Posted on 09/15/2008 6:28:47 AM PDT by andrew roman
They are separate issues in that the article is not about parenting skills. Each parent sets his or her own boundaries, decides what is right and wrong for their children and will define what priveleges they have - including a cell phone. That is entirely a different matter, and not the point of the article. I could write an article about whether cell phones is a good idea for kids, and we would probably agree on that.
This particular issue is an indictment on decaying values and the loss of will to enforce authority.
The key issue with me is the “lesson” or “value” being taught to the child - namely, no discipline or restraint needed. We’ll just disallow it.
I do sincerely appreciate your perspective very much. You are thoughtful, indeed.
” You are thoughtful, indeed “
More ‘old’ than ‘thoughtful’, probably....
I compare/contrast the joys of my childhood (not affluent) with the absolute grimness that I observe in the world around me today — and I shudder.....
Thanks much for the reply.
Your point is very well-taken!
The parent, if he or she decides that a cell phone for the child is appropriate, is also charged with teaching the child the rights and wrongs of how and when to use it.
Again, it is about discipline involved - not the cell phone itself. Many - including parents - neglect this very important issue and succumb - whioch is why I included the quote from the mother who thinks the book bag ban is a good thing.
I don’t disagree with you at all.
But as I wrote, it is about “values” not “technology.”
Again, many many thanks!!
You are certainly wise.
I don’t think we disagree on this issue.
You are a good man and your points are well-taken. I mean that sincerely.
I may do a follow-up to this at some point focusing more on parenting today - which is a slightly more touchy subject, of course. I hate to sound preachy, because we all have our own ways of parenting.
I need to tread lightly there.
Many thanks!!
ping for later
I agree with that 100%.
Use back of hand.
My point exactly ... You make it for me as good as I could have..
I wrote that the kid who will be disruptive will be so anyway, regardless of the rules in place - just like the criminal who will use the handgun will do so anyway regardless of the regulations on the books.
It is about values here.
Whatever punishments are deemed appropriate constitute a different discussion.
You want to ban the kid for texting his weed connection? Please do. Expel him as far as I’m concerned. Get him or her OUT of the school.
This is more about those kids who are still developing their value set, learning how to be responsible and an adult - who make up the overwhelming majority of kids.
Boundaries, boundaries, boundaries.
I question the conclusion. It’s not the death of authority. It’s the death of responsibility. In all of the cited cases the authority isn’t gone it’s simply been pushed higher up the food chain. The students aren’t taught responsibility nor are they held responsible for their actions and the teachers responibility has been taken away.
We don't have the time or resources to teach such antiquated ideas.
We're too busy teaching them about Che Guevera, birth control, global warming and of course, self-esteeeeeem! < /barf>
Why not have the kids go to class nude?
no place to keep drugs or cell phones or weapons....you know for safety reasons..../sarc
Yours is a fair point.
Perhaps the death of authority “as we know it” is a more appropriate angle.
However, in the cases I cited, the authority - as it always was - has seemingly died, replaced with a more feminized, less-authoritative variation. The lack of responsibility being instilled in students or the lack of accountability, I believe, are the symptoms of dying authority. When boundaries become clouded, kids will adjust accordingly.
There have always been children who are disruptive and break the rules. The “softening” of school authority over time has only encouraged that ensuing irresponsibility.
Thanks much for your post!
Hand out condoms to nude school children ... There you go. Liberalism at its finest!
..and don’t forget ... both Washington and Jefferson were slave holders.
Can’t forget that.
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