Monday, October 13, 2008

Re-Post: Parenting


There have been countless debates about parenting styles and practices over the years. From era to era you have to admit, things have definitely changed. I believe that children raised in the 50's, 60's and 70's experienced things a whole lot differently than the kids raised later. It seems that kids raised in the 70's made some pact or vow to be COOL parents and raise our kids with not so many rules. I may be wrong, but the way I was raised back then was perfect. Rules and structure and discipline worked wonders. I was a good kid and teenager. I respected my elders, I did not talk back, I hardly used profanity and I was not promiscuous.

Now days, it seems as if the kids my children play with are from another planet. They are rude, they don't have any manners, they don't listen and they are lazy. I wish my peers would see that there was nothing wrong with the way they were raised. Bring back the days of spankings for horrible behavior, the teaching of manners and respect and the limited time on the computer/video game machine and television. Give them structure and routines and schedules. Talk to them, listen to them and spend time with them. Don't use the television to baby-sit your kids. Stimulate them as people and give them praise and love as much as possible. There is nothing wrong with trying to not be like your parents, but if you turned out okay, then maybe they did did it right!!!!!

4 comments:

*Lindsey* said...

kids are so rude these days. When I worked for the city of Phoenix, I could not believe some of the things that came out of these kids mouths. is it just now that parents are so busy doing other things, they forget to actually 'parent' their children.

N2ATIVEONE said...

I think you are right, Lindsey! I find myself caught up in trying to find "me" time as a parent, time that I don't have to take care of anyone else. However, I think if you don't handle that balance just right, you tend to make the kids grow up on their own. Then, we let the television, movies or games do the babysitting, and our kids turn out having horrible behavior because of what they see doing those activities. We as parents need to take the time to enjoy our children and love them while we are still lucky enough to have them in our lives (before they grow up and want nothing to do with us - lol)

Anonymous said...

Hi Danifer - I agree, it's not like it used to be. Parents are both working to make ends meet and the kids are being raised by their siblings, a sitter, a day care or a favorite tv show.

Although it's tough for parents to remain consistent in disciplining, I think they're often so tired they just give in. The kids know that, and before we know it, they're completely out of hand.

Thank goodness our kids are grown.

N2ATIVEONE said...

Barbara, I know what you mean. Being consistent in parenting is very tough. Especially when you have several kids and there are different maturity levels and responsibilities. My eleven year old doesn't always have the same discipline issues that my eight year old has and I have a hard time being consistent. I DO tend to give up at times (especially when they know how to work the system) - lol.