Mixed feelings about parenting
By Crislyric
@Crislyric (37)
United States
February 8, 2009 8:11pm CST
So I was watching "Real Housewives of Orange County" and one of the mothers was saying how she does not condone her daughters underage drinking, but she knows they will do it. So she goes on to tell her daughter that if she does do it then to call her and tell her about it. And if she is ever out somewhere drunk needing a ride she will come rescue her. I'm baffled as to why this was said, I don't know, my parenting was just a little bit different. My mother said don't do something and that was it. Not don't do it, but I know you will and if you do I will come to your rescue. It just doesn't set well with me. Maybe I'm being so judgmental about things because I am on the outside looking in and not a parent, but it doesn't seem cool at all. What do you think? Do you feel that your parenting should be on terms such as these?
3 responses
@allyoftherain (7208)
• United States
9 Feb 09
I'm not a parent either... but speaking from seeing the parenting of myself and my friends... I think it's better not to leave the "I know you'll do it anyway" window out of the picture. A parent should have a forgiving heart, and help their children when they're in need because of a mistake, but they should not allow bad behavior to go undisciplined.
@Crislyric (37)
• United States
9 Feb 09
Thats how I feel good to know that I'm not alone, it just seems like secretly giving them permission.
@JuventusGan (4)
• China
9 Feb 09
I'm not a parent, and in my country it must be redicuolus if we youngsters become parents at the age of under 20.But I wanna say that kids have their thoughts and their faths, parents should respect their minds, and help them when they are in trouble, make friends with them.(Sadly in most places of China, people are always have cruel Treatments with kids when they do sth. wrong or else.)Chinese parents do have a long distance with foreign parents in treating kids friendly.But in the same way, parents love kids forever in their lifetime.That's the most important thing. I think what both parents and kids need is understanding of each other, loving each other.Everything will be fine.
@adrico (204)
• China
9 Feb 09
i am not a parent ..as a child i cant say everything i do is right ..yeah sometimes i also have some mistake ..my parent always forgive my bad behaviors..then i correct my bad behavor...so i think the mutual understanding is really important between child and parent ..if we really make it ..i sure to be a parents the feeling is not so bad ,so do the children ..lol
have a nice day
@Crislyric (37)
• United States
9 Feb 09
Well, its good to hear that you at least correct your bad behavior, yet a lot of teenagers don't think like that. And they will not if told they will be okay if they just go ahead and try the things they shouldn't do.
@sunshine4 (8703)
• United States
9 Feb 09
I am a parent and my teenagers know how I feel about underage drinking. I also know that I did it when I was younger and I would much rather have them call me for a ride home rather then hiding it from me and driving drunk.
It is a hard call. I always tell my son no drinking! I also tell him if he falls into the peer pressure, I won't be happy about it, but I would like for him to call for a ride home rather than driving.
I have to agree with the Real HOusewives. My parents said no too, but I didn't listen. I also am lucky to be alive. ONce my friend was driving after a party where we were all drinking and she drove us right into the lake! So from experience, I have to say that this REal HOusewife had the right idea.
