Sorry, but I can’t believe thousands of American parents think this is OK, and that to date only about 4% of voters disagree (based on the like/dislike ratio):
Nor that it was so popular last time round they felt the need to run it again!
I know this was done as a joke and I love a well-done prank as much as anyone else, but some ‘jokes’ are just in poor taste. Since when did it become OK to tease your kids, lie to them by telling them you’ve stolen something really precious to them, then tell them you love them and expect them to forgive you, just in the name of internet amusement for Jimmy Kimmel and his audience of goons?
“Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath” Ephesians 6v4
“Speak every man truth with his neighbour” Ephesians 4v25
We’ve spent a lot of time explaining the difference between a joke and a lie to our kids. As parents we are in a position of authority and leadership over our children. They are innately trusting of their parents and innocent to malice, which is why Jesus used them as an example of what we should be: “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, yet shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18v3). Paul instructs the Corinthians: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1Corinthians 11v1). As parents we should be modelling Christ to our children so when they follow us they are learning to follow Christ. A prank of this description abuses that authority and teaches children mistrust, skepticism, cynicism and disrespect for parents. Ironically, how many of these parents will end up complaining that their kids don’t respect them?
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” (Galatians 6v7-8)
It’s amazing that in some of the clips towards the end of this video, the kids and the parents change places – ‘mature’ adults acting like children, while young children with only a few years of life behind them show a love and maturity well beyond their years “That’s OK, I want you to be happy”.
Sorry parents but it’s not cool or OK to tease your kids for the sake of someone else’s amusement. The home should be a place where you love and nurture your children, not use them as a tool of ridicule and entertainment for an internet or studio audience.
