by Anna Johnson

Created on: June 01, 2008

Light up why not? I mean what we are coming to no rules in the household. Just to say what at least I know my child is doing it in front of me. Parent means control at all times in your home. If they want to sneak and do it then that is a choice. While in your home they should have enough respect and we as parents should have enough sense to say no!

This world is full of compromise and time outs and all of the crazy stuff that does not make any sense. Never do I ever remember my parents compromising with me about anything. Because of all of this, let us work it out sing koon bi yah business kids are driving under the influence.

They are killing each other going to jail for life because there is no control. It does take a village to watch over these children. Have a network system and do not be all upset when another parent calls to tell you something about your child. Smoking is a habit that is not easy to kick but it is also a habit that leads to other things. You give into the smoking what is next drinking cocktails at dinnertime.

Sorry but I am not hear to be my children's friend I am here to lead them to the water and they had better drink it! I did not carry them for nine months for them to light up and get cancer! Then what you have to take care of them and watch them die a slow painful death. This is if you are lucky but the alternative is worse. While you move to sunny Florida or whatever your dream destination is, they are diagnosed with cancer. Then what you are older and you cannot go back to when you could have just said no. That kind of regret to what you could a should a would a did as a parent will be to little to late. NO you may not be able to stop them from sneaking but you can let it be known that this is not something I except.

Teenagers are smart these days they may even say well you do it. I do not care if you light up a whole pack a day as a parent that is your choice. When they are grown and can get out and pay bills then they can have the same rights. However, we are not equals in the house that I provide clothes, roof, transportation and food in your belly. If they want to be equals then they have plenty of time for that later on down the road!

But for right now it is do as I say not as I do you can be grown when you leave.
We must set a higher standard for our children then to allow them to think the world is free spirited. It is not so we must teach those rules and consequences now or else later on where will the boundaries lie? Society is filled with lots of rules so best to prepare them for the real world now. Giving a child an inch is like saying here run off and take my wallet and car with no license.

Seriously, the answer is no just say no that slogan should be printed on teenagers foreheads. They are going to try you and push the limits it is your job to push right back. Challenge them as the authority in there life at all times, if you do not someone else will teach them harsher rules and lessons.

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