By Staff
There is a job many of us attempt to do – the most important one we will ever do – but we have absolutely no training for it.
To be a good parent is so important, yet often we are barely adults ourselves when we embark on this awesome task.
I remember being forever vigilant, from standing watching them breathe in their sleep to constantly asking where are you going, when will you be back, what are you watching ….
You get the picture. we used to be aware of what our children were up to and when.
I am not saying they didn't ever pull one over mom, as their stories now attest, but basically monitoring their behavior probably helped keep them on the right path, as did the punishment when they strayed or lied.
This past week we heard disturbing news, both in Niles and more recently in LaPorte, Ind.
In Niles, four juveniles are being investigated for their possible involvement in the destruction of a women's shelter. A computer room was set on fire and destroyed and other areas vandalized.
The most shocking part of the incident for myself and others, was the ages of the children – 7, 9, 10 and 11.
The incident in LaPorte may have been done by youth, it isn't known yet, but young people are the victims.
Brand new playground equipment, still in the boxes waiting to be installed, was destroyed.
Such violence. True no one was injured, but both incidents will cost a great deal of money and other people's time in replacing and repairing what was damaged.
I can't help but believe the Grand Theft Auto and other violent video games and lack of parental supervision come into play.
Parents are so busy working extra jobs and trying to make ends meet – their most important job may take second place.
Without supervision many teens fall into drug use and other ways to get high, like destroying property.
The problem is when the parents finally wake up to what is happening – it may be too late.
Parenting takes a lot of energy and too many moms and dads are just too tired to care.
The days of family meals, church on Sunday and talking to your children about their day may be a thing of the past in many homes.
Unfortunately it is the children who may be the ones who suffer and in turn become problems not just for their parents, but for society as well.
Though you are still a parent when the children are grown, the time of being an influence on their behavior is a very small window.
In the blink of an eye, the kids will be gone and then you will have more time. If you did your job – this most important job – hopefully your calls back home won't be for bail money.
Maybe some day the pendulum will swing back and good parenting will be recognized as the way society will important and solve many of its ills.