The Not So Glamorous Life With Teenagers and Beyond

Those of us with children can remember every detail about the day that our little bundles of joy were born. It was clearly the best day of our lives as well as the moment of the biggest change in our worlds!!! We had seemingly permanent smiles and endless ideas of the accomplishments that our children would achieve in the future. Even through the sleepless nights and mounds of dirty clothes, diapers, and bottle refills we maintained that clear view of our future doctors and lawyers.

Most of us can agree that the ups and downs between birth and the end of elementary school are the best days of parenthood. Mainly because kids tend to be the sweetest and most controllable. They absorb everything and are very eager to learn, love, laugh, and play. It is also quite certainly the most important time of parenting just because they are so apt to soaking everything in.

So what happens when your adorable bundle of joy suddenly becomes the unruly, misbehaving, rebellious teenager....or worse than that ...... they become young adults and are labeled as a thorn in society's side.  

Today's generation of children are raised in many different ways. Society has relaxed on morals and on taking responsibility; which makes it very difficult for people to raise their children as they see fit. This meaning disciplinary measures, religious teachings and practices, etc.  In addition, the normal family home seems to be made up of broken or non traditional family members. It seems that when a person becomes troublesome, the the blame is immediately pointed at the parent or guardian. I would have to agree that there are always some contributing factors, but can a parent really be the whole reason a kid has grown up to make some very wrong decisions?

I have three children; all of which who are completely different. One is completely irresponsible and would rather starve to death that get up and work  (age 22). One who has a great job and a new goal on a daily basis (age 20).  And then there is the the teenager (17) who  at one moment is going find the cure to cancer (and is smart enough to do so) and the next moment could care less about life unless pot is legalized.

As a parent, I have literally put everything I have into raising my children the best way I can. I provided love, care, responsibility, religious openness, lessons in loving others, and much much more.  I have had to wake up to reality with my children and realize that no matter how hard you try...sometimes your best is not going to result as you would like.

I would love to hear stories and experiences involving children and young adults. Ideas and opinions of society and why today's generation of kids are so difficult. Is is the blame of the parents? What should the community or society do different to change the new generation traits that have become so abundant and disturbing.


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