Ok, so.... a few of us were contemplating the universe earlier, and the subject came up about baby-proofing one's house. Making the household "safe" is a huge issue for many parents these days. But... safe from what? Safe from household chemicals, electrical outlets, unstable appliances, sharp corners and edges, and MOST importantly, GERMS.
Now, let's think about all of this for a moment, shall we?
...Good. Thinking accomplished. I've decided that from now on, I'm going to wrap my children in tissue paper and bubble wrap (of course leaving their faces exposed so they can breathe), cover everything with a sharp edge in bubble wrap, plug up any and all electrical outlets with those plastic covers, hide away every appliance, and keep all chemicals securely locked away. Then, I will simply allow my children to run amok, because anything they could have gotten into has been dealt with - thus eliminating my need to be a parent.
And, since the outside world has NOT been properly baby-proofed, I'll just... I'll just never let my children leave the house! Never! Because it's not SAFE! I mean, they could get hurt!! After all, the human race didn't make it this far without baby-proofing! Er, wait....
COME ON NOW, REALLY?!
Parents out there reading this, are you really that daft that you think your children need you to constantly protect and shelter them from the many perils of the bathroom and kitchen? Are you so ridiculously ignorant to think you're actually helping them?
Listen, folks, children need to skin their knees every now and then. Some of my fondest memories from childhood were when my parents weren't always supervising me; and yes, a few of those times, I got a boo boo or two! I climbed apple trees, roller-skated down hills, fell down rock fields while hiking, got cactus in my ass, fractured my shin playing soccer, blah, blah, blah, etc. Guess what, though, this is the crazy part: I'M STILL ALIVE - and I have countless fantastic memories that taught me a lot about how fun and adventurous life can be. That is to say, I have countless memories that have nothing to do with video games or dealing drugs or being a spoiled little brat who never got to go outside.
It's interesting how much control we think we have over our children, when really the only thing we're controlling is their ability to learn and make healthy choices. Give your kids some credit, they're really not as dumb as you think they are! If you tell them no, and explain why you're saying no, they will listen! Sometimes they will mess up, but that's ok. Discipline comes from learning the hard way sometimes. We can't protect them from anything, truly. So, we must teach our children. Through knowledge they gain understanding, which, over time, becomes wisdom.
I know times are tough and the world is a bit scary, but shielding the eyes of the future generations only breeds blindness and ignorance. Be honest with your kids. Be REAL with your kids. Tell them, "the world can be rough, and it challenges us to be strong," ...and then trust that they are strong.
Better than baby-proofing is allowing our kids the fair chance to be prepared for what may come.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
It's a mad, mad world.
Our society is suffering... the question is, from what?
Friday, July 20, 2012, a mass shooting was committed at an Aurora, Colorado movie multiplex. Twelve were killed, and some fifty or so (the number varies from network to newspaper) were injured. One man, one seriously deranged man, simply walked into the theater and opened fire.
Why? What could have possibly been going through his mind, since he knew none of these people, and therefore could not have had a real motive.... unless he was just that starved for attention.
And now, I find myself wondering why I'm even concerned about any possible motive or reason behind this attack. The fact is, this person's actions are a direct reflection on our diseased society. What's the matter with everyone?? Are we being so sheltered and stifled that our frustrations just build and build until one day, some of us snap? I mean seriously, what the hell is going on?
The world is incredibly overpopulated, the majority of us don't hunt for our food anymore, and a great number of us are fat and obsessed with our modern conveniences. I think the problem is not that we are somehow deprived of something - it's that we are handed too much. We are spoiled, whiny brats, and when we don't get our way, we throw a tantrum. Some people sue companies for not putting a label on a cup of coffee that says, "HOT".... Others shoot up a cinema, why? Because they're getting kicked out of grad school? Sorry if this stings, but... STOP MAKING YOUR STUPIDITY SOMEONE ELSE'S PROBLEM!
When I was young, my parents taught me that my actions had a consequence. And, if I decided to misbehave, those consequences were MY fault - and mine alone. Apparently, this young man's parents didn't quite get that message across to him. Some of you out there might be thinking, "Sadie, you're starting to sound a little harsh.... you have no idea what his parents did to raise him." True, I'm only assuming something of which I have no idea. But somewhere along the lines, this man had an opportunity to learn his lessons, and he obviously ignored the chance. What's more, he threw a hissy fit because he didn't like the consequences that HE BROUGHT ON HIMSELF, and his bitch fit ended up ruining a lot of lives. Dude, get your shit straight: whatever you did to make your own life go downhill is NOT a motive to kill people.
I want to take a moment to apologize for my profanity, but I must add that, in case you didn't realize, this is a very touchy subject on everyone's mind. If you don't find yourself upset about this senseless tragedy, you must be a very cold individual.
That is all. For now.
Friday, July 20, 2012, a mass shooting was committed at an Aurora, Colorado movie multiplex. Twelve were killed, and some fifty or so (the number varies from network to newspaper) were injured. One man, one seriously deranged man, simply walked into the theater and opened fire.
Why? What could have possibly been going through his mind, since he knew none of these people, and therefore could not have had a real motive.... unless he was just that starved for attention.
And now, I find myself wondering why I'm even concerned about any possible motive or reason behind this attack. The fact is, this person's actions are a direct reflection on our diseased society. What's the matter with everyone?? Are we being so sheltered and stifled that our frustrations just build and build until one day, some of us snap? I mean seriously, what the hell is going on?
The world is incredibly overpopulated, the majority of us don't hunt for our food anymore, and a great number of us are fat and obsessed with our modern conveniences. I think the problem is not that we are somehow deprived of something - it's that we are handed too much. We are spoiled, whiny brats, and when we don't get our way, we throw a tantrum. Some people sue companies for not putting a label on a cup of coffee that says, "HOT".... Others shoot up a cinema, why? Because they're getting kicked out of grad school? Sorry if this stings, but... STOP MAKING YOUR STUPIDITY SOMEONE ELSE'S PROBLEM!
When I was young, my parents taught me that my actions had a consequence. And, if I decided to misbehave, those consequences were MY fault - and mine alone. Apparently, this young man's parents didn't quite get that message across to him. Some of you out there might be thinking, "Sadie, you're starting to sound a little harsh.... you have no idea what his parents did to raise him." True, I'm only assuming something of which I have no idea. But somewhere along the lines, this man had an opportunity to learn his lessons, and he obviously ignored the chance. What's more, he threw a hissy fit because he didn't like the consequences that HE BROUGHT ON HIMSELF, and his bitch fit ended up ruining a lot of lives. Dude, get your shit straight: whatever you did to make your own life go downhill is NOT a motive to kill people.
I want to take a moment to apologize for my profanity, but I must add that, in case you didn't realize, this is a very touchy subject on everyone's mind. If you don't find yourself upset about this senseless tragedy, you must be a very cold individual.
That is all. For now.
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