[ugotme]

Originally Posted by Cedwards38

I would also add to that fantasy world...........there would be parents who would stop trying to be just best friends with their children and actually be parents to their children. That means saying no to them occasionally, teaching them values, soft loving them when they are right and tough loving them when they are wrong, ignoring whining and drama, not making excuses for them, and demanding that they learn to behave in a civil manner that is respectful of those around them. I understand that some children have special needs, and I accept that, and sympathize with that, but I'm talking about the run of the mill kid who doesn't know right from wrong because they have been told by parents their entire life that they are right and the rest of the world is wrong. You don't want them playing violent video games, don't buy them, and forbid it, with consequences. You don't want them to watch inappropriate television, turn it off and forbid it with consequences. You don't want them having bad grades, demand good ones, with consequences. You don't want them being disrespectful, forbid it, with consequences. I spent a lot of years as a public school administrator, most as an elementary school principal, and I could tell you some stories. Your children will love you if you raise them to be good responsible adults, and not if all you ever do is try to make them happy.

OK, I'm off my soapbox. Now all of you who disagree, go ahead and let me have it. I can take it. 29 years in the public schools will make your skin pretty thick.

No soapbox - IMHO you are absolutely correct! I have stated it in other posts - parents need to do parenting !!!! I will not keep going because you and Oldcoach Ed have said it all.