Get Schooled

By jim d

October 28, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately in this country this scenario is repeated time and again. It will never improve until such time as we start holding sperm donors responsible for their creation.

Where was the father during all of this? HE lives in SC. Well woopdee f’n doo. This kid needs to be in foster care. At least there he might stand a chance.

This whole thing is a creation of ours that must be brought into check. We must stop rewarding people for having kids out of wedlock. I’d almost give odds that this wasn’t the ladies first rodeo with DFAC’s

By VOICE

October 28, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

The school district did exactly what it should have done. The days are over for schools being responsible for issues which go beyond the basic education of a child. Where’s the line that divides parents’ responsibilities and schools’ responsibilities? There is no line dividing the parents’ and schools’ responsibilities. Other than basic education and related services, it all belongs to the parents, the schools simply assist.

By Leia

October 28, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

Ok, jim d - This Must Stop! We must not agree for 2 days in a row!

I started typing my response, and happened to read yours first. GET OUT OF MY HEAD! Why did this “mother” not get assistance from the child’s father and his family before dumping him off (after a going-away party) in Nebraska? If she was having so many problems with this child, why did she have another one?

By jim d

October 28, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

What happened?

We got married first…and then lived together.

Most every family had a father and a mother.

Until I was 25, I called every man older than me, “Sir”

And after I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a title, “Sir..”

We were before gay-rights, computer- dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy .

Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment, and common sense.

We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions.

Serving your country was a privilege; living in this country was a bigger privilege

We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent.

Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins.

Draft dodgers were people who closed their front doors when the evening breeze started.

Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends-not purchasing condominiums.

We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings.

We listened to the Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President’s speeches on our radios.

And I don’t ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to Tommy Dorsey.

If you saw anything with ‘Made in Japan ’ on it, it was junk. The term ‘making out’ referred to how you did on your school exam.

Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, and instant coffee were unheard of.

We had 5 &10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents.

Ice-cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were all a nickel.

And if you didn’t want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards.

You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600, .… but who could afford one Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon.

In my day:

“grass” was mowed,

“coke” was a cold drink,

“pot” was something your mother cooked in and

“rock music” was your grandmother’s lullaby.

“Aids” were helpers in the Principal’s office,

” chip” meant a piece of wood,

“hardware” was found in a hardware store and

“software” wasn’t even a word.

And we were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed a husband to have a baby. No wonder people call us “old and confused” and say there is a generation gap… and how old do you think I am?

I bet you have an age in mind.…………..you are in for a shock!

— pretty scary if you think about it …

This man would only need to be 59 years old

By Meme

October 28, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

We have parents requesting everything from food to help in paying their rent. Schools are not able to do those things. We help as much as we can but with all the budget cuts, help may be less this year.

By Proud Father

October 28, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

I am a very proud father of 4 beautiful daughters. I have one daughter who is the oldest, that has some issues. I worked very closely with all of her teachers, principle and school counselors. I can honestly say that the 2 schools that she has gone too this year have been absolutly wonder and helpful. These 2 schools are Freedom Middle School and Dean Rusk. Both of these schools should be commended for being such an excellent school. The principles, teachers and counselors are awesome at these 2 schools.

I am in the process of starting an organization for parents that want to be successful parents, love their children and truly want what is best in their interest. An organization for parents with troubled children for support and one that will lobby the Georgia Legislation to find better resources for parents that do not have the financial means of truly helping their children. Good insurance is not enough help.

I try to be the best father possible, read parenting books, take parenting classes at churches, watch Dr. Phil (LOL) I thought that was humerous. But the reality is this. If you have a problem child, the schools are not to blame and can only give so much help. The DFACS system in Georgia isn’t impressive and if you as a loving, concerned parent do not have the financial means, then how and where does a parent that wants to be a parent get help?

It is a parents responsibility to rear a child with all the tools they need for success, loving them, guiding them, nurturing them, teaching them, raising them to be productive successful members of society but if they have a child who needs help, we as parents should be able to obtain that help even if we do not have the financial ability to do so.

