Parents don’t parent any more

THE EDITOR, Madam:

In today’s society, the role of parents in the upbringing of children seems to have taken a backseat. Long gone are the days where children were taught to be disciplined, respectful, and obedient. Instead, we see a growing trend of parents failing to take responsibility for their children’s behaviour, thus leading to a generation of entitled, disrespectful, and undisciplined individuals.

One of the most prevalent issues facing parents today is the talk-back phenomenon. Children are increasingly questioning authority and talking back to their parents in a way that would have been unthinkable in previous generations. This lack of respect for authority figures is a worrying trend that can have far-reaching consequences in a child’s development.

Over the years, this behaviour has only gotten worse and worse. Children are no longer afraid to challenge their parents or any other adult in positions of authority.

This lack of discipline and respect is not limited to the home environment. It has now transferred to the classroom as well. Teachers find themselves facing children who not only refuse to listen but also argue and fight with them when they try to correct their behaviour.

Parents, instead of supporting the teachers and reinforcing the importance of respect and discipline, often side with their children and fault the teachers for their actions. This lack of support from parents only serves to empower children further, giving them the confidence to argue with other adults and challenge authority figures at every turn.

In older days, a child would be corrected or even punished for not saying a simple “Good morning” or “Good evening” to an adult. This simple act of greeting is a sign of respect and obedience that has been lost in today’s society. Parents are no longer holding their children accountable for their actions, thus leading to a generation that lacks basic manners and respect for their elders.

EXCESSIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGY

Another contributing factor to this decline in discipline and authority is the excessive use of technology in parenting. Parents are quick to hand over tablets and phones to their children, as a way to keep them entertained, but, in doing so, they expose them to influences that shape their behaviour in negative ways. Children are bombarded with messages and images that promote disrespect, entitlement, and rebellion, leading to a generation that lacks the moral compass to make good choices.

The lack of punishment for bad behaviour further exacerbates the problem. Children are not being held accountable for their actions, leading to a sense of entitlement and a disregard for authority. Without consequences for their actions, children have no incentive to behave appropriately and respect the rules set by their parents or even their teachers.

In addition to the lack of discipline, there is also a noticeable lack of respect for elders in today’s society. Children are no longer taught to listen to and obey their parents and other adults in positions of authority. This lack of respect for authority figures can have serious consequences for the future of society as a whole, as it erodes the foundations of respect and obedience that are essential for a harmonious and orderly society.

TAKE BACK CONTROL

If parents were to start taking up their responsibility as authority figures in their children’s lives, the future wouldn’t look so dark at all. It is essential for parents to set clear boundaries and enforce consequences for bad behaviour. By instilling discipline and respect in their children from a young age, parents can help shape a generation of individuals who are respectful, well-mannered, and capable of contributing positively to society.

In conclusion, the decline of discipline and authority in parenting is a troubling trend that is having far-reaching consequences on society as a whole. Parents need to take back control and assume their roles as authority figures in their children’s lives.

By instilling discipline, respect, and obedience in their children, parents can help shape a generation of individuals who are capable of making good choices and contributing positively to society.

It is time for parents to step up – and parent again!

VENEKA NELSON