Teens

This is a terrific sign. I'm fortunate that my teenager is NOT one of these, but I do know plenty who are. I don't know what happened but mine is a great kid. He has a job, pays his own gas, car insurance and social expenses. His actions are responsible, kind, altruistic and generous ...and I am On-My-Knees thankful. I'm well aware of the bullet that I have dodged -- so far. So many kids I know are given cars, a gas credit card, and not expected to be responsible for anything. I realize that it's our instinct as parents to want to give our kids all we can. Naturally, we want a better life for them than what we had. But in our zeal to make life easier, it's becoming glaringly apparent that we are raising a generation of spoiled, self-involved young people who care little for anyone or anything beyond their own limited vision. How can this be when we gave them such a privileged life? It's a cold slap in the face when you realize your investment won't turn a profit. But the big question is: are today's kids too hobbled by enabling parents to be able to claim their unique talents and abilities entirely on their own?

It's been said that when we do everything for our children, they only learn to take...and never learn to give back. I agree wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, it may be it be too late when we finally realize that our well-meaning "gestures of love" were really acts of sabotage.