I think my child is a socialist?

[brokenheartedbattleostrich]

My son has just turned 15, and recently he has been coming home from school telling me how he has been learning lots about socialism. Since this started happening, we have been arguing nonstop. He doesn't seem to let anything go. Whenever I try to talk about work at the dinner table (in fairness, I am a banker), he can't go 5 minutes without getting angry at me and disrupting the meal. I understand what he is going through, he's not the only one to have a lefty phase - I had mine at university! That being said, I'm worried that he's going down a bad path, and that his behaviour is going to become a real problem. God forbid I take him into waitrose! If anyone has any advice, do share.

He'll grow out of it. Most of them do thank goodness.

My DS is an authoritarian. Every time anyone does anything 'naughty' e.g. If I joke 'shall I steal daddy's jacket potato, its the biggest' his answer is 'I'm going to tell the policeman, he tell you off!'

I don't think people necessarily grow out of their political views...but maybe they stop having the time to act on them as much....eg can't get childcare to go to a mrach, but will still sign petition and write to their MP.

Engage him in illuminating discussion rather than argument. Make the case, if you can, for your obscene bonuses while setting out merits of Universal Credit.

Lol OK op, sure.

Is banker rhyming slang 😂😂😂😂😂

That's great, you must be so proud

Waitrose is a worker's co-op, OP. Explain this to him, and that they own the means of their revenue production and profits, after reinvestment, go to them, instead of shareholders. It's a socialist supermarket, in fact, compared to Tesco. Your son should love it as much as you do.

Maybe he's just learned at school that bankers are one of the reasons this country is on its knees and he thinks you're one of them.

This

I went through a lefty phase, and I'm still in it, although I'm in my 40's now. Not sure if that means I'm a socialist, or simply that I haven't grown up yet?

These replies.. Fantastic 😁😁👍👍

Mumsymumphy

Maybe he's just learned at school that bankers are one of the reasons this country is on its knees and he thinks you're one of them.

I think it's great when teenagers have a bit of oomph about them and they should most definitely start to question things. Leaders of the future!

brizzlemint

Is banker rhyming slang ?

BeGoodTanya

You’re a banker, andyou’reafraid he’s going to go down a bad path?

You’re a banker, and you’re afraid he’s going to go down a bad path?

Pmsl!

Oh! And....

Wallsbangers

Must be so difficult. He might grow up to be someone that cares about other people.

I was awful at that age too - so self-righteous! That part, hopefully, is a phase. I was a socialist teenager as well, but moved towards the centre-left when I realised that socialist leaders and political parties are just as bad as proper right-wingers when it comes to misogyny, racism, hypocrisy and general corruption.

Get him to read Animal Farm :)

And why is this wrong? My dd is a big Jeremy fan and calls me a traitor for not liking him it's called being a teenager though I never grew out of it, (just I hate Jeremy !)

If I had a 15-year old socialist in the house, I'd be paying their Labour party membership fees.

When I was 15, I had to pay my own, even though my dad was a lefty.

Socialism is a 'phase'???
Thank god your ds has stared using his own brain!
My parents were very right wing. My phase started AFTER I had responsibilities in my twenties, and has remained to my sixties.
Start showing your son some respect regarding his views because at the moment you are confirming his developing views about right wing attitudes.

Obvious troll is obvious

Be thankful he is passionate about something. I can not wait to debate about important issues with my DC. Be respectful, create a safe space and debate away. It’s healthy. Who knows you both might find you agree with some aspects of each others views. Worst case you can get it all out and agree to disagree.

if your are not a liberal at 20 you have no heart; if you are not a conservative by 40 you have no head

Attributed to both Disraeli and Churchill

Just be proud that he is passionate about something op. He's having his own ideas about how the world should be and he's comfortable enough and confident enough to share them with you! Encourage his intellectual curiosity and show him how to debate respectfully. Your opinions and validation clearly mean a lot to him, otherwise your arguments wouldn't get so heated. It sounds like you have done a good job with him.

My suggestion is that he goes out and gets himself a Saturday job then voluntarily gives half his wage to the HMRC.

If he wants to spout socialism then fine, but he can put his money where his mouth is.

I hope this is awind up.

Instead of argue it, debate and discuss. It’s healthy to have a political discussion. My ds is also studying politics and we’ve had lots of discussions about various things.

Sociialism doesn't equate To bad behaviour, just a healthy view on politics. (Healthy in the sense that he’s interested in what’s going on in the world).

What’s the problem?

My son is, I’d be worried if he weren’t as he’s a Labour Councillor.

Proud of him, his work and beliefs.

Your children don’t have to be mini mes. You bring them up to be happy, successful, decent and secure adults.

Politics, religious beliefs, sexuality etc are all very much secondary.

My suggestion is that he goes out and gets himself a Saturday job then voluntarily gives half his wage to the HMRC.If he wants to spout socialism then fine, but he can put his money where his mouth is*

I think OP would prefer he becomes an extremely wealthy banker or CEO and put his money offshore where HMRC can't get it. Socialists understand they should pay their taxes.

It's Earl Grey.