Parents Don't Understand Their Children's Behavior

[Luba]

Why do you think that is? As a child is growing, more parents say they just don't understand when their child gets into trouble or has anger issues.
(1) Do you think it's because parents are busy making a living and don't have enough time for their children?
(2) It's easier for the parent for their children to entertain themselves because the parents or too tired or too stressed?
(3) Is it because the parents look for more materialism than spending time with their children?
(4) Do you think children are not listened to, or heard, like they should be?
(5) Any other ideas?

[Vautrin]

I think all reasons could be valid. But the more I grow up, the more I realise a lot of parents are totally clueless about interpersonal relationships.

[Luba]

In my day (Oh, dear God...I NEVER thought I would EVER say that!) children were supposed to be seen and not heard...no wonder some of us had such lonely lives and had to fight our way to positivity and hearing, listening to others and their grieving for a lost childhood.

[Vautrin]

Attitudes change, but now it seems children should not be seen or heard.

[Luba]

Originally Posted by Vautrin

Attitudes change, but now it seems children should not be seen or heard.

For sure! Such a shame!

[Vautrin]

Another issue is the technological advances. 40 years ago, a home computer was unheard of. Now parents simply don't understand all the gadgets, gizmos and "other essentials" for their children.

[Luba]

Originally Posted by Vautrin

Another issue is the technological advances. 40 years ago, a home computer was unheard of. Now parents simply don't understand all the gadgets, gizmos and "other essentials" for their children.

Speaking from experience....SO TRUE!

[TKDLady]

They aren't essentials however. Unfortunately we all think they are. I am just as guilty there however. So I can't comment on this one too much.

[Scott]

Originally Posted by Vautrin

Another issue is the technological advances. 40 years ago, a home computer was unheard of. Now parents simply don't understand all the gadgets, gizmos and "other essentials" for their children.

I could elaborate for PAGES, but I'll summarize with One Word what I feel is the root cause of all Modern Children's Behaviour that Parents Don't Understand:

MYSPACE.

Even IRL, children can be Evul to each other, but given the annonymity of internet chatrooms, they have found an extremely powerful device through which to exponentially magnify every element of adolescent angst.

Let's not forget Cable TV, and Cell Phones.

Vautrin's world 40 years ago was inhabited by the friendless neighborhood bully. Now, that bully, has a multitude of friends with whom he organizes through his Myspace Page, and with whom she is in constant cellular communication. When they converge IRL they act out the Cage Fighting they've been watching on TV.

[IvyRose]

I agree with all of the above. I'd just like to add that the "Time Out" Generation has attitude and behavior problems. Their parents tried to break the "Chain Of Abuse" by not using certain discipline techniques that were common in the past. Even raising your voice to your children now is not considered an accepted form of discipline.

You add to that the huge misdiagnosis of hyper activity due to some other cause besides what a child eats as well as ADHD and others. Some children are on as many medications as the adults are now. In my opinion, medication is delt out way before any other type of modification is tried. (It depends on the child, of course.)

Children like discipline. It makes them feel loved. They know someone is trying to make them a better person. The amount of discipline should be modified for each child's personality and psyche, not just painted with a broad brush stroke in the name of Anti-Child Abuse.

It's typical for a society to over correct a problem that has happened in the past. Children have more rights than adults do now. Some know that and use it to their advantage because what's going to happen if I get caught doing x, y, or z? They get to stand in a corner for 5 minutes, whoop-iee!

[Scott]

Originally Posted by IvyRose

Children like discipline. It makes them feel loved. They know someone is trying to make them a better person. The amount of discipline should be modified for each child's personality and psyche, not just painted with a broad brush stroke in the name of Anti-Child Abuse.

It's typical for a society to over correct a problem that has happened in the past. Children have more rights than adults do now. Some know that and use it to their advantage because what's going to happen if I get caught doing x, y, or z? They get to stand in a corner for 5 minutes, whoop-iee!

Yes Exactly!

One of the great uses for Myspace among adolescents is to compare notes: How did parents react? What were the legal consequences? How do you report "Abuse?" What symptoms do you need to recreate to get on "Drug X", or "Tablet Y?"

Sure there is real abuse; and it should be stopped with all means available. However these "juveniles" are becomming sophisticated at a rate that parents simply cannot imagine. Parents need to begin to be VERY watchful in the 5th grade (minimum).

[NoTargeT]

Adults are far worse.

[Vautrin]

Ya. Just yesterday I read a story of a couple bashing in the skull of their dog, because he shed too much hair. I don't think granting animals "human rights" is a bad idea, because then at least it will be dealt with.

[IvyRose]

Children can be just as bad as adults.

[Scott]