Well I *do* love word play, you're right. :-)
And I appreciate your taking my question seriously. As the mother of two girls, ages 18 and 22, I know firsthand about the perils, issues (not to mention the histrionics!) of raising teens at this point in the history of a very wealthy, indulgent country.
I think so many adolescents, including my own, have far too many "things", far too many choices, and far too much time on their hands. But it's difficult, very difficult, to meet their needs, filter out the negative influences, and still act as a positive adult role model (in terms of attending to one's own job, volunteer work, and community involvement.)
I balk at fingerpointing at the mother, who seems to be the easiest person to blame. In my home anyway, the understanding, indulgence, and moral/ethical lessons are all given within the context of "as you approach adulthood, it's more and more your decision, your life. It's painful, but so necessary, to let one's teens make their own mistakes. |
