as a reality check, the only reason that i am able to accomplish things is the way i was raised. i was given nothing. i had to work for whatever i wanted. the parents gave me the basics (roof, food, clothing) but anything i wanted outside of that, i had to work to get on my own.
until i was 12, i could do chores around the house, each of which had a cash value. after that, when i figured i wanted more, i had a business from the time i was 12, with employees and everything (lawnmowing/yard cleaning). when i turned 16 i got a real job. i went to high school and college at the same time, played and lettered in 2 sports, was in student government, and still had time for friends. i finished 9th in my high school class, getting only 1 B, and graduated with a 2 year college degree at the same time.
going to college was on me. no assistance from the parents. when i went off to college, i lost my room. when i turned 18 i was officially out of the house. when i came back briefly later on, i paid rent.
i never played a video game, went to the mall, or did any of the other distracting and unproductive things that kids do now, and feel they are entitled to. those things enable mediocrity. same with cell phones. no kid needs one unless they have a business to run.
i am so sick and tired of parents rewarding kids for grades and such, and accepting what should be a "given" as above average. parents are afraid to be tough on kids today. they are scared of the legal system. kids being allowed to call the cops is ludicrous. they should have to go down to the station in person. that would give them time to think it through. otherwise, it's too easy for them to act out of the moment, in a tantrum, and not realize the consequences. i say "screw it". let the cops haul you off just once and make sure the kid sees it, and then pays for it when you get back. they'll never go there again.
but then, this is exactly why i don't have kids. i won't let myself get sucked into that.
