Author Topic: KIDS. LAZY, OR PAMPERED. (Read 1245 times)

powderman · « **on:** February 12, 2010, 11:18:18 AM »

We had a lot of running to do yesterday. Went 35 miles North, then back home, then 50 miles South, then back home. In all those miles we saw 4 snowmen, FOUR. We have 7-8 inches of snow now, more coming Sunday and Mon. When I was a kid you'd have to look pretty hard to find a yard without a snowman, in families with kids anyway. Made me think. No wonder diabetis and obesity are so rampant in children today, no activities or exercise. Too much TV, video games, cell phones, etc. I reckon going utside to play in the snow has become too much like work. It's not just in the winter either, except for the snow stuff. Kids just aren't getting outside like they used to do. Sad, they are missing a lot of good fun and exercise. POWDERMAN.

Dances with Geoducks · « **Reply #1 on:** February 12, 2010, 11:42:22 AM »

Just they way they want them

Helpless

blind ear · « **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2010, 01:46:27 PM »

I'm almost 60. when I was in HS an area farmer loaded a trailer with water mellons and left it by the highway to see how long it would take for the mellons to be stolen. after a couple of days no mellons were missing. He put up a sign "don't steal these mellons". No one stole them. He came to the conclusion that kids of that time were too sorry to steal a water mellon. Who knows? eddie

Matt · « **Reply #3 on:** February 13, 2010, 02:21:48 PM »

Thread fixed

powderman · « **Reply #4 on:** February 13, 2010, 03:24:19 PM »

MATT. Thanks. I thought Heather made a post, reckon not. I grew up in a small town in ILL, about 200 people. I doubt there was a family in town I didn't know, and they all knew my family. We camped a lot all summer. One of my buddies Dad was killed in a hunting accident and he and his family had it pretty rough. No welfare, they all helped out. Mrs Inman took in laundry, cleaned houses, all kinds of odd jobs to feed 5 growing kids. Willis and I were camping and I took some pork chops and fried them, then made gravy. Willis said that was the first time he'd had milk gravy. I realized then that they couldn't afford milk and how lucky I was. Kids played outside year round. If a kid misbehaved he was corrected by a parent, whether it was their kid or not and we were taught to obey others parents as well as our own. Kids today seem to have little respect for adults, or a lot of supervision. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of great kids today, but there are also a bunch of brats. We all had chores to do at home, it was our way of being part of the family and contributing as a member. Kids today see chores as punishment, too many are spoiled brats. They earn nothing and expect everything. Look at all the new vehicles at the high schools, how many are even paying for them, or did Daddy pay for it?? Most of the cars are newer than I can afford. Kids today need more activities that don't have a screen or take batteries. They need to get outside and have fun. Use their brains a bit. POWDERMAN.

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** February 13, 2010, 05:17:14 PM »

Her post was likely the one that corrupted it and he had to remove it to fix the thread. She might put it back as it likely is in the trash can to copy and paste back.

mechanic · « **Reply #6 on:** February 13, 2010, 05:32:41 PM »

IMO kids have just never had to grow up as fast as some of us did. When the time comes for their mettle to be tested the cream will rise to the top. I worried about both my daughters, as to whether we had pampered them too much. Neither cared much for cooking, and it took an act of Congress to get them to clean their rooms. Now one of my daughters has a house and yard that people drive from miles away to view in the springtime, and the other can outcook Paula Deen.

Teach them the basics of right and wrong. Some will become solid citizens, some will not, just as our generation did.

scootrd · « **Reply #7 on:** February 13, 2010, 05:53:56 PM »

I gotta give my sister a lot of credit, Her kids are being raised as farm kids. THey have chores , responsibilities to take care of live critters so they learn to take care of other things dependant on them besides themselves. They are allowed a few hours of TV on Saturday Mornings, and an occasional movie rental.

They come home do chores , play outside after school , have dinner , do homework, and if there s time one hour of TV or supervised Computer a night (most times they just want to help dad build something in the garage instead). They are into soccer, Baseball, and Skiing, and they built their own Tree fort this past summer , all we gave 'em as adults was the nails, and a safety walk through at the end of construction (I gotta admit they did pretty darn good).

Come March they will be helping the Family wiith Maple sugaring.

