When Star Trek, The Next Generation first aired in 1987, fans who gave it a chance met Data, a Starfleet officer and android who captured the hearts and imaginations of fans all over the world. We related to him because, even as humans, it is difficult for us to understand the complexity of our own emotions.
In season 3, Data creates a daughter, Lal, who amazes everyone on board ("The Offspring," E16). While her journey is brief, the messages conveyed within it remain relevant 30 years later.
The choice to become a parent
As expected, Data's friends are both surprised and pleased when he presents Lal, except for Picard, who seemed dismayed that Data didn't consult him. Data is puzzled by this reaction, as he hasn't observed anyone else on board consult the captain about their procreation plans.
If it were anyone else but Data, this would be a clapback worthy of a bust back down to ensign, but Data, in his practical way, spoke factually. The choice to have a child is a personal and private one, no matter a person's relationship status. In the 24th century, building a family can mean many things, providing an example for those who want to make a home based on single parenting.
Giving Lal the right to choose
While Lal is still androgynous, Data tells Counselor Troi that he's giving his creation the freedom of choice when it comes to gender and overall appearance. Although the new android now has the ability to make its own choices, Data still assists Lal for hours in the holodeck until she chooses the gender and appearance of a human female.
When children reach puberty, it's not uncommon that they want more of a say of what happens in their lives--a new haircut of their choosing, picking out their own clothes, or quitting one school club to try something new--usually crops up. This usually causes tension in the home, but Data helping Lal find herself instead of trying to control every moment shows us that stepping back can help your child step forward, and with confidence.
Choosing his child under any circumstances
When Admiral Haftel of Starfleet demands that Lal be removed from Enterprise for further study under a controlled environment, Data objects because Lal needs his guidance until she reaches her formative years. Haftel believes that making some kind of error during that time might damage Lal, but Data tells the admiral that no one can replace who he is, not even Starfleet, because he is her father.
Whether our kids are eight months old, eight years old, or 28 years old, the instinct to protect our kids is powerful. Identifying their needs and what is best for them, tempered with advice from teachers and medical professionals, gives us a proper perspective.
While Lal sadly did not survive due to cascade failure, she left us with the message that no matter what, our children often teach us more than we teach them.
You can watch "The Offspring" and other episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation streaming now on Paramount+.