I highly respect them,
so it's probably okay for our family."
We'd never encourage our kids to reason like this. In fact, we encourage them to think outside the box, swim against the current, stand up for what is right, be courageous, blah, blah, blah. So why do we as parents follow societal norms? Why are we so easily swayed?
My guess: it's simply easier.
And we look a little less like weirdos.
And we're tired.
The norm gives us a hall pass to skip the hard lessons of soul-searching or truth-finding. We can just blend in with the crowd and avoid being the brunt of parental criticism. Easy-peasy chicken squeasy.