All in all I feel lucky to have such well-rounded Nephews that are not video/computer/couch potatoes.
It;s all in how ya raise 'em. Nowdays parents use computers and TV's as surrogate Babysitters.

powderman · « **Reply #8 on:** February 13, 2010, 06:08:52 PM »

MECHANIC. You're right, we did have to grow up faster. Most of us kids baled hay, worked on farms, cut grass, did all sorts of odd jobs. Can't get kids to do that stuff very much anymore. After we were done baling for the day we'd go to the river for a swim and to get the crud off of us. Pretty well all of the boys in our town worked most of the summer, not every day, but quite a bit. The farmers depended on us to put up their hay and help with their crops, now we have the illegals I reckon. Too many kids today have never earned a dime, and thats sad. Well, it's bed time. Later. POWDERMAN.

bearmgc · « **Reply #9 on:** February 13, 2010, 06:20:02 PM »

Kids are still kids. If they're raised with a work ethic, generally it stays with them.

powderman · « **Reply #10 on:** February 14, 2010, 03:43:35 AM »

SCOOTRD. Sounds like your nephews are headed the right direction for sure. All parents want their kids to have a great life, but handing them everything without earning anything makes for lazy adults. POWDERMAN.

DDZ · « **Reply #11 on:** February 14, 2010, 06:18:02 AM »

I was talking to a guy that lives in a small town near me. He was talking about the big snow fall we had, and how hard it is to find anyone to shovel anymore. He was more than willing to pay for this task, but no kids around to do the work. This is just part of why there are so many fat kids anymore. There is only one thing that causes kids to gain fat layer on top of fat layer, and that is from eating more than they burn off.
I can remember when there was a big snow fall, kids would be all over the place with shovels, looking to make a few bucks. Now they just hole up in the house, and the idea of making some money just doesn't appeal to them. Could it be because Mom and Dad spoil them and give them everything they want.
Now all you hear about is how kids need to watch their diets, and don't eat to much. This is hogwash, all kids need to do is get off their duffs and go do something.
Also one of the best character builders for a kid is to get out and do some work, or get away from Mom and Dad and play on their own, or with other kids. Character can't be built by sitting in front of a tv.

Heather · « **Reply #12 on:** February 14, 2010, 07:16:27 AM »

I'm not sure what is wrong with kids today, but snowman building is a lot of work. Thanks to Global Warming, we were able to build our first family snowman the other day. ;-)

powderman · « **Reply #13 on:** February 14, 2010, 07:46:22 AM »

DDZ. Right you are.
HEATHER. Good looking snowman, be sure and thank al gore. When I was a kid we used to go around shoveling snow from sidewalks and driveways for the elderly around town. We rarely got any money, sometimes some hot cocoa or cookies. We did it to help those who couldn't help themselves and it was a great feeling knowing that we had made a difference in peoples lives, and made them a bit more pleasant. That feeling cannot be bought or paid for. Don't see kids today doing anything like that, not often anyway. POWDERMAN.

mitchellbuilding · « **Reply #14 on:** February 14, 2010, 08:31:26 AM »

Hello, I'm new to this board, but I do have 4 boys from ages 4-14, I surely know how boys are, thats why I home school mine, mine are not pamperd or sheltered, I dont beat there moma or shove Jesus down there throat, now ask yourself this, was this the first snow of the year? you know that effects the snowman building, and some snow just wont stick together, these days kids are brain washed starting at a very early age, kids cartoons plant seeds of doubt on the orgin of humans that will drive them crazy in time, they want us helpless and dependent on them, there total goverment control takeover is well underway and will take a few generations before they have our kids to sick and lazy to resist,
now just from this expression of free speech, our goverment that monitors these fourms, will spend many thousands of dollars investigating me and my kids to determine if we are a threat, I know I fit the profile especially with me home schooling my kids, but I home school simply because I have heard to many old men on there death bed say "my only regret is that I did not spend enough time with my kids" and because I love and want to spend time around my kids to prevent them from becomming lazy bums, they call me a wacko, and not to worry, my wife handles the reading and writing part and I handle shop class, and my wife is a woman, my kids dont have 2 Dads or 2 moms,
Just think about it, sooooooooooo many reasons why a kid would want to stay inside and hide from the cold, cold world we live in.

