What Do We Tell The Kids?

[silver-shark 10]

Good morning Eamonn,

 

From one of boleta's recent posts...

 

"When I got mad and hit my child

"for his own good," I reconciled,

And then, I realized my plight...

Today I taught my child to fight.

 

When interrupted by the phone,

I said, "Tell them I'm not at home."

And then I thought, and had to sigh...

Today, I taught my child to lie.

 

I told the tax man what I made,

Forgetting cash that I was paid;

And then I blushed at this sad feat...

Today I taught my child to cheat.

 

I smugly copied a cassette,

To keep me free of one more debt.

But now the bills of shame must peal...

Today I taught my child to steal.

 

Today I cursed another race.

Oh God, protect what I debase,

For now, I fear it is too late.

Today, I taught my child to hate.

 

By my example, children learn

That I must lead in life's sojourn

In such a way that they are led

By what is done, not what is said.

 

Today, I gave my child his due

By praises of him instead of rue.

And now I have begun my guide:

Today, I gave my child his pride.

 

I now have reconciled and paid

To IRS on all I made.

And now I know that this dear youth

Today has learned from me, of truth.

 

The alms I give are not for show,

And yet, this child must surely know

That charity is worth the price;

Today, he saw my sacrifice.

 

I clasp within a warm embrace

My neighbor of another race

The great commandment from above.

Today, I taught my child to love.

 

Someday, my child must face alone

This world of fearsome undertone,

But I have blazed a sure pathway:

Today, I taught my child ... to pray.

 

Henry Matthew Ward"

 

This goes right along with, "Caught not taught", "actions speak louder than words", and my personal favorite, "Let your lives speak".

 

Sometimes our actions are not enough though. Sometimes the things that we find offensive come from sources outside of our control. This is where an open relationship with our children really comes in handy.

 

When you have this, you can just come right out and say, "son, you might not know this about me, but I find that to be ___________(offensive or whatever), then tell him why, then do the most important thing that you can... close your mouth, open your ears, and listen to what he has to say about it.

 

[Fuzzy Bear 12]

What a big bunch of galoots. Everybody here deserves a hug. I am not sure how the BSA dispenses such things but I am sure there is a policy. Once it is expounded upon, just line up.

FB

[Proud Eagle 13]

I think the rule for hugging is that only symbolic, non-hazing hugging is allowed.