If you would like to join my organization, let the writer of this column know and he can forward your email to my email. Thanks

Signed, Proud Father

By bearcasey

October 28, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

I’m 59 and remember everything Jim D mentioned. I also remember all the negative aspects of life that his “happy days” scenario didn’t mention. Another time.

On topic. The benefit I had growing up that this “troubled youth” didn’t was a 6’-2” 225 lb. former linebacker FATHER who was there every day for me. He never laid a hand on me but had a way of letting me know that I wasn’t the center of the universe and would never be in charge of anything UNTIL I had earned it. Lessons worth knowing. I try to pass them along to my magnificent son, Beau. The beat goes on!

By Lynn

October 28, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

What can schools do when a parent refuses help for a violent disruptive student? My daughter had a child in her kindergarten class last year who was violent and disruptive on almost a daily basis. This student would turn over desks when told to sit down, bite the teacher through her jacket drawing blood, as well as hitting and kicking other students. The Principal did nothing despite pleas from the teacher and other parents until the student trashed her office in a fit of rage. This got the child a 3 day suspension.

By the way, the parents refused school offered counseling and any help from DFACS. The parents threatened a discrimination suit if any action was taken concerning their precious child.

By Harper's Mama

October 28, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Lynn, this is why education should not be a right. Students who keep others from learning absolutely must be removed from the traditional class setting. It is not fair to the students who are there to learn when a disruptive student requires all of the teacher’s attention. More time is spent disciplining than teaching at that point.

By TheBlogger

October 28, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Laura, You hit the nail on the head with a single sentence. And, this single sentence can be applied to almost every single blog here.

“Schools have resources, but they can’t replace a parent.”

I would only add one more thing to your sentence: “nor should they.”

Too many adults reproduce and then don’t want to be parents, but rather they want to be best friends with their child. Clue: your child needs PARENTS!

Parents do not defend their child when their child is clearly wrong. Parents discipline their child. Parents ensure that their child behaves properly at all times - especially when they are not around. Parents teach their child right from wrong. Parents give their child goals in life and show them the importance of education and of trying their absolute best. Parents teach their child to respect adults and authority figures (even if they also want to teach them to be weary of them).

Too many adults reproduce and are not parents. And, schools cannot “fix” this problem.

By Clarence

October 28, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Very useful to cut and paste a trite email forward about the “good ole days.” Thanks for at least deleting the >>>>>. I sure wish I came of age in the early 60’s - such a great point in our nation’s history to harken back to.

By jim d

October 28, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Proud father,

best of luck!!

By V for Vendetta

October 28, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

TheBlogger,

Absolutely correct. Where do we draw the line when it comes to these deadbeat parents who produce deadbeat kids who end up in jail (with the other deadbeats of society)? The problem is that if we move too far in one direction we risk becoming a dystopian society. On one hand, I would love if it were possible to restrict reproduction to only those with IQs of 100 or above. However, as many of us know, IQ is not always an accurate predictor of success in school or life. And what about those whose IQs are 99?

But, because of our sometimes irritating human natures, we have stagnated our genetics by promoting, helping, assisting, and coddling the detritus of society. They are continually allowed to feed off the upper echelons of our civilization at the expense of the many. Inexcusable. When will people be held accountable for themselves, regardless of their beginnings or socioeconomic status?

In an attempt to keep this short—no, the schools should provide zero services to help “parent” a child. The line shouldn’t even be blurry as it is now. The schools should have one job and one job only—to educate. The parents should pick up the tab for the rest. If they can’t, then put a shovel in their hand and tell them to start digging ditches. We always need holes.

