Children's fiction now contains themes on sex, death, abuse, and drugs. It's a controversial program that publishers, writers, and social workers have endorsed in order to teach children the harsh realities of life. The track record of 'prestigious' book awards bestowed on these writings shows agreement with this philosophy. Otherwise, they feel, children would never know how to deal with the culture shock once they've been catapulted into the real world. Do homeschoolers need to support such a program?

I'm a firm believer in letting a child stay young and innocent for as long as it takes for him to grow up. Childhood should be filled with family warmth. That's where good memories and well-adjusted adults come from, not from publications that gravel at the feet of depravity.

Before we teach how tough life can be, let's teach our students responsibility, self-esteem, to think for themselves, to make decisions, self reliance, manners, and appreciation for things. Teach these basics to your student, and she'll be ready for what life holds for her, whenever you sic her on the world.

And this will be at a time when she's ready, not at the tender age of 4 or 5, the age of which is mandatory to toss children into the mix of the public school system, where they fend for themselves on a trial-and-error basis. (To tear the young innocence from the bosom of family is, I think, cruel.)

Admittedly, because of this sex-saturated society, there are subjects that must be addressed before their time, like sex and uncomfortable touching from others. Too, families will experience their own trials. The truth within man's history alone is enough to draw cold fear from of a child. But I teach my students how to deal with these as a matter of fact, not fiction.

I feel very comfortable with the innocence of a child. They are good for a smile every time. And I don't have to worry about stupid, embarrassing questions, or a smart mouth. Allowing our children to grow up amongst a carefree childhood is one of the greatest and longest lasting blessings we can give them. And we owe it to them for being so special.