When kids were... kids?

Believe me, I see and hear it on a daily basis, and my three children are in elementary school. It's appalling how some of the children are these days.

I think that there are several factors to blame. One, lack of family structure, completely relying on others (daycares, babysitters) to raise their children. It's amazing to me how many mothers these days I hear saying how they'd "go crazy" if they had to be home all day, or that they just "want more stuff". Sure, if I worked outside the home, we would be much more well off, but the thing is, what's more important, more materialistic possessions or being there for my family? To me, I'd rather forego uneccessary expenses and invest in my children instead. Most children would prefer to be with their mother or father, not in the care of someone else. It's only natural that they'd feel that way.

Now don't get me wrong, I realize that the cost of living is ridiculous anymore. Believe me. And yes, there are times when perhaps both parents absolutely have to work to cover expenses. What I'm referring to are the ones that COULD be home if they perhaps cut back on any uneccesary spending, only buying what they can afford instead of living beyond their means, but choose NOT to because of selfish reasons instead of putting their children, the future of this country, first.

Secondly, let's take a look at the school systems. Many of them want children behaving as mini adults. Childhood behavior is frowned upon, children that are acting their age are being labeled as ADD/ADHD without a second thought and being medicated, zombified, because hey, educating/taking care of children is damn hard work and we want the easy route. *rolls eyes* In addition to that, there is a lot of pressure put upon the children at an early age. They are expected to learn way more than we ever did at their ages. It's no wonder kids are so stressed and overwhelmed, so angry, and acting out. They're burned out emotionally starting in elementary school and going on from that!

Society, media, entertainment, yes, there is definite blame there. Lack of morals, lack of respect, foul laungage, sexual promiscuity (both mental and physical) from an early age, this is considered normal behavior. But guess what. I'm not buying into that. It is our job as parents to instill what we feel is right and wrong into our children. Yes, some things are unavoidable, but I feel that if a child has a stable home environment, are given lots of love, and have caring people in their lives, you can weed out many of those undesirable behaviors. It takes patience, but it can happen.

Granted, I have an 8 year old and two 5 year olds. I am by no means a seasoned veteran yet in the world of parenting, I'm far from perfect, but I'm telling you, I see so many of these troubled children at my kids' elementary school and I meet some of these parents of these same children, the way they interact with them, and I'm sorry, but it's no wonder they (the children) act the way they do. You reap what you sow.