Parenting

It's rather unfortunate that in attending family reunions and holidays we often hear our own family talk about the absurdities they hear of. The parent that let their child watch a rated R film or do something really crazy like put dye in their hair, even though it was only temporary. But to the Probation Officer, these are only minor, often laughable moments. The parenting deficits we see include things like providing alcohol, marijuana or other drugs, a complete lack of supervision when mom and/or dad are out partying themselves and setting such an example. Allowing their 14 year old daughter's 16 year old boyfriend to spend the night because, well, they would be doing it anyway and 'at least they aren't out running the streets'. Purchasing cigarettes as a way to 'bribe' wanted behavior only to find out that it doesn't work out quite the way they planned. Parents want to be friends to their kids. They want to hang out and be cool. Then, when the undesired behavior occurs, they call the police....the expect the police to provide the discipline at the age of 15 that they have been unable to provide for the previous 14 years. They then excuse their lack of parenting with statements such as 'you can't whip your kid anymore' as if a good whipping at the age of 15 would suffice. Keep in mind they never provided any form of appropriate discipline up to this point. Discipline consisted only of yelling, screaming and threatening; never, showing, talking or encouraging. Yet, they continue to be upset when their incorrigible child is not locked up and taught a lesson. Locking a child up would certainly teach them a lesson. It would provide structure and consistancy and expectations would be clear. These kids often do great in our facilities, because they know what to expect and are encouarged to do better. Yet, once they return to the chaos that is home, they run wild due to the uncertainty of not knowing what is truly expected from them.

My First Blog

I occasionally read other's blogs and wish I could be so creative. So, to relieve stress and share my world with anyone interested I have decided to finally try out the world of blogging. Maybe no one will read what I write, maybe no one will care, maybe someone will be awakened to things outside of their own shell and encouraged to get involved in their own community. I'm simply going to write what I experience.....the good, the bad, the sad and the craziness that is the world of supervising juvenile delinquents.