RE: All Kids Need Freedom as Much as They Need Boundaries: EcoTrain's Question of the Week - Kids and Smartphones
I'd upvote this thoughtful reply but my VP is low, but hopefully I can repay this amazing thoughtful comment when I gather strength, so I'm following you :)
You can't waiver.
I agree - you are simply not effective to teenagers if you're inconsistent. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as 'I'm sorry honey, I can see I was wrong, because I'm human too.'
I think we're exasperated at any age, because the future is scary and we worry about the good things we'll lose - like, oh my god!! The Xfiles - Mulder and Scully - I still adore them!
But my nephews are carefree and spontaneous, because of the set boundaries....they've thoughtfully given those kids a great childhood and the kids are living proof it still exists!!!
Isn't it crazy - the ten year shift!!! I miss the days that you could actually look for a review on the internet and it wasn't compromised by advertisers etc.
I still believe the kids will be alright. I think it's dangerous to tell them otherwise. They need to know the world is theirs to inherit and take care of. We can talk about it all we like, but god, let us let the kids know they'll be alright, as long as they're kind and compassionate and caring and aware. That's all we can do. And the best we can do.
Ah no worries, man. It's alright. Thank you though. I appreciate it :)
Of course you're right, there's always going to be exceptions to the rule. You need to be flexible in your approach as much as you are consistent. It's like walking a tight rope. It's all about being person centred at the end of the day.
I think that's why so many parents struggle. They bring their kids up the way they were brought up, which invariably, is a recipe for disaster, as society and culture are ever changing. Plus, their kids are have their unique personality with their own needs.
Well said. You don't want to bring that kind of negative mindset into a child's upbringing. The aim is to teach with love, not rule by fear. It's all about self empowerment as you allude to. Each generation is supposed to supercede the next in terms of those virtues you mentioned, but if they're not forthcoming in there's no guide post to go off.
Ultimately, I'm also optimist. I gave up on cynicism quite some time ago. I do believe we have a bright future. The conscious awareness of some of the children born in the last ten years blow me away!
You can take your pick of viral videos, showing kids who've solved complex problems with their ingenuity. I think we'll be alright. :)
Oh my gosh this is exactly what im saying. Cynicism gets you nowhere nor does banging on about the past. Kids are awrsome.. make them think that and theyll be the oones changing the world instead of giving up in despair!