Replies to '06/23 "Stop Ruining Your Child!"'

After reading all the messages I think it's safe to say that what it all boils down to is it takes a lot more effort to be a GOOD  parent than a FUN parent.  The object is to prepare your child for life by teaching, guiding, praising, disciplining, loving and that takes more time and effort than ignoring what they've done, giving in to what they want, assuming it's a stage they'll grow out of, etc.  As for the motherinlaw who doesnt make her child bathe regularly - we've all battled the tantrum - but you dont give in.  The mom who thinks it would be fine to buy her child a corvette if she wanted to - why? 

What will you buy the child in hghschool - a Mercedes?  It's not about pamppering them and showering them with gifts.  It's about rewarding their hardwork or the responsibility they've shown.   

It IS everyone's business what you do with your child - you are living in a town, you are part of a neighborhood, your child attends a school with other kids - it's not about outdoing your neighbor or giving the child what you never had.  Sometimes the less you give them and the more you expect from them the more successful they'll be.  Don't be afraid to say no - they love you anyway...and I speak from experience. 

 I get really fed up with bad parenting and bratty kids, but you're right. Sometimes, there can be circumstances that make it look like the parent is negligent. My oldest grandson had severe behavioural problems when he was a child. It took six adults to control him one time when he went into a rage. My daughter was accused of bad parenting AT FIRST. When it was finally recognized that he had serious problems, he was put into  an institutional setting and several support workers later came to my daughter and apologized for thinking it was her  fault.  I think most people can see the difference between a brat and a sick kid, though.

Steve is abusing his children!  And if that's how he acts in front of the camera knowing it's rolling, he's likely much WORSE behing closed doors.  Attitudes like "can't judge" is why so many children fall thru the cracks & endure horrible abuse in our society.