Parent worries about son's Michael Jackson fandom
Dear Amy: My 7-year-old son has recently discovered Michael Jackson. I am having a hard time with it. With allegations Michael Jackson of child molestations, it's hard to constantly hear his music being played by my child.
My son's interest is at the point where for his recent birthday friends and family bought him a record, an MJ patch to wear on his jacket and a white bedazzled glove.
My son has definitely received lots of instruction about "stranger danger" and such, but do I tell him his musical idol would potentially be a grownup that might want to harm him?
If I told him he simply wasn't allowed to listen anymore, he would want some kind of explanation. Or do we simply wait this out until it passes and have a difficult conversation when he's older?
For the record, Amy, I believe the accusers, which makes this all especially hard.
What is your advice?
-- Concerned Parent
Dear Concerned: On one hand, no parent should quash their own instincts in order to let something slide.
However, I do NOT think you should actively discourage your son from listening to Michael Jackson's music.
Parents who discover that their children are playing games featuring pretend weapons or other violence (either via video or in real life) must explain that real guns really hurt people.
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