This morning I've found myself reminiscing....Society has changed, and I'm not so sure it's for the best. Some basic discipline have been replaced with permissiveness and that just night be the core root of the decline. Let's compare a 1960'ish upbringing verses today's.
Mealtimes were defined and the family joined to converse and bond. As children, we were evicted to the outdoors, often time without regard to the weather. When was the last time you saw a child in a long yellow rain slicker and boots, outside splashing in puddles? The ensemble was complete with a large brimmed hat that served as a mini umbrella, so we could "enjoy" the weather and get out of Mom's hair. Our banishment continued until our names were yelled from the front porch, advising us we had an extremely short period of time to get inside, hang up the coat, wash our hands, comb our hair, and be present at the table for mealtime along with the rest of the family. A set and defined routine that reeks of discipline. Step outside those parameters in my house and your meal included stinging sensation on your backside. It was also mandatory we ate everything on our plates because as I was told at least a thousand time, "there are children in Africa starving that would love to eat that." And should I find the menu not to my liking, it was served at the next meal, then the next, and the next until I found it palatable enough to finish. We did not waste food, nor did we have much input on the menu. Again an early lesson, life isn't always about what you want!
Today kids sit in front of the TV or a computer most of their free time and eat what they want, when they want. There is no value placed on the waste, and no disciplined time for the family to gather and eat.
Compare those last two paragraphs. It took me all that space to "define" my childhood and that was just a quick overview. Today's children's can be defined in two sentences, yet they find their lives so complicated. Could that be because they have no sense of discipline? How does that follow them into later life? Teachers are often heard complaining that the children have no respect for them in the classroom. That breakdown is the excuse for lower academic achievement despite our best efforts to throw money at the problem. Could the answer be as simple as redefining the guidelines and routines of early childhood and establishing a sense of discipline and respect? I'm thinking it can't hurt!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
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