kids today

[joaa]

i don't have any kids but i was one once when spanking actually worked. whenever i did something wrong, my mom would give me a warning and because i knew that she wasn't just "all talk", that she had the "*bleep*" to whip my behind, i knew better than to do it again. i'm 24 now and looking around at all these kids running around like they're the head of the family now because parents are too scared to punish them and it sickens me.   

[Kymberli0529]

It's very hard for me to judge children/teenagers as a whole because they aren't all the same.  There are a lot of very respectful, responsible kids out there.  I do agree that I see some very rude children on a daily basis and it's very hard to not just throw them all together and sound like my Grandparents and say "kids!" I've taught my children to be polite, hold doors, please/thank you, etc. but unfortunately, not every parent does that.  

Also, I disagree with stereotyping young parents as bad parents or not knowing how to be a parent.  What person, no matter the age, 'knows' how to be a parent.  Whether you're 30 or 17, you're never fully prepared to be a parent.  I was 16 when I had my son and no, I didn't know what I was doing.  Now, he's 6 years old.  Happy, healthy, polite as can be, and I like to toot my own horn and say it's because of me.  I'm a damned good parent.

I disagree on another point, as well.  I don't think it has anything to do with whether you're in a committed relationship.  My mother was a single mother and raised my brother and myself on a very limited income.  It was extremely hard but she did it and both of us are very responsible adults.  Yes, it's important to have both parental roles filled but just because the child has a father in his life doesn't mean that father is a good role model.  My father for example had and followed through with his visitation but was a raging alcoholic and set a horrible example for us.

Anyway, I digress.  I think it is a parents job, whether that be one or two parents, to set a loving, responsible example for their children.  Treat others the way you would like to be treated, that goes for your children as well.  

[kathrynh]

My friends and I are considered the "good kids" that all the teachers love. Haha.

[heather177]

I cant believe how much parents let there kids do today. Like be out till 1 or 2 or even 3 in the moring driving around. And because of that kids in our neighborhood are crushing our mail boxs and busting out car windows. The sad part is I live in a gated community but if parents inside the community cant control there kids whats the point. Also schools dont help either. The teachers in high school are rude and cuss and I had so many problems out of them. I came from a bad area to a prep area. The bad area schools teachers where way better than the good school. They let the kids smoke in what they called smokers alley and the kids destroyed peoples property. The cops stood there with the kids. In the bad area schools you cant even leave school ground. But me and my sisters where raised by great parents but the stupid stuff my sister did was all during school hours. How are schools letting kids get away with so much? At my other school they called home if you didnt show up to classes.

[viva05]

I think that respect comes from the home if the parents is not giving respect to there childerns then the childerns is not going to give to anyone else that they meet the way the parents raise there childerns that is how that child is going to be. If they rise then up the right way they when be respectful if they rise them the wrong way they will be disrespectful it come from in the home.

[liz1084]

I believe honestly the lack of respect kids have these days is nothing to do with discipline par say. I think it has to do with lazy parents. Parents don't talk to there children enough. Children don't naturally know how to do everything it's you the parent that teaches them. I have noticed respect issues with children even with other children. I have a four and two year old. I use to take them to the playground when my two year old was like one and there would be other children push him out of the way. My daughter knows not to do that. Because I have always taught her to be careful with babies. Even before she had a little brother. We as parents just have to remember that having a child is a lot of work and we signed up for the job so we have to take on all the responsibility's of the job including teaching them respect, and as soon as possible. You'd be surprised at how much even a very young child can understand. Also respecting others yourself will help with it, children are sponges they soak up everything they see so if they see you being respectful they will follow in your footsteps

[roxieluv]

i agree with the fact of young people (children and teens) having little to no respect i live with two teens that do have respect due to there upbringing and disapline (verbal prompiting and follow through with grounding and taking away of thing) you dont need to hit a child for disapine. but inorder to teach respect you need to start while the are coming into this world they learn what the see in there home inviroment first and for most

[slim28]

i agree,don't matter how much you talk to them,they still doing to do what they went.

[SecondGoalie]

I have always found this argument to be quite funny. The older generation finding fault in the upbringing of the younger generation. Grandparents blame parents for not teaching their kids properly, yet the grandparents are the ones who taught the parents.

[barrettt20]

I totally agree with you. I do feel that children who have discipline in there lifes are more respectful and care how they act then those who do not have any discipline because without discipline children are gonna act how they want instead of how they should because they know theres no consequences for there actions. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying spank your children and they will be perfect because they are other types of discipline then spanking, but i am saying when your child does something wrong don't turn the other check because you don't feel like dealing with it.

[Freeman352]

I think a lot of it boils down to kids not having enough to do. I read a statistic somewhere that the number of kids getting their driver's license is seriously declining!! When I was in high school everyone ran out as soon as they turned 16 and got their license. Parents just dont take the time to find activities for their kids to do, teach them to drive, etc...households just arent the same as they used to be. So many parents are broke, divorced, drunk, working 24/7, or something...not to say that divorced people cant be good parents but its got to be harder. In my neighborhood Im always seeing teenagers just wandering around, or sitting in the road. Theyve got to be really bored, or depressed...but one things for sure, they arent doing anything useful or spending quality time with their family.

[firefly001]

All single moms and dads doing their best I commend you. To couples working hard trying to keep a roof over your head and food on the table for your children, keep up the good work. Discipline doesn't only fall to the parents. The people in their lives are also responsible in setting example for these children and looking out for their best interest.  I was in High School at the time; and our Teacher one day said to the class, 'You have two homes what are they?' We sat in silence wondering what was she talking about, we only have one home, and one of the other students said so. Then she said to us 'you have two homes; where you go too at the end of the day to your parents, and here at school. Do you know why?' We all said no, she said because 'you spend half your day at school and the other half home each day, therefore you have two homes'[/u]. With that said; it is not only the parents who are responsible for their discipline but also their teachers and other people in their lives who are older, wiser and know better. We are all responsible for the young ones out there  and we all should set example. Even if it isn't your children or your brothers or sisters or nieces and nephews; we should all let them know that this isn't the right behavior and this isn't the way to seek attention or gain respect. Like someone said earlier children are like sponge they absorb everything, so the way we behave,  the reactions we have to everyday situations, and the way we interact with others all leave an impression on them. Good luck! 

[xswtsunshine05x]

I see a lot of people have lack of respect! It is sad to see like that. I'm making sure that my girls do have some manners and respect! It's very important to have some respect for the world! 

[bschumacher]

I think it comes from lowered expectations and laziness on the part of parents and teachers. I say this even though I am a teacher myself. It drives me crazy to hear about teachers who allow their students to cuss and show disrespect, with no consequences, because following through with discipline is seen as too much trouble. And don't get me started on the parents who scream at any teacher who calls them about their child's misbehavior!!!

[MrTrouple]

what ever happened to kids being respectful? does anyone else believe the lack of respect may possibly come from a lack of discipline?

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