By love my 4 kids

October 28, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Get real people! How can you rail against out- of- wedlock kids when we have the Jolie-Pitt family as role models? What about the gay parent families that live in “illegal” states? Didn’t you have enough sensitivity training? We know that abortion is a government school sanctioned right and that schools have the legal authority to take minor pregnant kids to get one, or to give out birth control. We also know that students are mandated by law to attend school (public- for poor ones) for 180 days/year at least 6 hours/day. They spend more waking hours at school than at home nine months out of the year. Sex-Ed is part of the public school curriculum folks! I put the blame for this young woman’s choice, squarely on the school. They failed miserably as educators. If it is the parent’s job to teach about abortion, THEN WHY DOES THE PUBLIC SCHOOL AND PLANNED PARENTHOOD NEED THE TAXPAYERS’ MONEY??????? Her former public school should be sued for false advertising!

By Teacher, Too

October 28, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Schools do not replace parents. Too often, parents don’t use the word “no”. John Rosemond had an excellent article in the paper a couple of Saturday’s ago about parents giving their kids everything and doing everything for their children, thus handicapping their kids.

Children have to hear the word “no.” And parents have to mean it! The problems with this boy didn’t start in 6th grade, or 5th grade or even in 3rd grade. They built over time. Did she discipline the child when he was younger (2,3,4 years old?) Did she give in to him because it was easier? Did she buy him stuff to bribe him to be good?

There are excellent books on parenting, but parenting can’t start when the kid starts school.

I refer students to our counselor all the time. But one trip to the counselor’s office isn’t going to change deeply rooted behaviors.

By V for Vendetta

October 28, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

L4MK, “schools have the authority to take minor pregnant kids to get [an abortion]”? What in the world are you talking about? You rail against the Jolie-Pitts and “gay parent families,” judging others as so many “religious” are so quick to do. However, did it never occur to you that the Jolie-Pitts could actually be GOOD parents? And that they are giving some kids from third world countries a chance at a better life with more opportunities? Did it ever enter your feeble and judgemental mind that a set of gay parents might be better and more loving than a pair of white trash, inbred hicks who attend a strictly southern baptist church?

No, of course not. Because, like the other “religious” folk out there, you LOVE to judge others using your obvious moral superiority as an excuse. You’re a perfect example of the intolerance that is breeded by organized religion.

By Harper's Mama

October 28, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Love my four kids, I daresay in the sixteen years that I have been in public education, I have never taken a child to get an abortion, nor have I ever been asked to dole out birth control. I’m pretty sure that I am not allowed to do that. Love my four kids, do you send your children to public school?

By V for Vendetta

October 28, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Oops, should have said “bred.”

By Teacher, Too

October 28, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Harper’s Mama,

Me neither. In twenty years of teaching, I have never dispensed birth control nor taken a student to get an abortion. Imagine that!

I didn’t know we, as teachers, had the authority to do this. Apparently, the general public also thinks we can diagnose ADD and prescribe Ritalin.

I have taught in two states. In both states, teachers have been cautioned about even suggesting a trip to the doctor, since then the school district can be held liable for the cost of the visit. I don’t know it that’s still true, but I know I am very careful about what I say to parents about their children. And, I ALWAYS preface my remarks with, “I am not a counselor; this is not my area of expertise. I can only address academic and social behaviors that I see in class. I can make specific recommendations, but they are only recommendations.”

By HS Teacher, Too

October 28, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Harper’s and Lynn, I could not possibly agree more about the disruptive student.

In the “teacher” role, she has almost no recourse. She can sue her principal/school system, but more than likely they are immunized from suit. What recourse does the teacher have?

But ultimately, I am an adult and can find a way to fight this battle. What of the other students?

In the “parent” shoes, I would be FURIOUS to find out something like this was happening. But the problem is, how will I ever know? My child will come home and tell me Betty is being a bad girl again, but the school can’t LEGALLY tell me the extent to which she is disruptive. Sure, a good attorney might be able to put together a case that my daughter’s right to an education is being violated, but how can even the best attorney get this information? And who do they sue?

So it’s lose-lose. Unless all the parents sign waivers, and the class is on a web cam …!

Seriously, folks, I’d love your opinions on how PARENTS can step in to remedy this kind of a situation.

By yankee

October 28, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

My dog’s better trained than 1/2 the kids I see.

