Well, I left my career in EMS, took my son out of public school, and have home schooled him since fourth grade. He plays basketball for a home school team, has been a member of Civil Air Patrol, and Scouts and is currently an explorer with US Forest Service wildland firefighting.
He takes flight lessons, wrestles, and we belong to a home school cooperative that has both religious and secular members. Oh, and don't let us forget 4H.
Most of all, my wife and I talk to him!
Yeah, it's been a financial strain and an difficult to leave a career I love, but to have a son that is academically a year ahead of his peers and emotionally light-years ahead is worth it.
Here is a quote from my son about the shootings:
"Damn pop, this is just horrible. What's worse is how the assholes on both sides will exploit this! It's very similar to the days of Caligula, if you stop and think about it."
The shooting brought a tear to his eye, my wife, and mine. I didn't interject a bunch of political rhetoric, I discussed it with him like a man.
Quoting: DarthDickheadus:AmericanSith I REALLY LIKE what you had to say.
Parents should take time to talk to their kids, not use technology to babysit them.
Also keep kids involved in extra curricular activities.
It builds social skills, gives a sense of caring for community, and belonging, and escalates their self worth and self esteem. It also shows them how to set goals and achieve them...it discourages the entitlement attitude and teaches them about working. The more belonging they feel, the less apt they would turn against society.
Also to add, teach morals and values yes, but dont shove personal beliefs down their throat so strongly they rebel against it....recognize their personality and allow them to form their own opinions.
Also, just because you can afford to give your kids everything, DONT. DONT SPOIL THEM. DONT TEACH THEM GIVE ME GIVE ME.
In America, it is especially hard. We are a comercially driven, consuming society. You cant escape that. But just going for instant gratification all the time, such as.....choosing a quick stop for fast food, instead of cooking....it not only causes health issues, but it denies the time for bonding.
Spend time with your kids. Love them. Kiss them. Hug them.
Give them an allowance, but have them earn it by doing chores. At the same time, make them do chores that you dont pay them for. Teach them to work on things, without expecting an end result right away.
Get to know their friends. Get to know the parents of their friends.
Dont let them have free unrestricted access to the internet.
As much time as you give them for tv, internet, video games, time it.....give the same amount of time in one on one bonding.
Dont let them have their way all the time. Its okay as a parent to say no.
Dont give in on punishments, mean what you say, at the same time, dont give empty threats.
Teach them to give to the world.
Volunteer time, donate toys, write letters, adopt a child i...not physically, but find one your child can write to, send money to, or even visit.