mechanic · « **Reply #15 on:** February 14, 2010, 12:10:33 PM »

Heather,

Whacha' do to the little guy! He doesn't seem to be enjoying it!

dw06 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 14, 2010, 12:51:11 PM »

Heather that looks more like a snow bear

Just kidding,looks great. I've been thinking on this subject for many years, seems I noticed the lack of kids being active and out and about sometime in the mid to late 80s.I remember driving to work over the years when kids were everywhere, then just started to disappear.
We was always outside, except meal time which was 3 squares and no junk food in between. We ice skated on the ponds and even sled riding even after dark. Still rode our bikes everyday in winter too. That was on top of any chores we had.
We were in shape, and looking back at old photos we were pretty skinny, compared to today's standards. Yes there were overweight kids then, but they were rare.I guess I'm more afraid for today's kids than anything,knowing what the path of inactivity will bring in the long run.

Heather · « **Reply #17 on:** February 14, 2010, 01:22:28 PM »

Quote from: mechanic on February 14, 2010, 12:10:33 PM

Heather,

Whacha' do to the little guy! He doesn't seem to be enjoying it!

He had just finished helping his Daddy pack the clean snow on top of the snowman, and even through his gloves his little fingers were wet and cold.

We got him inside and warmed up. :-)

Heather

Heather · « **Reply #18 on:** February 14, 2010, 01:24:06 PM »

Quote from: dw06 on February 14, 2010, 12:51:11 PM

Heather that looks more like a snow bear Just kidding,looks great. I've been thinking on this subject for many years, seems I noticed the lack of kids being active and out and about sometime in the mid to late 80s.I remember driving to work over the years when kids were everywhere, then just started to disappear.
We was always outside, except meal time which was 3 squares and no junk food in between. We ice skated on the ponds and even sled riding even after dark. Still rode our bikes everyday in winter too. That was on top of any chores we had.
We were in shape, and looking back at old photos we were pretty skinny, compared to today's standards. Yes there were overweight kids then, but they were rare.I guess I'm more afraid for today's kids than anything,knowing what the path of inactivity will bring in the long run.

I am blessed with VERY ACTIVE children. It has been so cold here lately they have been inside more than usual, but the sun came out today and warmed us up a little and I haven't seen the older two except at lunch and after dark.

Heather

powderman · « **Reply #19 on:** February 14, 2010, 03:11:44 PM »

HEATHER. When was the last time you got enough snow to make a snowman??? You don't get a lot of snow there compared to here. We have another 5-8 inches coming in the next couple days. 3-6 just for tomorrow, we've had about 8 inches this past week. POWDERMAN.

Heather · « **Reply #20 on:** February 14, 2010, 03:20:53 PM »

Quote from: powderman on February 14, 2010, 03:11:44 PM

HEATHER. When was the last time you got enough snow to make a snowman??? You don't get a lot of snow there compared to here. We have another 5-8 inches coming in the next couple days. 3-6 just for tomorrow, we've had about 8 inches this past week. POWDERMAN.

It was almost 20 years ago for me since there was enough snow for most to make a snowman. I will never forget the blizzard! My daddy taught me how to roll a ball of snow around until it was bigger and bigger. We cooked over the fireplace and slept in sleeping bags in the living room. We put trash-bags over our clothes and walked to the grocery store for milk to make snow cream. It was a real adventure. Oh and a couple of years ago it dusted an inch or so, and I gathered all the snow off the cars and we made a snowman small enough to sit on our picnic table, just so the boys could have the experience.

Heather

mechanic · « **Reply #21 on:** February 14, 2010, 03:27:38 PM »

A pic. of my daughter's back yard, with a 4' fence. This was the first snow. Now the fence is only visible in a few places.

Back on subject, my 16yr. old grandson has really labored to keep the walks clean and the driveway open. His dad is deployed over in the sandbox, so he's "mannin" up.

He's never had it to do before. Goes to show that not all our children are overly pampered, and some will rise to the occasion.

Ben

PowPow · « **Reply #22 on:** February 14, 2010, 03:57:38 PM »

Heather - Looks like your snowman pulls for the Tide. RTR.

powderman · « **Reply #23 on:** February 14, 2010, 04:08:53 PM »

HEATHER. Your kids will never forget the snowman they helped build, you did good.

