Honestly part of what I think is wrong with kids is our fault. I will explain. When I as a kid we were left to work things out unless it was going to get crazy. We dealt with our problems. If it was so bad that we couldn't work it out, we duked it out bare knuckle one on one and were usually done with with a handshake after wards.

No a kid can't say boo without fear of being arrested or kicked out of school etc. They have been told that all violence is bad even if you are defending yourself. In fact if a good kid defends themselves against a bully they get punished the same as the bully. The problem is if the kid being picked on is a good kid and student they have a heck of a lot more to lose than the bully. So in essence the bully gets to do his thing knowing the other kid stands to lose more by standing up for themselves than just taking it.

In my opinion that makes stuff just build up in a kid who is emotionally immature, probably hormonal and doesn't have the life experience to deal with this stuff.

Think about it. There is a reason that we don't get in fist fights as an adult. Not just because it hurts and it takes longer to heal. As a kid I didn't mind fighting a bit. I moved around to a lot of schools. After you taught a few bullies a lesson it stopped. Everyone understood that I wasn't a bully but I also don't take being bullied. Problem solved.

We need to get away from the emotional counseling and crazy B.S. and let people start being people again. Normal people aren't going to go nuts and start a lord of the flys thing if we let people solve their own problems. I'm willing to bet people will start to be less violent in general after a generation or two of a less draconian school system and less litigious population.

You are a wise man MB, and I agree with you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Slap a pair of boxing gloves on the boys and let them settle their differences was a method that worked in my PE class. The nanny state we live in today would never let that fly today.

Right on both counts.

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.

The Runt has a VERY good role model AND a parent MB. Good for you!

Well, all my kids know where meat comes from (the 5 year old girl always asks to see the brain of the deer --worry about that one a bit <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ). The two oldest know how to shoot and have a couple knives each (the other two will as well in a couple years), the three oldest know how to fish.

Our oldest is learning to deal with the neighborhood bully and knows enough that he doesn't need to take it. All of them are being taught a respect for life and a love of God, family, and country.

I pray nothing bad happens to them and they don't do bad things to others. I think they'll be ok.

Joshua, sounds like you have TRIED to instill in them a sense of right and wrong, and how the world is. That's all you as a parent can do. It is up to them if it truly takes or not.

I'd say ya done good Dad, you and your wife both.

Randy, you hit on an important point (aside from me doing good <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> )--kids at the end of the day have their free agency. We can only give them the best we can--they have to figure out what to do with it.

I often equate raising a child to shooting craps. You know what you want, you try your best, but ultimately it is up to the Dice as to what you are gonna get. When I say that a lot of folks look at me like "HUH"?