Bill,

Those were the best times, and the best ways. I always tried to stay out of situations with my children. My grandmother used to say that 'adults should not entertain children's quarrels, because the children will make up, but the parents will not'. I don't remember ever running home about anything.

Unfortunately, many parents are much too involved and controlling these days, and do not do that. (Just think of all those news stories about parents punching coaches, etc.) You can imagine, therefore, how hurt I was, when I was staying out of stupid quarrels and tried to build character in my children by having them swallow insults or deal with it themselves, *but* other parents were not...so my kids were the ones that often got in trouble...the mantra that 'no good deed goes unpunished' was so true for me as a Christian parent in an unchristian world.

On the other hand, as far as adolescents and teens are concerned, ofcourse one needs to have some handle on what is going on with them (on the computer and with their friends) because these are definitely not the good old days. One can never be too careful or secure.

In Christ,
Alice, who is happy that her children are now officially grown up!

Dear Alice,

I couldn't agree with you more. Kids seem to be so much more ruthless and vindictive today, as mentioned in an earlier post to the point of carrying weapons and guns and sometimes using them. The times we live in are sadly so much faster and immorality runs so rampant that the carefree days of childhood almost no longer exist. Parents are hard pressed to keep their children apart from the outside influences that they are bombarded with from just about anywhere and everywhere. I know every generation goes through such times but I don't know if it was ever as it is today.

Bill

Dear Friends,

I am very concerned that it could be criminalized, even in this country (USA) to admonish people against homosexual relationships.

Certainly I do not believe in bashing homosexual persons, or blaming them for all society ills, but I believe the historic teaching of Holy Tradition that prohibits same-sex relationships.

We will be persecuted for preaching traditional morality on this point.

Sometimes lately I have felt guilty about resentments I feel towards some churches who have muddied the waters by endorsing same-sex relationships; I think "Thanks a lot!"

rcguest:

Who says the old days are gone? I am 15, but homeschooled. I have never got into a well, shall we say official fist fight but close. Most of todays kids, however much of bullies, are too much of wimps to take anything more than a shove. A tackle onto the ground almost renders most into tears, certainly bullies it utteraly shocks.

Freaky-Fruity-People= Yuck