. It's snowing here now pretty good. POWDERMAN.

bobg · « **Reply #24 on:** February 14, 2010, 04:51:18 PM »

When i was a kid there was three of us that after a snow we would go out and shovel driveways. One weekend after a big storm we made our rounds and ended up with $100. 50 years ago that was a lot of money. We thought we had died and gone to Heaven. In the summer we would hit the local trailer park and wash and wax mobile homes. When i turned 14 i wanted my old man to buy me a 22. He said buy your own. I hoed strawberries all summer to buy that gun. I got even with him though. When he died my mother gave me his guns. God rest his sole. He wasn't really that bad. He just didn't have the money to buy me a gun.

myronman3 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 15, 2010, 02:20:44 AM »

i will submit to you, it isnt the kids, it is the parents that are messing up. my kids are amazing. they are always looking for things they can do to help out, and asking me what they can do for chores.

Graybeard · « **Reply #26 on:** February 15, 2010, 02:38:10 AM »

We moved here to the house we now live in July of 1994. This snow we just had that Matt and Heather's kids were able to make a snowman in was the first snow big enough to do so since we moved here. So really other than the tiny one she mentioned placed on the picnic table this is the first snow those kids have seen really that was remotely enough for making snowmen.

In the years we've lived at this house we've had a dusting a few times but this one was the first to really cover the ground here.

powderman · « **Reply #27 on:** February 15, 2010, 03:39:26 AM »

Quote from: myronman3 on February 15, 2010, 02:20:44 AM

i will submit to you, it isnt the kids, it is the parents that are messing up. my kids are amazing. they are always looking for things they can do to help out, and asking me what they can do for chores.

You are right. A lot of it is the parents, but I believe mostly it's who they associate with. Another thing I've noticed is that kids who attend church regularly seem to have a better upbringing and higher moral standards than those who don't, and please don't read more into this than I meant. They seem to be more active and helpful to others. Still snowing here with more coming. Read this morning where Alabama is getting more snow too. Don'tcha just love global warming. Maybe Heather can build a snowgirl to go along with their snowman. POWDERMAN.

dw06 · « **Reply #28 on:** February 15, 2010, 06:34:17 AM »

Quote from: powderman on February 15, 2010, 03:39:26 AM

Maybe Heather can build a snowgirl to go along with their snowman. POWDERMAN.

Yeah that would be fun for the kids and Heather,then put a beard on the snowman course it would have to be a "Graybeard"

But to top it off a picture of Mr Graybeard standing in the snow with them

Heather · « **Reply #29 on:** February 15, 2010, 06:41:40 AM »

Quote from: powderman on February 15, 2010, 03:39:26 AM

Quote from: myronman3 on February 15, 2010, 02:20:44 AM
i will submit to you, it isnt the kids, it is the parents that are messing up. my kids are amazing. they are always looking for things they can do to help out, and asking me what they can do for chores.

You are right. A lot of it is the parents, but I believe mostly it's who they associate with. Another thing I've noticed is that kids who attend church regularly seem to have a better upbringing and higher moral standards than those who don't, and please don't read more into this than I meant. They seem to be more active and helpful to others. Still snowing here with more coming. Read this morning where Alabama is getting more snow too. Don'tcha just love global warming. Maybe Heather can build a snowgirl to go along with their snowman. POWDERMAN.

Sadly no more snow...just a little sleet. It is all good though...remember my new karate school begins tomorrow!

Oh and on the subject, kids will behave however they are expected to. My children are active in part because they have been expected to all of their lives. They were enrolled in sports, and taken outside often. Now my niece was expected to be a girly little girl and was never put in sports or taken outside to play. Her idea of a good time is sitting in-front of the tv eating junk food. When a television is used as a babysitter, kids adapt to being content simply watching it. Tell my boys to sit and watch tv and it doesn't last long as a distraction. They want to play!

Another thing that kills me about kids is some have it in their head that the adults in their lives are their slaves. I have many roles as a mother, but a maid isn't one of them. I have chosen to teach my children PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY, and that it is their responsibility to clean up after themselves and take care of their things. My niece doesn't like coming to my house because she feels it is adults jobs to clean up after kids, whereas in my house each person is responsible for taking care of their own messes. Imagine my surprise at being told by a four old that it was my job to wash her dirty dishes.

Heather