Soap box

I have 3 teenage sons. And as you can see, they are into dirtbiking. I used to cringe at the thought... but now I go with the flow. Sure, we've had trips to the hospital... but always for basically minor stuff. And I know they can get hurt. So do they. But they will get hurt doing something they love.

I've had a lot of exposure lately to a pretty unruly teenager. One who acts entitled, wants no rules whatsoever, and cannot seem to stay happily in one place for too long.

Also, I had a talk with my sister in law yesterday about all the children playing at McDonald's... she had taken her daughters there to play since they were out of school. She was talking about how disrespectful the children all seemed, and how the parents did not correct them at all.

And now for my rant... I don't think parents have any idea what a disservice they are doing to their children by not disciplining them. This teenager, if out on his own, would have to survive on mac and cheese, dirty dishes, probably no set sleep schedule, and probably stealing to get his basics, as he's never been taught work ethics. How does it get to that point?

I look at my children, and we've had issues. The youngest is coming on 13 and I'm braced for that (his brothers both acted out at that age). But they know how to prepare entire meals, and do so at times. They know how to do laundry and dishes. If someone else cooks for them, they always thank that person, and they actually offer to help around the house if they are sitting and see me doing chores. I don't have some strange breed of super child. I have children that have been disciplined and had to play an active part of 'family'.

My sister in law's daughters are wonderful girls. They are learning all of the same things. How to cook, clean, and be an active participant. I honestly think that this is what is wrong with alot of society. I think people are raising mindless, lazy sociopaths. A little harsh? Perhaps, but you don't know the week I've had.

My boys may fight and argue... even wrestle sometimes. But they would never stab someone or one another and I know that beyond a shadow of a doubt. They have a conscious. They are members of society, not self-proclaimed outsiders, therefore they feel like they must contribute, not fight against it. Ugh, I didn't mean to get on a soap box. I just think it's sad.