Lately I’ve been observing my teenager and her life. Yes Im learning as a parent how to handle a teenager, but in this day and age it takes a courageous parent to deal with today’s teenager. Times are so different now and we are far more reliant on technology and the government, thus, we lead busier lives then families in the 1970′s would have.
How many parents now actually take the time to teach their kids about the meaning of respect, morals, family values, independence, responsibility, and just life in general?
I have watched and observed numerous teens from today’s world and it’s clear to me that 85% of teenagers and kids in general lack these character traits.
Is it ok to walk in someone’s home and back talk their elder?
Is it ok for a teen to talk to adult like they know it all and the adult is stupid?
Is it ok for the teen to tell the adult what the adult is going to do?
Is it acceptable for a teen to walk into a friends house and make a mess of their things, raid the frig and pantry without asking, invite theirselves over, yell at the adult and tell the adult they need to mind their own business, pitch a fit like a two year old when told the rules and then just leave because they refuse to follow the rules?
It is one thing to be rebellious, it’s another thing entirely to be disrespectful and bratty.
It’s it too much to ask to follow the rules?
I’ve had teenagers who’ve come into my home and destroyed it and just very bluntly refused to do what was asked of them. They were never invited or allowed back into my home. I will NOT put up with disrespect by anyone in my own home. But how many people view their homes and values the same way?
Are parents just too busy to teach their kids these things?
I know as a kid if I ever disrespected an adult, my hide got tanned. I knew better. I’m very old fashioned, but many people aren’t. Now, my kids are raised with the same morals and respective value, but sadly as I’ve found, many aren’t. Self respect is even lacking in today’s teens and children.
How do we change this? Can it be changed?
Three cheers for you, Vina! Yes, EVERYONE needs to respect themself…and anyone they come into contact with. I think this is a key factor…kids don’t respect themselves, not really. They may brag, wear a tough shell of arrogance…but in reality, they are scared boys and girls with low self-esteem. Many parents are so busy these days that they don’t take the time to set rules and enforce them. They give way ALL the time…I see it in grocery stores when a 2 or 3 year old demands a toy or whatever…the parent, instead of saying a matter-of-fact NO, hems and haws and almost always buys whatever the child wants…even though they don’t want to. And if they give a 2 and 3 year old whatever they want, by the time they are 8 or 10 or 14, the kids know they can do or say whatever they want.
It’s a sad situation…you ask, “What can we do?”…I wish I knew…perhaps educate parents and empower them with the knowledge that they can and should say NO…definitely set the rules for our own kids and any child who comes into our home. There is a consequence for every action in life and in nature…and kids need to learn this at a very young age. Responsibility needs to be taught…and looking at some of our celebrities, sport’s “heroes” and government leaders, it is a lesson many don’t learn.
Sorry for the long comment…this is a very serious problem in our society…and in my workshops for parents and teachers, I always address it.
Vivian its much appreciated your long comment. You hit the nail on the head with it. I wish more people felt as strongly about it as you and I do. Thank you for your comment and thoughts.
You are so very welcome, Vina! We can only keep trying to spread the word, right?
You are so very welcome, Vina! We can only keep trying to spread the word, right?
I was a bad teenager back in the 70s. I got in a lot of trouble. But I still opened doors for ladies and was respectful These are the things that show how you were raised, no matter how rebellious you are.
Hey Vina, I think the only way we’ll see change is if the family unit changes. These types of behaviors are supposed to be taught in the home and if they’re not, god help the kids.
Good post. I’m with you on this one.