By wwww

October 28, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Love4mykids, Where do you send your children to school? I’ve been teaching quite some time and have never heard of teachers taking students for abortions or prescribing birth control.
I am just not sure where you are getting your information.

By jim d

October 28, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Me thinks Love4mykids has been watching too many soaps.

By get rid of these nitwits

October 28, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

First Jeff and now Love4mykids…jeez! People please ignore these dweebs.

By love my 4 kids

October 28, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

In the early ‘90’s these “field trips” took place at least in some schools in some states. It caused quite an uproar at the time. Perhaps the legal loophole has since been closed. It was done through the school based clinics. There was a law (loophole?) which allowed for a minor to seek an abortion without parental approval if their life/mental health was in jeapordy because of such things as rape or incest, where notifying a parent might be perceived to be dangerous. I’ve since lost the references I had on the issue, but it looks like the basic idea is still being kept alive as late as 2007:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1848359/posts

As for public school provided birth control, see this example:

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=140910&ac=

Also, I never said classroom teachers were doing this, I referred to the school health clinics. Classroom teachers would, however, be responsible for basic sex-education courses. The clinic’s practical role would be part of the overall sex-ed K-12 package.

By Lynn

October 28, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

HS Teacher Too - How right you are. The parents didn’t realize the level of disruption until the students started mentioning having to do most of thier classwork in the hall because the other student was tearing up the classroom. Volunteer parents also witnessed the disruption and attacks on the teacher and other students.

Groups of parents met with the Principal with no result. Apparently the rights of the one far outweighed the rights of the rest of the class to be taught in a reasonable environment.

No, the Pricipal had no reaction other than “deal with it” until her lamp was smashed and office trashed by the poor misunderstood student.

The Princip

By Jennifer

October 28, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Love my 4 kids: Know what you’re talking about before you comment. There is NO WAY any educator is taking a child for an abortion or dispensing birth control. NO

By Jennifer

October 28, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Love my 4 kids: Know what you’re talking about before you comment. There is NO WAY any educator is taking a child for an abortion or dispensing birth control. NO WAY AT ALL! It’s just not permitted. You just look stupid when you rant like that.

By catlady

October 28, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

Until EVERY child gets an OPPORTUNITY for a FAPE (not just sp ed kids) and until the schools quit providing everything, it will only get worse. Parents of normal kids should band together and verbally assault the school board about situations like this. Repeatedly, at meeting after meeting, until it is apparent that the parens will not go away. As a teacher, I would NOT have that student in my room. Teachers are allowed to demand that a student be transfered, altho it will brand you”not a team player” and will probably get you Siberia duty.

Right now, among the 140 kids I work with, there are at least 4 who have glasses paid for by the taxpayers (Medicaid or peachcare) or by the generous donation of the Lion’s Club whose glasses are broken and the parents cannot be bothered to take them to be fixed. There are at least 5 others I know of who were fitted for the glasses, as above, but have “lost” them. Then we have at least 15 of this group who have had help offered to them to get glasses, even help making the appt, but do not “have time” to do it.

I have become very sour about the excess roles the school has taken on, as it gets worse every year. I am all for getting rid of the counselors, grad coaches, and even the school nurses, who many parents want to use as primary care.

I spend too much of my time doing social work instead of instruction.

By gov't handouts rock

October 28, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

Hey, don’t forget the FREE meals (breakfast & lunch) that taxpayers buy for the little darlings. It never ceases to amaze me that these same “poor” kids always seem to have a couple of bucks to get the hot cheetos and other crap out of the vending machines daily. And how about the textbooks they damage or lose and never pay for? That amounts to THOUSANDS of dollars a year for most schools (and then the parents b itch when their kid gets a “ghetto” book (which is usually only a year or two old). I say buy your own food and books!

By V for Vendetta

October 28, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Holy freaking mother of Buddha, L4MKs is a freaking moron. Normally I eschew such direct personal attacks, but in your case I’ll happily make an exception. First off, the first link you provided was to an article about a field trip to an abortion clinic and the ensuing parental discord which resulted. It was most certainly NOT about teachers taking students to have abortions, or whatever idiotic ramblings you earlier made. Secondly, for the sake of your children who you “love” so much, please let DFACS take them away. We have enough intolerant ignorance here in the South; we don’t need you adding to it with your provincial religious views and asinine references.

