When Liberal Convictions Run Into the Reality of Parenting

[Shrek]

This summer, my older son turned 6. He's a shy, nonathletic child who wants nothing more than to make friends, yet he has a hard time socially. A neighbor suggested we consider signing him up for Cub Scouts.

"Boy Scouts? You think that's a good idea?" I asked, nodding toward my wife and the rainbow sticker on our minivan. The neighbor replied, reassuringly, "This local group is really diverse and great. You will fit right in."

I hesitated. But then I signed up my son. I may have an ideological grievance with the Boy Scouts of America, but the scouts themselves—the little 8- and 9-year-old boys who cheer when my kid does a push-up or improves his overhand throw—are not the culprits. At the first pack event, they seemed like little heroes, better for my guy's social skills and self-esteem than anything else my limited resources offer.

Besides, these scouts and scout families at the local level are doing good work, serving the community, developing friendships, learning about nature. If I snub them, where does that get me? And what is it, exactly, that they are doing that I oppose?

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