Old Fashioned

I’m old fashioned.

I’m not talking about the way I dress or the way I talk (although current fashion does baffle and disturb me at times). I’m talking about the way I want to live. The way I raise my kids. The way I interact with folks. My opinions on people’s character and the sad reality that the importance of good character may just be a thing of the past. My view on drugs, alcohol, pornography, crime and punishment…or how about good old fashioned honesty!?

Anyway, the main thing on my mind tonight is parenting. I realize I’m about to sound REALLY judgey here and most of you are probably thinking “Man I hope someday this lady has a completely uncontrollable little hoodlum that embarrasses the snot out of her every chance he gets and puts her smart mouth in it’s place.” Sorry ya’ll. I understand that there are some extremely difficult children and tons of parents are doing the best they know how. This is my blog and my opinion. My criticism isn’t directed at those who are doing the best they can, it’s directed at those who are lazy/nonchalant/uncaring/irresponsible when it comes to teaching and raising children – and I know they’re out there!!

It irks me – yes, I said irks – when I’m witness to the way so many parents interact with their kids. Or should I say, don’t interact. I may catch heat for this but DANG.

Control. Your. Children.

If I see you in a restaurant with your 6 year old son who is throwing a screaming, sprawling fit about the fact that he got a glass of ice water instead of soda, so he grabs his cup and throws it on the floor, splashing all over the elderly couple in the next booth and stopping the waiter in his tracks, pausing every conversation and turning every head in the restaurant…and if I see you do anything other than grab your child and drag him out the doors to get him under control, I am definitely judging you as a parent. And not in a good way.
And let me be clear – I’m not irked because I think I’m so high and mighty that I shouldn’t have my meal interrupted so get your dang child out of here so I can have some peace. No. I’m irked because children should NOT be allowed to act this way and get away with it. In public or otherwise. It’s not okay, guys! Regardless of your religion or nationality, I’m pretty sure there’s no argument that a parent’s role in their child’s life is to guide them to be a responsible, respectable, worthwhile member of society. It’s not good for THEM to be allowed to get away with anything and everything.

Let me also be clear here – I’m not suggesting that any child will be able to be (or even SHOULD be) a perfectly behaved little robot. Parenting is a lot of work. It’s constant, guys! Every kid will push, and push, and stretch you to your limits and bring you to the edge of your sanity. What matters is that you actually stay consistent with punishing and directing your precious babies in the way they should go. It’s your job. It’s your responsibility. You can’t just let a kid get away with things. Every situation where they push to see what they can get away with is them learning about life. Call me old fashioned, but I want my children to know:
- You could have so much less than you do. So many people wish for the life you have. Be grateful. Say thank you when you’re given something, even if you don’t like it.
- You do not get everything you want. No, not even when you scream. Or cry. Or hit. Or pout.
- Accordingly, you’ll never ever get what you want as a result of throwing a fit.
- Rules and laws are there to protect you.
- If you disobey, there will be consequences, and you will not like them.
- Smoking, drugs and drinking are not how we take care of the bodies God made for us.
- Work before play.
- Nobody should sit in front of a screen of any kind all day. TV, Gameboy, Laptop…whatever.
- We are the stewards of animals.
- Life’s not fair. If it means you don’t get the same toy as your sister, or you don’t make the basketball team…well, that’s life.
- Tell the truth. Lying has consequences. Big ones. Sometimes lifelong ones. Just be honest!
- Sex and sexuality was designed for marriage. Save it!
- You shouldn’t marry a man or a woman that doesn’t worship the same God you do.
- Just because “everyone else is doing it” doesn’t make it right. Live by the Bible.

Some call them old fashioned – I call them good character.

Your friendly parenting expert (NOT),
Corrianna