The Parent Trap
A Guest Post by Chief Chuck
What does it take to be a good parent these days? Oh, I know that most parents can provide food, clothes, shelter, the basics. But what about the most important resource and ‘thing’ a parent can give a child? Time. Attention.
A parent’s FOCUS.
These days, it’s somewhat perplexing to someone my age to see all these young children, out in public, in a shopping cart, a stroller, even walking, tethered to an electronic device. Head down, eyes glazed, staring at a phone or an iPad.
The electronic ‘toys’ have taken the place and have provided a responsibility relief for adults, alleviating the need for them to pay attention to their child and moreso, be actively engaged in the parenting (re: responsible for) the actions of their offspring.
Adults are too willing these days to keep the kid quiet, entertained and out of their hair. It’s easy. Most toddlers are more adept at manipulating devices than people my age. Sadly, they don’t even engage in mentally stimulating ‘games’ anymore, they are just sitting zombies being force fed entertainment. And messaging and marketing.
Parents will bemoan the fact that kids have short attention spans these days, that electronics are the way of the future, why not expose them to it now? Bullshit.
Parents want the easy way out, turn the act of teaching, engaging and more importantly, the need to teach discipline and patience. See, kids get fussy and bored out in public. But there is a life lesson in learning that it isn’t all about them. That they are not always the center of attention and that they need to learn how to wait their turn, do things they may not always enjoy, and be respectful of other people’s time and schedules.
When I was growing up, I got dragged on shopping trips with my Mom and my aunts. I didn’t like it. I rode in the bottom of the cart, and occasionally, I’d be a typical little boy and act the fool in public. Occasionally.
And occasionally I’d get my ass spanked and then get it again from my Pop later. I learned the value in just sucking it up, doing what I was told to do, entertain myself and be patient that I’d be back outside playing and doing what I wanted to do.
It also taught me how to act in public, interact socially, be polite and have manners.
Parents, don’t fall into the trap of taking the easy way out and turning over the responsibility of tutoring and teaching your child to the Apples and Samsungs of the electronic world. They can keep the peace, but what are you really passing along to your child? You’re shirking your job and missing out yourself on one of the most important aspects of parenting.
Turning your child into a productive and adapted citizen of world.
Semper Fortis
If you enjoyed this, then be sure to check out Chief Chuck’s other posts.
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