I don’t think that mothers that work have to have bad kids. I have worked since I was 16 years old and only have spent 4 of those years at home. They have to make a choice not to let work compromise their kids. Most mothers love to be proud of their children and do enjoy the spoils of knowing they’re responsible. They have a responsibility!
As for fathers being around; this is a big deal for girls. These girls that grow up without a father seek love and affection. If they don’t get it from daddy then they will get it somewhere else. My sister’s hubby gives nothing to his girls but poverty. The way they latch on to the men in our family is obvious that they seek something they are not getting. Boys need them to learn to be a man a good man. Single fathers make just as good parents.
The schools have my full permission to discipline my children. They are to call me before paddling them because I want my kids to know they are not above the rules/laws and that I know they are getting paddled and that I approved it.
We have our knife blocks on the counters and always have. We didn’t let the children use the without supervision when they were small like our little one; besides this is a non issue for our children. The question should be; why an eight year old would believe this is an effective way to get what she wants? I know our kids today are way desensitized by means of video games, Hollywood, music and the list goes on and on. Teaching them right from wrong starts in the first year, this then is an on going lesson with children even into young adulthood. So what, even if they are exposed to all this violence a 7 year old wielding a knife clearly falls on the parents lap. They have let all the above desensitize them but not counter acting the way the children perceive the real world and what is expected of them.

I in no way meant to disparage woman who worked outside of the home. I too worked when my two oldest were growing up. I was a single parent and had no choice. I think working parents can and are very good parents. As for desensitizing our children, I agree. We did not have cable in our home most of the time, but when we did, I screened what my kids watched. I also screened all material that came into the home, IE: cd's, rented movies, books. I insisted on meeting my childrens friends and most of the time they hung out at our house. I also insisted on meeting the parents of their friends and when their rules were in direct conflict with mine, ie: letting kids roam around without supervision, my children were not allowed to spend time over there.

Kix: I was going with the real African proverb, not the Hilary comment. (I wonder how many days/months/years she actually spent raising Chelsey?) I also grew up in a small knit community where everyone knew everybody. My mom was a single parent teacher and believe me there were eyes everywhere.

I know alot of super moms who work and do the volunteer thing. So, I don't see working moms being part of the problem with kids today. NOW, don't even get me started on how fat kids are today!

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyR41JbpL_g

You didn’t come across that way. I was just stating my opinion of what women that chose to work are still responsible for their kids. The mother that works but may not have to should be available to her children unequivocally. I understand the full time single mother and her burden but she is a mother first and has the rest of the day to work.
I absolutely do not allow my kids to be at the mall without an adult. I hung out at the mall when I was a pre teen and beyond and I know what goes on and don’t allow it.
I do drop off at the movies but return once the movie is finished; my son is the only one allowed a late movie. I used to drop off at the skate center then for some reason they ceased in having an officer at the door. It was great, no kid was allowed to leave the building until their parent was waiting in front for them and he’d see them out. We do have a county wide curfew of 11pm that is effective when parents are dropping off kids. I do like knowing who my kids are hanging out with and they know not to even ask to spend the night or time out with strangers. I need to know the parents and know what they expect from their own kids before I hand over my kids to them. Personally I think it has gotten easier but more troubles are sure to come next summer by way of a driver’s license. I guess it comes and goes in cycles…

Lady I hear ya on the chubby kids being far too many! How and why are my questions? I know the statistics but how and why????????

I think it's just a case of the parents being self-absorbed and abdicating their responsibilities. Boomer and GenX parents are, in general, fucked up.

By George, I finally agree with you!

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyR41JbpL_g

All of these have an influence , but to me the MOST IMPORTANT are the parents. not all, but many that i know, don't teach their children to behave in society. they seem to be united with their kids against the teachers, and adults in charge . they think they will hurt their little ids.

teach children from an early age that the world works better when everyone obeys the rules let them know u will back the teachers, etc. so they had better watch it.

this clerk should have called the police, who should have notified the parents. in light of kidnappings and worse that happens to childen this day and age what the hell was she doing in a store alone?? if the police felt the parents were not reliable, then they should have called the welfare office.

children need structure, lots of love lessons in morals and manners. fed them, clothe them and hug em a lot. it is love to form a child into a useful adult.

later, just getting over flu and have run out of steam


babe