Great article

This article was in our paper, written by Lamar Koontz.  Words of wisdom for all parents

 

Many of the changes we face relating to youth have not really changed, but in some cases our parenting skills have.  Consider this expression of “old- fashioned  parenting” that we might want to adopt. 

The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a methamphetamine lab had been found in the adjoining county and he asked me, “Why didn’t we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up”

“I replied I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning.  I was drug to church for weddings and funerals.  I was drug to family reunions and community socials…I was also drug to the parlor for a good talking to when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spike ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn’t put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.

“I was drug out to pull weeds in mom’s garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad’s fields.  I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline or chop some firewood; all this AI was expected to without taking a dime for payment.

“Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior.  They are stronger than cocaine, crack or heroin,  If today’s children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place.”

Our parental responsibilities require we set family standards.  Children are our most precious asset and we cannot sit by without a whimper and allow them do some of the destructive things they do.  Monitor your children’s friends, take time to talk to your children make time to eat dinner together. 

What kind of message do you want to send to your child this Christmas?  Your actions speak volumes.  Do you communicate that you love them enough by setting the right standards? Lexie