Thats exactly what needs to happen JJ. I also think parents need to start being parents. When you allow your kids to communicate by text e-mails and cell phone face to face interaction goes away. Then social skills and problem solving go away.

I interview young men and women that want to get into my career field. So many have no face to face interaction its very difficult for them to look me in the eye and be confident. Most look away or down at the floor and mumble. That does not impress me.

I was at a fast food place for lunch. I saw a table of 5 kids and none of them were really talking to each other. They texted the whole time.

Body language makes up nearly 80% of communication. A nod of the head, shifting stance open or closed arms and facial expression are a huge part of understanding.

Somewhere along the line we have managed to teach people that they should be respected because they exist. I don't understand this. Don't get me wrong. If I don't know you I will always treat you kindly. You will have to earn my respect unless you have already gone far in life on your own merits.

In the age of the give me an award award we have lost our will to win,compete and to strive for excellence. My kids schools and sports teams have participation awards. WTH! You should learn that losing can suck. It's gives you a reason to try harder. I didn't always win but I always did my best because if someone was going to beat me they were going to earn it and my respect.

Parents need to be parents (I know I said it once before but it merits repeating), Not their kids best friend. I like having fun with my kids but they will never forget that if they screw up I can be their worst nightmare if its bad enough and I will always be brutally honest on the minor stuff. On the same token I am there for them through thick and thin. I will be there to celebrate their finest moments and to hold them accountable during their poor choices.

Another of my complaints is schools and social services indoctrinating our kids. I raise my kids with my values. If you believe in something different thats great. As long as it doesn't harm me or my family I'm OK with it. But don't expect me to thinks its OK or even a good idea. Stop trying to teach my kid that it is, its not your place.