Did Grandma Have It Right All Along?

Today, kids have it easy. We make them the center of our universe.We're their chauffeurs, cooks, coaches, maids, and bankers. To top it all off we're suppose to be their best friends too! We put our lives on hold to take them to soccer and ballet, bring them their forgotten homework at school, and cater to their every desire. We give them toys, game systems, money, cars and trophies just for participating in a sport.

How did we get here? Did our grandparents have it right all along? 

Back in the day families believed in putting God first in their lives. Families worshiped and prayed together. You were expected to honor your family, obey and respect your parents, don't do anything to embarrass them, and come to their aid if a need arose without complaining. That's just what you did for your family.

Everyone was expected to pull their weight in the family. You were to do whatever needed to be done or whatever was asked of you- once again- without complaining! You were taught that if you worked a hard, honest days work you would be rewarded. It showed good character. Hard work equaled success.

Children gradually received more responsibility as they proved themselves trustworthy. By the time they were adults, they were prepared for that responsibility.

Now days we've extended childhood into the 20's and 30's. Our children have no idea how to be an adult or what it means. They have trouble with social interactions, being told "no" and not getting their way. As a result, they have trouble holding jobs, having lasting relationships and making commitments. We, as parents, have lowered the bar. We send our children the message "you're not good enough", "you can't do it on your own", "you will always need me". We have done them a disservice. They deserve better. We need to once again raise the bar for them. They need to know it's okay to make mistakes and even fail. They need us to believe in them and encourage them.

So, maybe Grandma did have it right all along. Maybe we need to follow in her footsteps for the next generation.

Becky