If we look back in history relatively recent history Canadian and American life styles have changed dramatically, from being agricultural, family centered and being an isolated nation to being an urban multinational, postindustrial member of the global economy. The inclusion of values in children has mainly been turned over to our educational system. This system is ill equipped to handle children’s morals and values. Furthermore, it was never designed to handle such a task. Morals and values are meant to be taught and demonstrated to children at home.
To make things even worst is the inclusion of television, and electronic gadgets into our homes. TV and internet stimulated children become young adults who turn without hesitation, into children that use these electronics as ways to escape from loneliness, boredom and fear. In reality they need to develop the ability rely on other people for support. Not electronic gadgets. To go even deeper is the fact that young people need to experience frustration, pain and loneliness in order to mature and grow. Escaping and avoiding issues through electronics should not be an option.
Without effective guidance based on traditional and spiritual values, young people have no other alternative but to turn to drugs, overeating, gambling, drama filled relationships, compulsive work, or shopping sprees. These behaviors are the result of a lot of frustration, anger, and emptiness, mainly due to a lack of fulfillment in life. No attempt to avoid suffering works in the long run. In the end the repetition dulls the senses.
As parents and as responsible adults we need to get back to our grass roots and start teaching and being role models to our future generations. Family rituals are important to family cohesion. For example, simple things like having sit down meals together and recreational activities together can help promote cohesiveness in families. In addition when ever possible give our children our undivided attention. Good family rules also promote, guide and protect our children. They signify the parents love, and concern a parent has for their children. Raising children is not an easy task; however, a child’s basis need is love and not material possessions.
www.RobertGoulard.com
wow, i lot of truth, it gives me regrets, but thats okay,
ReplyDeleteWell said Rob. I walk down the hallways at school or even anywhere in public and find technology is pushed on these kids at every opportunity possible. It's easier now to count how many kids do not have a cell phone in their hands or an i-pod on. Ask a child the meaning of multi-tasking or networking. I would almost bet they refer to how you can control several items in a video game or how you go on-line to reach out to the community.
ReplyDeleteI believe in some instances, it's not only the child escaping participation with the family, but may also be a way of SOME parents not wanting to spend time with their children. Too often I hear of the child who was sat in front of the television at a very young age to keep them busy or distracted. Children learn best from observation and if this is seen as acceptable, the cycle will only continue.
Just as medication is in many cases, using technology as a coping mechanism to escape only masks the real issues.
A family is a place where minds come into contact with one another. If these minds love one another the home will be as beautiful as a flower garden. But if these minds get out of harmony with one another it is like a storm that plays havoc with the garden.
ReplyDelete-Budda
It's a good idea to learn to nurture the garden. Thanks for the comments!