Shake It Off-Limits

Shake It Off-Limits When I was growing up in the ’80s, I had no idea what was happening outside of my little red house in Jersey City, New Jersey. I knew Ronald Reagan was president, there was something called the Iran-Contra Affair, and a space shuttle blew up while I was sitting in a classroom. That was it — my geopolitical knowledge was microscopic. If you asked me about my childhood, the only things I can remember are watching “Star Wars” a hundred times, having an impressive G.I. Joe action figure (not dolls!) collection, and the Mets winning the World Series. That’s it.

Now, kids know way too much, and Shake It Off-Limits that’s our fault. Sure, we can blame technology, the vast amount of information available at our thumbs, and a world of instant gratification. But you know what? A 10-year-old kid has no idea — nor do they care — who Donald Trump or Kamala Harris are.

Recently, a private school in Charleston, South Carolina, stopped using a Taylor Swift song for their pee-wee cheerleaders’ routine at high school football games because parents didn’t want their children dancing to a song performed by Trump’s “mortal enemy,” T-Swift. You read that right. This is not an ‘eating dogs’ urban legend. This. Just. Happened.

Let’s try a quick history lesson: On September 10, Taylor Swift posted on Instagram that she wouldn’t be campaigning, but she would be voting for Vice President Kamala Harris. Five days later, Trump posted on Truth Social in all caps, without context: “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!” Within days of this nonsense, the cheer moms revolted, and the ironically titled “Shake It Off” was removed from the kids’ setlist.

I’m the first to say we should communicate with people outside of our respective bubbles and break the tribal mentality that has taken over society. But when it comes to kids, let’s leave them out of this. The world is already complicated enough for them. 

I always say one thing we’re incredibly good at is overcorrection, and this is a perfect example.

I remember growing up, there was debate about ‘shielding our children’ from sex and violence. Parental advisory stickers were slapped on albums that dropped an F-bomb, and ultra-conservative organizations would petition to cancel TV shows that showed too much skin. Now, the pendulum has swung the other way — kids know TOO much. They should be allowed to make mistakes and fall on their faces, not be aware of the economic platforms of Donald Trump or Kamala Harris. And Shake It Off-Limits honestly, do any of us really know about that?

I’d much rather have kids debate the longevity of Taylor and Travis’s relationship than know anything about what’s happening in the real world. They’ve got plenty of time for that. Let’s let them be kids for as long as possible.

The pressure on children to be informed and engaged in adult issues is not just unnecessary; it’s potentially harmful. Childhood is a crucial time for developing imagination, creativity, and social skills. When we saddle kids with complex political and social issues, we rob them of the carefree experiences that shape their emotional intelligence and resilience.

Instead of forcing adult concerns onto children, we should focus on nurturing their natural curiosity. Encourage them to touch grass, read stories, goof around, and learn how to interact with kids from different backgrounds. These experiences will naturally prepare them to engage with more complex issues as they get older.

As parents, educators, and members of society, we have a responsibility to create an environment where kids can be kids. This means setting boundaries on the information we expose them to and the expectations we place on their shoulders. Let’s strike a balance between preparing them for the future and allowing them to enjoy the present.

While it’s great to raise informed and engaged people, we must remember that childhood moves fast. There are no do-overs.

So let’s allow our kids to worry more about playground politics than presidential ones, to focus more on mastering Roblox than understanding healthcare policies. There will be plenty of time for them to engage with our crazy batshit world & Can You Do It Better.

For now, let them enjoy the simple life of being a kid — and let them dance to whoever the hell they want.

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