Why Not Speak the Truth to Our Kids Through History?
- Allan Shedlin
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Scott Beller
Daddying Editor
The other day, I asked my high-schooler what she was learning about in her AP U.S. History class. She said she was studying World War II. I then asked whether the lessons of that conflict were also being used to provide context for news and events that have transpired over, say, the past 14 months.
Without hesitation, she said, "no."
I thought that was a shame. An opportunity lost.
Even though she'll be able to discuss "current events" next year when she's a senior and gets to take AP government, history and decisions affecting her generation's future are being made now. Lessons from the past, especially those leading up to, during, and beyond WWII, are vital to understanding and confronting our increasingly unstable world today and the people responsible for it.
And while fewer and fewer media sources remain committed to providing adults and students, alike, with factual, propaganda-free news content, it seemed to me that there are few better places for discussing these important topics objectively with our kids who have reached or are about to reach voting age than in history classes, where facts in evidence prevail.
While we here at the Daddying blog try our best to be apolitical, so many current events and issues affecting students and parents have become politicized to the point they cannot be ignored. The time has long past for "staying above the fray" and remaining silent on wars of aggression and other issues that could affect all our children, like:
Gun violence and classroom safety
Repressive and unwarranted book bans
My kids know where I stand on these issues, and I've encouraged them to talk freely about them. We've attended more than one protest and polling place on election day together. My oldest cast her first election ballot last fall. My youngest will cast hers in the next presidential election. So, I feel like I've been leading by example not just lecture.
But I guess until next year, when sociopolitical discussions are "officially" allowed in school with her teacher, parents like me will be the one asking the questions and prompting students to examine how they feel about what's going on in the world. Of course, as a parent, teaching my kids the difference between human rights and wrongs, how to speak up for themselves and others, and how to show compassion for those who are suffering injustice has always been my responsibility. But at a time when facts are scarce, it would be nice to have more backup from those who have the truth of history at their fingertips.
Daddy on.
Daddying Film Festival & Forum 2027
June 21, 2026
Save the Dates: The 6th annual, virtual Daddying Film Festival will take place on Eventive, January 11-20, 2027, and our LIVE Daddying Film Forum will screen Atticus Award winners and finalists, January 29-30, 2027! Start planning your submissions now for the D3F 2027 Call for Entries, which opens this Fathers' Day, June 21st. More D3F news to come!
Scott Beller is the proud, imperfect crew Dad of two teen, mighty girls, imperfect partner of their rock-star mom/regatta chaperone, a truth teller, purveyor of banned books, former youth soccer coach, championship basketball coach, retired part-time driving instructor, late-night filmgoer, Editor of the Daddying blog, Director of Communications for DCG and Associate Director of the Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F). He's a seasoned writer and PR agency veteran with more than 35 years of experience helping organizations of all sizes and individuals reach audiences and tell their stories. Prior to launching his own creative communications consultancy in 2003, he led PR teams with some of the world’s most respected agencies, including The Weber Group and Fleishman-Hillard. As a consultant, he’s helped launch two other parenting advocacy nonprofits with DCG founder Allan Shedlin, REEL Fathers and Dads Unlimited. His first book, Beggars or Angels, was a ghostwritten memoir for the nonprofit Devotion to Children's founder Rosemary Tran Lauer. He is formerly known as "Imperfect Dad" and Head Writer/Editor for the Raising Nerd blog, which supports parents in inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and creative problem solvers. He earned his BA in Communications from VA Tech so many years ago. You can follow him and his frequently salty language on Instagram and BlueSky.
