Posted on 10/05/2010 2:50:28 AM PDT by Daisyjane69
Are we raising a generation of nincompoops? And do we have only ourselves to blame? Or are some of these things simply the result of kids growing up with push-button technology in an era when mechanical devices are gradually being replaced by electronics?
Susan Maushart, a mother of three, says her teenage daughter "literally does not know how to use a can opener. Most cans come with pull-tops these days. I see her reaching for a can that requires a can opener, and her shoulders slump and she goes for something else."
Teenagers are so accustomed to either throwing their clothes on the floor or hanging them on hooks that Maushart says her "kids actually struggle with the mechanics of a clothes hanger."
(Excerpt) Read more at boston.com ...
Right...that was what jumped out at me, the woman who lamented it, but seemed to have already institutionalized in her own children to the point where she appeared to have noticed it repeatedly but did nothing about it.. I think that is what really bothered me.
She doesn’t sound like a PARENT, she sounds like a unionized teacher.
Your approach is what SHOULD be done.
You see, I don’t see it that way. I see that government got in the way of people’s ability to effectively parent.
Again, liberalism.
My daughter videotaped her cat opening the plastic storage container that contained her dry cat food. The cat then proceeded to use her front paw to reach in and grab the food. I told my daughter that I wouldn’t be surprised to see that her cat has figured out the pull top on her canned cat food.
You have to teach them basic skills before the Attitude hits. (And I’ve found that offering high-fiber, vegetarian meals produces miraculous blossoming of culinary skills in teens. “If you don’t want what I’m serving, cook something else!”)
Absolutely indeed.
Of course . . . some know-it-all’s are not likely to profit from even quality information. . . . regardless of their ages.
Those problems need solved the first 6 years of life.
With some of the automated can openers out there, cats can use a can opener. Literally.
I am thankful my father took the time to teach me rudimentary skills: basic plumbing, car maintainence, hunting, fishing, cooking, carpentry and the like. If necessary, we can get by, not easily, but we can if we so chose.
Over the past 3 or 4 decades there seems to be a move away from teaching these skills. Today’s parents seem to be completely disconnected from their kid’s development except where it involves asserting their belief their kid’s have a right(!) to everything because they are alive. The notions of self sacrafice and responsibility are not taught or even shown by example. I don’t blame the kids btw, as my mom used to say, you get em as your raised em.
LOL! I never could use those things, but I do use a hand-crank opener at home.
My husband used to carry a P-38 on his keyring, until he punctured himself at a rather delicate spot.
Recently had a customer come back in the store to 'wait' for help to arrive. It seems her electronic key to her car had died. It not only unlocked the door....but the ignition switch too!!! If the ignition didn't receive the electronic signal...the car wouldn't start.
We’ve had an electric can opener hanging on the kitchen wall for at least 20 years that I never bothered to learn to use. When I need a can opened I get an old fashioned opener out if the drawer.
Gee, Ms. Mushart, WHO is the person that didn’t teach your children how to use a hanger or a can opener?
Either that, or when they get to Basic Training ;-).
Start with the destruction of the family.
Proceed to denigrate stay at home motherhood.
Lower the learning standards in schools.
Provide generational welfare.
Redefine the pursuit of happiness to provide happiness.
Remove God and morality and replace with PC.
insidiously institutionalized... stupidity
Sorry mr. magager, but you were snookered. Had you told them their checks would be ready at half past six, all would have been there.
The ‘smartphone.’ Never has a device made an individual both in touch with the world, and simultaneously, oblivious to their surroundings.
Really! That was my first thought, too. Also, how embarrassed would you be admitting that to a newspaper?
It's truly sad that the mother seems to be worse than the children she laments.
You brought me a smile on a non-smiling morning.
lol,
...and the living room recliner with the built in bathroom
Haha! Our cat (who sadly decided to go outside and play with the coyotes instead of live with our then 6 month old son) knew the difference between a can of tuna being placed on the counter and a can of anything else being placed on the counter.
I have to ask: “Who was that Medal of Honor recipient” in that art work?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.