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the lack of discipline took place as woman started to go to work, we need more family ties to live up to
posted by
Lanetay
on July 12, 2008 at 5:28 PM
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Hello! My chilldren are 26, 24, and 21. The 21 year old seems to struggle the most with wanting everything right now. (Man I think I would like through my 20's again, I had an absolute blast!) Have a great day! sam
posted by
sam444
on July 10, 2008 at 1:46 PM
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Naut, I also feel this way--that it is too late.
But I can't let it sit there: it cannot change if we give up. The thing we deplore--we can at least make it have to work harder. And every time we reach a kid and open their eyes to something better than they knew there was, we light a candle in the dark.
Defenceless under the night
Our world in stupor lies;
Yet, dotted everywhere,
Ironic points of light
Flash out wherever the Just
Exchange their messages:
May I, composed like them
Of Eros and of dust,
Beleaguered by the same
Negation and despair,
Show an affirming flame.
WH Auden (from "September 1, 1939")
posted by
Ciel
on July 10, 2008 at 1:14 PM
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Sam, it is really hard not to give our kid the things we think will
make them smile... How old are your kids now?
posted by
Ciel
on July 10, 2008 at 1:06 PM
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Ciel
The most succinct statement on the current crisis I have seen in a long time! And it is a crisis! Of course, history is change, and change is often decline. But there is no period in history that shows a similar devaluation of the family, coupled with the kind of absolute moral relativism in vogue in much of the West today...And I am not optimistic. While it may be possible to formulate solutions in principle, in my view it will be impossible to implement them in practice...
posted by
Nautikos
on July 10, 2008 at 11:40 AM
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I liked the points you made. I am guilty of giving my children too much! I think it made it difficult for them when they were on their own because they wanted it all now! I think less material would have benefitted more. Perhaps they will do with their children what I should have done with them. sam
posted by
sam444
on July 10, 2008 at 10:57 AM
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WE have to put our actions where our mouths are... teach by example
and do the hard thing when we have to.
Don't cave under the pressure of kiddy tears... Be in charge of the household, if that is your job... Demonstrate respect to others in front of the kids, and insist on it from them. The first part of that is the hardest for me, when I get ticked off by a reckless driver or a president, say..
posted by
Ciel
on July 10, 2008 at 7:51 AM
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Good answer to my question, Ciel. How do we go about reversing the situation? There aren't a whole lot of people setting a good example for our youth, especially those in the public eye.
posted by
TAPS.
on July 10, 2008 at 7:42 AM
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