Originally Posted by
Magicme
They dont give a **** about authority because they were never shown any. I am heading into the hardest years of my life now with a 13yr old son and a 10 yr old hot on his heels but I am fairly confident that because, from the moment they were born, I have been the authority and they have to respect that.
I have only to give my kids a certain look or say their name in a certain manner and they will behave. I have never hit my kids and dont believe in it but they have been shown clear boundaries since they were tiny and now understand if they step outside those limits they will not like the consequences.
Respect is taught from tiny baby up and if parents cant be bothered to do that then they shouldnt have kids. My sons know that if either of them ever got into trouble they will lose all priveleges. PS3, football camps, sky tv, internet access etc are all priveleges not rights and they know it.
As for living in a bad area with kids, I loved my kids enough to give up the best job I ever had, the best social life I ever had and move back to Monaghan to bring them up where I know they are safer and less likely to fall in with a "bad" crowd. My eldest goes to non-alcoholic discos but only if I drive him there and collect him.
I am scared stiff of the next 8 years but I am totally committed to bringing us all through them and any parent that isnt should be ashamed of themselves.