[kazbates]

Originally Posted by Lady Blue

What do you mean by parents having too much control over their kids? In what way? I don't understand this.

Generally speaking, I believe that's part of the problem these days . . . parents don't have enough control over their kids. Seems the kids have all the control now, and not necessarily in a good way.

That's exactly it!! The parents are too busy at the gym, spa, etc., or too busy working long hours so they can drive fancy cars, wear designer labels, having plastic surgery and live in huge houses. Their kids are superflous.

Originally Posted by Sparrow

In the UK, parents seem to object to anyone else coming into contact with their children - certainly, they get upset if anyone else chastises them (even a teacher).

It happens here in the US, too!

Originally Posted by krisk

I believe this is a good example of what happens when parents become disenfranchised. Hillary may have thought it takes a village to raise a chid, but that village damn well better start with some parents that have some roots, and love, and purpose

No offense to Hillary, but she's full of beans! It takes responsible parents to raise a child. In Florida, we elementary teachers are expected to teach Character Traits, something the children should learn at home, but were not. It was bad enough I had to get them ready for standardized testing, but now I had to include things like personal responsibility, helpfulness, etc.

Originally Posted by krisk

this whole touching (or not) kids is incredibly out of control. in addition to the other things that I do for fun (?) I work with Girl Scouts and teach skiing. quite often these little girls aren't getting effective parenting anywhere else and the parents at least figured out that Scouting might help... well sometimes they just need a hug. boy!!! if you're going to do that, you'd best make sure about 99 people are watching and EVERYONE can see your hands!

last year I had a skier fall (duh! it's ski school!), and when I helped her up I kind of boosted her by the butt... sometimes that's about all you can get hold of. sure enough later on I had to answer why "my ski school teacher touched my butt!!!" also this is a situation where kids get scared, even hurt a little and they need a pat and a hug to get going again. once again! you have to be VERY careful!

anyway... I'm jumping into the deep end and starting foster parent classes tonight.

Best of luck to you, krisk. You are an angel.