Kids Nowadays...So Different

[countrymom]

I now try and avoid walmart, if you want to see disrespect from children go there. I have never seen so many children 8yrs old and older run thru a store thinking its some kind of play ground.

[cheerfuldom]

Also my daughter just said tonight that when moms were home they networked and it was kind of like "it takes a village". She said people are meant to be together in groups and not isolated like they are nowadays. Except for our daycares, most kids here are in daycare centers during the summer. They are institutionalized so the parents can both work and seem to have a lesser sense of community in general.

Laurel

I agree. that is what I was trying to say. Kids are losing their own sense of community. they are around two adult parents and then just their own small group of kids their own age at daycare. I know many families that do not attend church or anywhere else where you might find a community, do not know their neighbors, do not have a big family, heck their child does not even run errands with them. People need people! not TV, not screen time, not academics....people! and experiences, and culture, and heritage. that is really lost on a lot of modern families.

[cheerfuldom]

I now try and avoid walmart, if you want to see disrespect from children go there. I have never seen so many children 8yrs old and older run thru a store thinking its some kind of play ground.

I avoid Walmart for the opposite reason. Too many parents rude and even swearing or being physical with kids. Grabbing arms and pushing and manhandling ....its disgusting. or neglecting kids....parents on the cell phone or just plain ignoring even small children. Lets not blame the kids here. The adults are the issue!

[Lkurtyak]

I think it stems hugely from parents being afraid to actually parent. Everybody's stressed out, they don't want to make their children cry, they're apt to give in easier or more often, and there aren't a lot of consequences doled out compared to years ago. As a child I respected my parents. I didn't always like what they made me do or how they handled it but when they said it was time for bed, etc., you didn't argue with them. It wasn't filled with manipulation from the child, making deals, bribery or rewards. You did it because it's what you were asked to do. So many kids walk all over their parents. They haven't learned the fine art of respecting their elders.
I have a dcg who has wonderful manners, is super polite and helpful. If she hears me tell everybody it's clean-up time, quite often she'll have the playroom half down before anybody else lifts a finger. I've seen her mom and grandmother in action and they take no guff from this little girl.
IMO lack of respect for people and things, plugged in too much of the time, and what they're plugged into, are all contributing to this trend.

Yes!!!!!!! I have a DCG who calls all the shots at home. Not happening here honey. It's been a long road, and we're still working on it, but the way she acts with me vs. the way she acts when her parents are here is incredibly different. Her parents think I'm a miracle worker, but I just don't put up with her crap.

[Blackcat31]

I very vocally give parents who are doing a great job a GREAT amount of credit. Other daycare parents have heard me praise them when they discipline their child for not listening to them upon leaving. Those parents do not hesitate to tell their child no, correct the bad behavior, etc. while leaving daycare. I tell them that their child is so blessed to have them as their parent and they will grow up to be wonderful citizens! The other parents who "beg" their children to do what is right but never actually make them do so just look shocked.

This is a big issue I discuss with ALL my daycare parents. I make sure they know how I view this by saying

Your child's behavior is NOT a reflection of your parenting. (All children mis-behave)

HOW you handle that behavior IS a reflection on your parenting.

There IS a difference. I think a lot of parents think others will judge them for disciplining or not disciplining their child. I want my daycare parents to know they can and are expected to discipline their child. That is how we, as parents guide our children into adulthood.

Ignoring, entitling and rewarding kids for their bad behavior does nothing but guarantee that they will be living in your house, drinking your milk and eating you out of house and home when they are 45 yrs old while you head off to work each day wondering where you went wrong...