Because I’m obviously such a superior parent who never, ever screws anything up, I think I’m in the perfect position to judge everybody else. Check out this week’s Top of Utah Voices column with the Standard Examiner to see my current beef about parenting.
(If you’re new here, read back a bit and you’ll see that in all honesty, I probably scar my children on a regular basis with my screeching and beatings. I’m sure they’ll survive.)
Grat column, Annie. But you and I have already talked about this issue, so you know where I stand.
I may not be a parent, but I know a lot about teenagers and what works and what doesn’t, and those are the kids I see everyday in my job. Honestly, we see SO MANY entitled kids and enabling parents. It does them no good when they turn 18.
I had a friend in high school tell me, after I had complained about my curfew time, “Well, at least your parents care about what time you’re home. My mom couldn’t care less about what time I get in. I wish she did sometimes.”
Ever since I heard that, I never really complained again about my parent’s rules. And I will tell my kids that story someday, too.
I attended summer school in a district where my dad was a principal and many students knew him. I will never forget the girl (who was consistently in trouble) who came up to me during a break and said, “I really like your dad. He’s the only one that cares when I do something wrong. I actually appreciate that he punishes me because my parents don’t care.”
You’re such a heel, Annie. (And you know how the devil feels about heels, right?) 🙂
Right on.
Amen, amen, amen. Except for the last paragraph. (afraid of offending someone?) But the rest, I wholeheartedly agree with.
Do you live in my ‘hood? Heck, this even sounds like my best friend’s version of “parenting”. She doesn’t let her kids get away with naughtiness, but she does something just as bad. She gives her children waaaaay too much without teaching them how to do for themselves. I feel bad for their future wives.
I can’t agree with you more. My heart aches everyday over this very thing. You see, my teenage son and daughter have made the choice to live with their dad. (Against my wishes, but because they are old enough to make that decision for themselves, the judge allowed it) They have chosen to move from my home… a house full of loving boundaries and rules and structure. To their dads home where there are no rules, no boundaries, and basic freedom to do as they wish. It is not whats best for them (in my opinion) and its reflected in their attitude, their grades, their lack of attending church and all the other activities they used to enjoy attending, as well as their lies and manipulation and now my son’s trouble with the law. And my exhusband, their father, does nothing! He doesn’t see it. He is more concerned about being “liked” than being a parent. It is so heartbreaking to me because there is not a damn thing I can do about it except sit back and watch as their lives go down the tubes.
Great column Annie!
Oh Sherrie, I am so sorry. This is such a heartbreaking situation, my prayers go out to you. You’re an awesome mom, and I can tell you from my mother’s experience (this happened with her first kids and ex husband) that eventually, they will see the situation for exactly what it is.
My kids are truthfully so much happier inside their boundaries. And you’re right. I’d rather them learn it now, while they’re young, than when it’s too late. Amen, Annie.
This column was right on! But, you already knew that!
heart you!