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.
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2 comments:
I agree with your comment that some parents are uncomfortable being strict. These parents want to be "friends" with their kids instead of mentors who instill values.
Yes, I am one of those "prick parents" who is a bit of a "hard ass" (excuse the smut talk, just making a point) who can spot my 15 year old's lies a mile away (been there and one that) and don't allow him to think that a D is good enough. Did my parents instill this in me? To be honest, not a chance. I grew up in East Oakland and was basically a pot smoking jerk who only though of myself. My parents never looked at my grades. We regularly had beer parties at the house while mom was off with one of her latest boyfriends.
Would I allow my son to get away with this? Heck no! Not a chance! I check his grades like a hawk and take action whenever appropirate. I talk to his teachers to find out what I can do to remedy problems.
Parents need to get back to parenting. Throw out the Dr. Benjamin Spock book (the book that brought up a generation of gang-bangers trying to "find themselves") and get down to business. You don't have to be verbally or physically abuse to be an effective parent.
Enough of my rant. I hope your day is going well..
Semi
Semi:
Thanks for your post. Which leads us to another discussion of personal responsibility and finding the strength to not blame your past and do what's right.
I've met very few people who don't have something in their past that they could hang the "it's not my fault, I was:
raised that way
had bad parents
didn't had a mom / dad
was abused
was neglected
was/saw/experienced (insert negative situation here)
Most people have some "injustice" in their life, strength, courage and faith allow them to put it in it's proper place and move on.
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