Parenting 101

Is it just me or does it seem that "parenting" is being abandoned as a responsibility of people having children. It's okay to bear children, but raising them up, instilling values, expecting certain types of behavior is a quaint old-fashioned notion. Relegated to the scrapbook, like a heart and lace adorned postcard with the salutation "Dear Friend"...

Michael Jackson dangling his baby over a balcony, Michael Jackson wrapping his kids' faces in sheer fabric, spiderman masks, etc. Michael Jackson thinking it's "charming" having young boys and teen boys sleeping in his bed.

The Samantha Runyon, Sarah Lunde, Jessica Lundsford, JonBenet Ramsey, Carlie Brucia, Elizabeth Smart and other cases should be ringing a gigantic bell in people's heads. The Mary Kay Letourneau, Pam Smart and other teacher "seducing" student incidences are increasing at an alarming rate.

The Jessica Holloway disapperance is becoming a drawn-out Perry Mason mystery, not an on-going missing persons case. And, apparently, the prime suspect's, Joran van der Sloot's parents were unaware of their 17-year-old son's extra-curricular activities. Sneaking out after curfew in defiance of "house rules" becomes easier when you have your own apartment on your parent's property.

What the heck is going on here?

My stepson just turned 14 and is exhibiting all the typical behavior of a teenager. I remember it. I lived through it. But I'll tell ya, I had parents that didn't put up with the crap that parents today accept. I wasn't thought of or treated like an equal in my parents' home. I was the child. I was less experienced, less mature and less likely to make a sound decision than they. And they let me know it. I disagreed back then, but today, I realize the wisdom of their position.

Too many parents today are uncomfortable being strict with their children. Even if it is for their benefit. My folks didn't view parenting as a popularity contest. They didn't want to be my buddy. They knew their job was to raise a decent human being, and they took that responsibility seriously. They brought up three kids who today are responsible adults. Did we give them a hard time growing up? Yes. Did they have (more than) their share of heartache because our actions and word? Oh yes. Did they waiver and take the "easy way out"? Oh no.

Thanks Mom & Dad.

To blog or not to blog...

I haven't posted in a while, mostly because, well, I have a life and it keeps interrupting me. But I have been reading a lot of blogs during the last few months...funny ones, thoughtful ones, political ones, everyday life ones, and some that require me to have a barf bag in my hand to get through.

So I began to question what type of blog this will be...

I'm not an aspiring writer, so this will not be a career launching blog. I'm not funny, so the comedy thing is out. I'm not particularly political, so no elephants or donkeys here. There are alot of current event blogs out there -- Michelle Malkin is one of the best -- do we need another? My life isn't interesting to anyone but me (and sometimes, not even me), who would want to read about it?

After going through the list, I felt that I should pack up the blog tent and go home. It dawned on me that blogs written by middle aged females living in a small town in Ohio are lacking...there's my niche! I have opinions on everything (ask anyone who knows me), and you're going to be able to read them.

So here we go...