Re: adding requirements
Bruce Major (major@GATOR.NET)
Wed, 24 Jun 1998 14:23:40 -0400
>I agree with Bruce...The Scout must want to achieve the Eagle Scout (or
any)
>rank HIMSELF. Parents should encourage their sons to do well in everything
>they do, but to push their son, and add additional requirements to their
son
>advancing at any level of scouting is not right.
Well, Jerry, I for one disagree with you. I think it is a parent's JOB to
assist their kids to excel in any way possible. Whatever can be done to
provide motivation is worthwhile. Driving, after all, is not a basic right
but a privilege.
Over the years, I have seen too many laissez faire parenting outcomes, even
among scouting families. Those with a fear of "pushing" their kids have
racked up a track record that includes teen pregnancies, drug abuse, DUIs,
and even death by heroin overdose. The last was a Life scout who dropped out
because his parents didn't want to "push" him.
I prefer to be strict, keep them on a short leash and allow them to grow up
enough to handle some of the problems out there. I think that's more
important than worrying about "pushing" them.
We admire athletes and coaches who push themselves and others past the
limits of their abilities all the time. Yet when it comes to the most
important people, our children, we are too often willing to "ease off". Like
they are not able to excel, or they are too fragile to succeed.
I don't admire laissez faire parenting - I think it demonstrates a lack of
concern.
Children have the uncanny ability to fulfill our expectations. If we keep
the bar high, they will still clear it.
JMO,
Bruce Major
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
