This was originally going to be Sunday's tip of the day- But since Anita and I were under the weather we took care of each other and I didn't feel like thinking let alone typing or anything else for that matter. But PTL I'm almost back to normal and here goes.
Some parents forget that they are parents and have little ones to raise. You'd think that after, say, 15 years they would realize 'hey I better stop acting in my usual irresponsible ways and set a good example'.
You ever hear of kids say, 13 - 15 years old watching R rated movies and really anything they want? The parents really don't have the reigns anymore (if they ever did). Why would a child be able to choose his or her own movies without the parent's approval first?
Your children's friends reflect them.... and you as parents. Who you allow your children to associate with is a reflection of them and you. They will influence your children in some way and it is a reflection of who you let your kids hang out with. If you don't know those kids and the kids parents,,, they what logic would make it ok for them to be friends?
How your children spend their free time is a reflection of you. Home work is done, chores are finished, free time is here.... what do your children choose to do? Do they go to a hobby? Do they play music? Do they read? Do they play outside, ride a bike, build a fort, build legos, bake cookies ....... or.... or........ watch TV? or some other total waste of time?? Because what they choose at that point is a reflection of you, somehow over the years you gave them that.
Now, all that being said, some parents may say "Well if you knew how my parents raised us you know understand why I may fail at this sometime, give me a break". Nope, no breaks. You don't get a pass at parenting. You have to excel at it because your kids did nothing to deserve a failure in parenting. Your choice was to bring them into the world and then there is 18 years of non-negotiable parenting involved.
If you were allowed to use the excuse that your parents did a poor job at raising you, so not much can be expected of you. That would mean that Ted Bundy's entire family could kill tons of people and say "I'm Ted Bundy's kid" and people would say "Ooooooooo ok, sorry didn't realize you had a pass to kill, sorry". In the same way you think you can say, "I'm ********'s kid" and people will look at your kids and say 'ooooooo ok, I didn't realize you had a pass to fail mothering' sorry. Just because someone failed you does not mean you are allowed to fail others!
A big hindrance to being a good parent is trying to be a parent and a best friend at the same time.
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