I have raised two kids to be responsible, well-mannered, respectful adults and a third who is still attending the "Nunya D. Binnez Adulthood Prepartion Academy". My eldest child and son has already served in the Army, during which time he was a "tanker", where he did two tours of Iraq and learned never to retreat, only to "advance to the rear". My elder daughter is out in the workforce pulling her own weight and paying her bills on time.
<sarcasm> How did I accomplish this amazing feat? </sarcasm> It's easy.
1) I take a personal interest in what my children are doing.
2) I make it my business to know who my kids are hanging-out with. If I don't like their friends, they cannot hang-out with them.
3) I PUNISH BAD BEHAVIOR! Swiftly, firmly, fairly. I'm not afraid to spank my kids. I haven't had to spank my youngest since she was 6. She's 12 now. All of my kids have an intimate understanding of "consequences".
4) I reward and praise good behavior. My daughter recently made the A/B Honor-roll. I paid her $20 for every "A" and $10 for every "B" and gave her an "A/B Honor-roll Bonus" of $20. She chose to put it into her savings account. I also made it a point to call her (she was at a friend's house) when I found out and tell her how proud she had made me.
5) I spend time with them. Frequently, that time is spent at the range, but it could be just sitting down and watching a movie together.
People who either lack the time or the will to meet these requirements, have no business being parents. Period!!
"I'm sorry, did I break your concentration? I didn't mean to do that. Please...continue. You were saying something about best intentions." - Pulp Fiction
