Michael Phelps...What's Your Take?

Thank you Jason. You make an excellent point too about children and teenagers. I agree that there is some hint of rebellion there, but more importantly, even insidiously, there is a failure on the part of many, not all, parents (I am NOT speaking about the fine parents here on POE) to provide their children with the values and morals and role models that they themselves should be.

How many parents have too little time for their children and send them off to be baby sat by the TV? I am not speaking of over worked parents who genuinely don't have the time (that's another problem all together), rather, I am speaking of people who just don't have a clue about how to parent their children. Even worse, they don't want to.  Is it any wonder that children are making idols out of the other major influence in their lives...sitcom celebrities?

True, true Jason!!  That put in perspective for me.

Diana you have a great point too! You see so many little girls wanting to be just like Hannah Montanna and not like their own mother.  I remember growing up not idolizing TV celebrities but actually members of my family. Which goes to show how different things are today.

I can't argue with that!

I agree with you Krissy,  to a degree.

Let me illustrate by way of example:

I know a couple, who agreed before their children were born, that they would do what ever it took to make sure that one of them was always home for the children. Despite various hardships, both financial and otherwise over the years, they have stuck to that plan. When he lost his job and was on unemployment for a year, they moved to a smaller place, gave up one of their cars, and cut out virtually all extra-curricular activities and luxuries, just so that they could keep to their plan. They both felt that it was vital that one of them always be home for their two children.

In addition to this, since the birth of their first child, they have never owned a TV. Instead, they have "family nights" and play games. As a family they spent time learning a second language together and  now they all four speak and converse in fluent french. They let each child pick a musical instrument that they were interested in and as a family they have each learned to play their instrument of choice and now part of their family nights consist of entertaining them selves and friends with music.

To make a long story short, these kids choose to be home and invite their friends to come to their home and participate in these fun evenings. The funny part is, the other kids like it too, because many of them are getting a sense of family togetherness that they are missing at their own homes.

I could go on and on; but my point is that these parents took the time and made the sacrifices to help their children develop a healthy sense of self. Perhaps if more children had this kind of environment to grow up in they wouldn't need to make idols of others, they would feel complete and happy with themselves.

Now that Diana is how it should be.

Maybe I should take a page from their book!

Imagine if every family took one week to shut everything off and spend time as a family!!  I would love to see what good it would do!!

Now you got me thinking.

It is ideal Krissy, but it's not easy, especially if you are a single parent. But still, the children are here and it doesn't matter what the family situation is, they still need the direction, love and guidance from their caregivers. That doesn't change just because one parent is gone or they both have to work extra jobs.

I'll bet you're a great mom Krissy!

Its a good point Diana!

But i wonder if the children have a role model still? i bet they kind of do, they play an instrument, well the best player of their chosen instrument? maybe i'm using the word role model wrong, it should be someone they look up to, admire?

I definately agree that the digital nanny (TV) feeds our children to much at the moment! in effect someone elses ideals are bringing them up, and they're not usually good ideals!!! based on sugary fatty food, and violence!