You represent the worst of southern culture—the ignorant but self-proclaimed devoutly religious poseur who casts judgments and aspersions on people who don’t share your views. It’s pathetic and, to be quite honest, makes me want to puke. I feel as though it completely invalidates everything I strive to do on a daily basis. In my line of work, we try very hard to expand the minds of young people so that they will be tolerant, productive, and educated members of society. Because of people like you, hate, intolerance, and moral superiority continue to infect the minds of impressionable young people. The sooner you all drink the Kool Aid and go belly up, the better off the rest of us will be.

By love my 4 kids

October 29, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

Vendetta: Caution! Take your blood pressure meds first!

http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/PUBLICATIONS/iag/cntrcptv.htm

It would seem that with the current ability to dispense ECP’s, the need for the road trips are greatly reduced. While the site specifically states that they do not counsel regarding abortion, the student health centers provide strict confidentiality to minors, transportation, confidential financing, and “mental + reproductive health” services. Used together, one could come up with a loophole to do just what I have claimed happened in the early 90’s. At any rate, getting contraceptives through these school clinics is no problem. Therefore, I stand by my claim that if schools spend this kind of time and taxpayer’s money to deal with the procreative efforts of minors, and have such dismal results, and yet blame parents, whose responsibility and money they have usurped; they deserve the full blame! When you shut down these clinics, quit teaching government sex-ed, allow personal moral standards to be freely expressed in schools, and give taxpayers their money back for said expenses, THEN you can blame individual parents.

This confirms what I previously stated: http://www.apa.org/ppo/issues/pparentalconsent.html

“WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT LAWS ON ADOLESCENTS?

Parental notification and consent laws can have harmful psychological and health consequences for the minors affected by these laws. By restricting adolescent access to confidential contraceptive services, these laws can result in an increased number of unintended pregnancies.

These laws often have the following additional unintended effects:

Delayed timing of contraceptive services and/or abortion, which increases health risks and expenses (Ambuel, 1995; Lieberman & Feierman, 1999; Melton, 1987; Pliner & Yates, 1992);

Stress, fear, and anxiety for those adolescents who go to court to obtain a judicial bypass for an abortion (Crosby & English, 1991; O’Keefe & Jones, 1990); Concurrently, concerted efforts need to be undertaken to promote open, meaningful communication between parents and their adolescent children. KEY POINT: In the absence of such communication (e.g., as in the case of abusive families), parental notification and consent laws place the health of adolescents in jeopardy.

Yet, psychological research has shown that most adolescents consult their parents or other adult relatives about contraceptive use and abortion and are generally competent to make such decisions. Taken as a whole, these findings call into question the value of parental notification and consent laws and point to the general ability of adolescents to exercise control over their own reproductive health care.”

By TheBlogger

October 29, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

Hey ding-bat (Love for my kids)….

The article you presented to show that public schools provide birth control doesn’t represent your assertion at all. It only goes to show how idiots like you can twist anything to support your warped views.

The article from Portland says that with parental permission students can fill a prescription at the school’s medical facility. Yes, that prescription may be for birth control, but it is with parental permission only. The schools are not handing these out like candy as you seem to be saying.

Are you trying to say that you don’t feel that parents should have control over their own kids? That there should be laws to tell parents how to raise their kids? Wow - sounds like you are a communist.

By TheBlogger

October 29, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

Also, love 4 my kids, you throw these links on your posts as if to support your position. Sure, the APA says that kids aren’t mature enough to make some decisions - wow - big deal - who didn’t already know that?

No schools, anywhere in the US, can freely give out birth control without parental consent. It is the parents making the decisions here and not the schools.

Why are you so insistant to blame schools? What is your motivation here?

You sound like the jim d of old that spouted out complete crap and then searched for web links to support the crap.

