What a difference a generation makes

Dad, Uncle Brett, and Me

Children are a blessing but I am telling you that raising a child today is much harder than my parents. In comparison my parents never worried about me. I was gone from breakfast to dinner and they never concerned about my whereabouts. My children have never played outside when younger, without me constantly watching. I don’t remember a parent teacher conference ever for my parents. I never had after-school activities unless I could drive myself there, or could get a ride from someone else.

Dad and I having a quick draw

Me and Michelle

Now that being said, my parents were and are so hard working. My mom worked 8 to 10 hours a day, and came home and kept a house, cooked and cleaned for the family. My dad worked and constantly had more overtime than anyone I had seen. They worked hard, and had time to teach me the lessons in life that I have passed on to my children. Respect- Respect all elders. All adults have a title, such as Mr. Mrs. Uncle, Aunt, Sir, Ma’am. Never did I call an adult by their first name and none of my children have either. My parents taught me manners, how to set a table, how to address at a table. Again this is a lesson that was passed down to my children. My parents taught me what an honest days’ worth of work was, and you can ask my kids about work. They have known chores since they can remember. (oh and they don’t get paid for chores)

Dad, Mom, Teen Dwight Jr.

Me and Morgan

Side note: I think it is harder to be a kid today too. The amount you have to know, the job market competition when you get older. Kids today have more rules and less freedom than ever before. I remember a comedian said that he was telling his dad how hot it is, and his dad replied just open a fire hydrant. The comedian replied, “um dad because that’s called a felony.” And it made me think that each generation has less fun than the generation before them.   The constant supervision doesn't allow for fun playing. Kids are apprehensive to have fun or sneak around so on. The communication back and forth between teacher and parent would have killed me. I constantly get emails from my daughters teacher and I know what she has due, what she has done and any behavior that was good or bad before she even gets home….. and that is delivered to my smart phone.

I guess what I am saying is that parenting may have changed, but the core is love and teaching and that has never changed. Parenting is not for the faint of heart, but if you persevere and work at it, the reward is amazing. Good luck fellow parents.