....kids today....

The more I have dealings with preteens and teens, the more I worry for what lies ahead as our generation ages.  I realize that times are different from when I was growing up but that really shouldn't change how kids should be raised or how they should act around others.

Now don't get me wrong...I'm not going to stand up on a soapbox and tell everyone that they are not doing a good job raising their kids, but like everything else, there are exceptions to every rule.  Gone are the days of the married, single income family.  They just aren't around anymore....again...exceptions are there.  In today's society, and economy, it doesn't even seem like two incomes are enough anymore.  So, this obviously means that with both parents working, our kids are left in day care...or after school programs (if there are any left)...or just at home until we get done working.  Obviously the same can be said for single income, single parent families.  Just because we have to work shouldn't give us the right to not take an interest in our kids lives...am I wrong here???

We have tried to instill in our kids to be polite, respectful, obedient and to use manners.  I don't think this is too much to ask.  Yes, we do still have our share of problems and issues but they are because our kids are rude or destructive of just flat out being mean to others.  A friend of mine bought her son a new beanie hat that was stolen and destroyed by some other kids at school...I have heard some of the most vile language outside of various schools as I pick up my kids...seen some of the most disturbing behavior exhibited by kids not to mention thoughts and behavior dripping with malice and violence...I am truly scared...when is the next kid going to bring a gun to school and open up??

I really think that no matter how busy we may think we are...or how tired we are at the end of the day we have to take the time to be there for our kids.  We need to take the time to talk with them...not just plant them in front of the various tv's and computers in our homes.  We may not be able to stop everything, but we can at least keep them grounded and not give them the excuse..or the easy way out.  No matter what happens in our lives...I think that we have to remember that we are parents first.  If we don't step in and try to make some serious changes in our kids lives...give them legitimate role models to look up to instead of movie stars and athletes we are looking at some seriously disturbing times ahead based on what we are all seeing from the youth of today.

Thanks to my Pops...for doing the best job that you could.  I appreciate you every day and whether or not I have told you lately...you have always been my role model.  I hope I have done you proud!