By V for Vendetta

October 29, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

L4MK, Don’t worry, I don’t need medication. I’m really a very laid back person. However, I’m not certain what your angle is here. As others have mentioned, the schools can do NOTHING without parental permission—to believe otherwise is both foolish and misguided. If that’s the case then I’m not sure what you’re trying to blame on the school. Considering the ignorance of so many parents and/or the inadequacy of their belief systems to convey the realities of sexual reproduction, I would rather the majority of students receive some instruction and education on the matter, even if it’s from an admittedly flawed system.

Case in point: A girl I knew in college who was raised in a strict religious environment had a “scare” in college. She decided to do the deed with her boyfriend because, of course, they were planning on getting married. He “finished” and some got in her belly button. She then proceeded to the health center inquiring if she they could tell her if she was pregnant or not.

This girl was in COLLEGE.

So forgive me if I’m hesitant to remove sexual education from the public school system and leave such a topic in the hands of parents such as yourself. But I’m sure you can find some links to “prove” me wrong.

By love my 4 kids

October 29, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

I supported my statements. You cannot refute them. Sorry about your limited reading comprehension. If anyone wants to read all of my posts on the matter, they can see for themselves. Misstating what I have posted will not change the evidence. Because of patient confidentiality laws, you cannot disprove what I said. That is the whole point of the legal loophole, and these pro-choice activists know it. You can disagree with my personal opinion on the matter all you want.

By stowler

October 29, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Having served as a school principal for a decade, some of the most severe discipline problems come from children without fathers and mothers too tired out to take care of the situations. I always felt that it was my duty to ensure the classroom was conducive for learning and I told teachers distractions(aka undisciplined students)must be removed for me to deal with…I have had to call the police several times to protect myself due to irate/unreal parents. But I found out these problems started way before the children even entered school!! They felt unloved and unwanted and their goal was to keep that identity and did whatever it took to get everyone’s attention.

By Mil mom

October 29, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

LM4K- To my knowledge, schools do not typically employ doctors to dole out scripts for birth control pills. As last time I checked, such a scrip had to be written by a liscensed doctor, or at least by a PA or Nurse practioner who was working under a liscensed doctor. Also, last time I checked, the school needed permission from the parent to let kids leave school grounds (you know, those pesky slips of paper they send home before a field trip). Next, when and where was the last K-12 school you’ve been to that had an actual clinic? All the one’s I’ve been to, the ‘nurse’ can’t even give out Tylenol without parent signed consent form at the least, many schools don’t even allow this. Their purpose is usally to dispnse medications that children have to take daily, or allow a child to call home when sick, or give out a bag of ice. That’s it, these school nurses don’t diagnose or treat illnesses. Let alone drive a kid to an abortion clinic.

As to the topic at hand, I agree that parents should be parents, however since that isn’t always the case, I feel it is ok for the schools to help to an extent. I feel, since schools are about education, maybe the school could offer some parenting classes, and make them mandatory for parents of kids who are continually a problem. Maybe schools could compile a list of helpful organizations to aid those who have difficulties parenting. I feel since many parents refuse to have ‘the talk’ with their kids because THEY feel uncomfortable, school should offer some form of sex ed beyond abstenice only, obviously that’s just not getting the point across. Not all children who misbahave have lousy parent(s). Sometime you can be the best parent alive, do everything right, yet somehow your child misbahaves or makes poor choices, SOMETIMES it is the luck of the gene pool, to have a not so good kid. However I’d say, most of the time it is partly if not mostly the parents fault. Not every single mom is a ho, or made a mistake, or ‘accidently’ got pregnant. You never know the whole story, so please don’t be quick to judge. Yes it is true, this is a growing epidemic, and some more education might help to bring it down, however this is not everycase. It is not our place to place judgement on others, it its our job to take care of our familiy, and if time permits maybe send out a helping hand to someone who may need and want it.

By jim d

October 29, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

mil mom,

you bring up some valid points re; When kids go bad You must have read the Time article from back in 94. If not go ahead and check it out. It still applies.