Libertarian Family Lets Their Children Kiss Each Other?

Question

I live next door to a Libertarian family that consists of the husband James and his wife and two daughters. I went over there for dinner and was surprised at how well-behaved the children seemed. I asked them about how they discipline their children and James told me that he was a devout Libertarian. He believes that his children can do anything they like so long as it does not harm anyone else. This is the so-called non-aggression principle.

His daughters are seven and five years old. Each one has her own bedroom and in a book that the parents keep they write down which child has ownership over which property or chattel. Whenever there is any conflict or theft then the children are expected to collect evidence (e.g. with their camera phones) and go to the parents who act like courts and enforce these property rights. In another book the parents write down the outcome of each "court" case so that the children can read them and use them as precedent.

While this may seem great, in order to be fully consistent with Libertarian principles, the parents allow each child to have unrestricted Internet access, which means 24-hour access to pornography, hate, violence, etc. One time I saw the two daughters kissing each other. They weren't innocently pecking each other's cheeks but putting their tongues down the other sister's mouth. When I asked them what they were doing they told me they liked to "explore their bisexuality."

Worried, I told James about this but he said that if the two girls did this voluntarily and with each other's consent then it's okay. He told me that this Libertarian principle will best prepare the children for adulthood in America because, as he said, "America is built upon the concept of Liberty."

My question is: should I do something about the seven- and five-year-old girls pashing each other? Is this sort of parenting illegal? My wife, a devout Christian, believes that some Christian morality needs to be introduced, but James argues that if Government imposes separation of Church and State upon its citizens then why shouldn't he impose the same principle upon his children for the exact same reasons.

Answer 1

First of all, that's not a Libertarian way of life. If they are calling themselves that, then don't judge all Libertarians on that one experience.

Second, porn isn't that easy to find on the net and it certainly not easy at all to find free porn that these kids can locate. If it's on the computer it's because an adult paid for it and downloaded it on to the computer.

Third, it is not your place nor your wife's place to enforce Christian values on ANYONE!

OK, now with that said, unless these children are being abused then you have no right sticking your nose in their business.

Answer 2

For most of human history, children innocently "trying out" sex acts was not looked on as shameful. That is an attitude born of Christianity and is not necessarily right. The parents are trying to let the girls explore the world and learn as they are ready. I would not feel comfortable letting them see that stuff unless I was there to help explain and put it into context but the truth is there is nothing harmful about the girls trying it out. They are at risk by internet predators etc and I would talk with the parents about how worried I was about that but you really are going to have to let this one go. Where is the harm? Will they be injured or broken by their exploration? Will they be made gay? Is that wrong? These are questions of world view and are really tough to see objectively. If they are not subjected to abuse by a predator and are learning that sex is a healthy part of life, there is no harm. The kids are thriving and seem intelligent. I probably would have explained to the girls that that kind of kissing was done between people who aren't relatives because of genetics and only when they were in love in a grown-up romantic way.
It is really hard to see what is different as acceptable especially when it crosses a cultural taboo, but try to look at the situation objectively. It is not how I would teach my kids, it is not how you would teach your kids but it may be right for them.

Answer 3

Either you, or the family in question is confusing LIBERTARIAN with LIBERTINE. These parents are not doing anything overtly illegal, but it may be a good idea to distance yourself from these people, especially if their way of life disturbs you.

Answer 4

Okay, as a parent, this makes me worry. If he is using that train of thought, what's next? Touching his kids and saying it's okay as long as they consent? I mean this sets off a LOT of warning bells. I suggest trying to talk to him again and if nothing changes, get in touch with your local Child services department and have them investigate, you can call anonomously.

Answer 5

his views don't seem too bad- expect for the french kissing. that has to stop and there has to be some limits on what they are exposed to.

but I agree that religion doesn't need* to be in their lives.

Answer 6

I think children's aid should be alerted. It doesn't sound like very sound parenting.

Answer 7

Oh my this family has some issues... Why don't you stay far away.