Parenting

Welcome to my first opinion blog!
Please note that these are my own opinions I'm stating here. I can't stress that enough. Obviously, there are a shitload of opinions and everyone's entitled to their own. I'm just stating what I think here.

So, onto the topic. Parenting. The other day, I got a lift to work and 3AW was on the radio. Sly of the Underworld (I think his real name is John Slyvester?) brought up a good point in his segment. These days, many people are being blamed for the state our young people are in. They drink, they take drugs, they stay out all night, they are violent, rude, have no respect, have unsafe sex, and aren't good in school. Now, obviously, someone's to blame here. The police, for letting them all get drunk, take drugs and not taking them home after they've been out all night. The people selling the drugs and alcohol are being blamed. The bar owners are being blamed for letting them in. The teachers are being blamed for not making them step into line. Did you notice someone's missing out of this picture? Yeah, that's right. Where are the parents in all of this?

If anyone, it's the parents who are to blame. Sure, letting your children socialise and go to partys is vital for a young person's life and upbringing. However, you should be careful. Educate your kids about drugs and alcohol. Alcohol is not a bad thing, by all means. I drink it, my 18 year old brother drinks it, my parents drink it, my extended family drink it. However, drinking it in excess, particularly at an age where your body is still developing, is not good. That statement should be an obvious thing, right? Then why are young people still doing it?

I spoke about this problem with my mum not that long ago. We both agreed that these days, parents and guardians are becoming almost scared of their own children. That is truely scary. No, I don't believe that parents should rule with the iron fist, yet I do think they should have at least some say in their childrens life. Saying to your fifteen year old, "no, I won't buy you any alcohol to bring to the party. It isn't safe" may result in you getting the cold shoulder for a while, but they'll get over it. Not everything my parents did I agreed with, yet I still have a good relationship with them. I think the problem is that parents try to be the "cool" parents who let their kids drink, go out all night and become terrors. Then they go and place blame on others, all because they're too weak to do take it on themselves. Seriously, that's not the way your kids will improve. Saying "no" to your kids will be hard at first, but it will help them in the long run.

Those who took the time to read this, thank you. Let me know what you think. Good feedback is welcome. Constructive criticism is always good. If you don't agree, let me know why.

Brigid.

First blog

So, this is my first blog. General musings about whatever comes to mind. Not going to write a full on blog now, but watch this space for my opinions (note that; opinions, nothing else) on WWE, parenting and general happenings in the world.

To introduce myself, I'm Brigid and I'm a uni student. I'd say more, but I'm scared of internet stalkers.

All for now. Later.
Brig =)