the problem with the next generation...

In my view, the kids that I see running around these days are a) more disruptive b) more rambunctious c) less cooperative d) and have less respect for authority

and the big question is: why?

the answer: We as a people have forgotten how to PARENT!

Every single time I see a child out of control I need to look no further than to their parents to see what the main problem is. These "parents" either hover over their children 24/7 not allowing them room to breath or they ignore the children until something bad happens.

What we have forgotten is what the main goal of parenting was supposed to be:

-To prepare the child for adulthood-

As a parent you need to do several thing correctly in order for your children to succeed in this ever-shrinking world of ours.

1) You need to set a good example for your child.
a) in social situations - how should they treat others, peers, elders, authority
b) in inter-personal relationships - what does a HEALTHY marriage look like?
- what is intimacy?
- how should we treat our mothers/wives/sisters

2) You need to help your child maneuver through a VERY confusing post-high school labyrinth
- school selection and student loans are very scary things to face on your own

3) Teach your child fiscal responsibility
- give them a small allowance on a weekly or monthly basis linked to grades AND chores so they can learn how to save and EARN money
- show them the pitfalls of carrying debt
- for god's sake, HELP them to establish credit!! If it's co-signing on their first car, or adding them to one of your credit cards (but not giving them a card themselves) will go a long way to helping them qualify for cards at a reasonable rate of interest

4) Take a pro-active and POSITIVE stance on their grades. you will be surprised how easy it will be if you make it a big deal when they are very young. Once he/she is hooked on scholastic success, they will almost always strive for it in every class.

5) discipline.
- do not be over-bearing but do be strong - if they don't respect you, your words carry no weight
- support the decisions made by your spouse in front of the kids - you may talk about them in private
- if you have more than 2 children, be sure to spend QUALITY time ONE-ON-ONE with each at least every-other week. find something special to do on an individual basis.
- just like the grades, if you are strong with the kids early, you will be surprised at how easy it will be to control them in the future.
- Always explain your child's behavior with them and what you did not like about it
- Watch your mouth around young kids
- never encourage them to break ANY laws.

6) keep a relatively clean house

7) encourage them to explore alternative views on life, art, culture

8) do not force-feed your children religion or politics
- these two are very important
- they have no idea how these concepts came about, who to believe, or where to turn if something is confusing to them.
- these are extremely divisive topics and if discussed, should be done so in a very civil manor with neutral tones all-around

-I DO REALIZE THAT THESE TWO THINGS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO MOST OF YOU- THEY ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO ME TOO - BUT CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRAINED TO A SPECIFIC AVENUE OF THOUGHT - OUR CIVILIZATION HAS LOST THE VERY THING THAT MADE US SO GREAT - OUR CREATIVITY - FREE THOUGHT CAN ONLY COME FROM POEPLE WHO ARE FREE TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES>

wow long time no post... you all need to watch this

Now, I'm not a big conspiracy person but this movie makes a good argument. I personally like part 1 but those of you who consider themselves religious may not be so fond. You can watch this thing in parts on youtube if you want to skip around.

www.zeitgeistmovie.com