It is my opinion that to most good parents, the welfare of their children is of extreme importance. You want what is best for them and in a selfless way, make sacrifices on their behalf.
It is your obligation to God, Our Father, yourself and your children to raise them to be responsible adults. Hopefully, things workout that way, but that is not how life always unfolds. Some parents try hard and still end up with negative results. However, they can still take solace in knowing that they gave it their best shot and left nothing on the playing field.
Remember, you are not supposed to be your children’s best friend. That is a common mistake that some parents make. Although they mean well, it usually brings bad results. Quite often that path leads to a very bumpy road of disrespect and outward defiance. Your role as a parent is to reach and demonstrate leadership by setting a virtuous example.
Kids are like sponges, they pick up on things much quicker than most adults realize. You may reap only what you sow. As a parent, you need to keep a watchful eye on what your kids are viewing and a very sharp ear on what they are listening to. Rap is mostly crap. In most cases, it sends a negative message to impressionable listeners. Some call it music, but I will not.
However, it is not the sound that is concerning, it is the content and the words that are troubling. Does that kind of language instill values and ethics? You be the judge. Family should be the brick and mortar of a sound society. The home should be a foundation for virtue and integrity. As a parent, you need to set the tone and standards of what is and is not appropriate for your children.
Also, the internet can be, like a lot of great inventions, have a double-edge of both good and bad. You need to stay on guard and vigilant. They may not always like your decisions, but it is important that they respect them.
You may not always be right, but you always need to try to be right for the sake of your kids. Parenting can be a very humbling experience. It needs to be taken very seriously. Let the love in your heart by your navigator.
Bryan Elson,
Albany
