We Get What We Expect
I was discussing with a colleague of mine the other day about something that really bothers me. I am the proud father of three wonderful young girls and have raised two older step children and I constantly get, “I bet your children drive you crazy” or “Wait until they are older, you are in for some trouble”. I hear kids nowadays don’t appreciate anything or have it too good.
First of all I enjoy being with all my children and look forward to many more wonderful days. I am not saying my kids are perfect but neither am I. The way our children act is a direct reflection of our society and our guidance. The people that say these things should look in the mirror and take responsibility for the results. It’s like saying I was the perfect parent but look how bad my kids are.
Kids are more informed earlier so they are going to be different than we were. You should never compare life when you were a child to what your child is going through. Times change, challenges change, lifestyles change. We need to grow, adapt and handle situations as they arise.
So the next time you have the impulse to criticize the youth of today, take some responsibility in creating the situation that they are in. Don’t compare to when you were young, look at it from their perspective. I expect some challenges along the way and I look forward to helping my children through them. I also expect many wonderful memories and great times ahead. What do you expect?
