To the parents of teens...I am fed up with you!!

[N.Bailey]

I know when I turn my computer off, that this situation will be "over" except for the judgemental people on this board who will continue to tear it apart for the next several days.

If this isn't the pot calling the kettle black, I don't know what is.

 

[N.Bailey]

I did it intentionally after I saw another poster do it! Was meant to imply that the kids would be bored by the board game!! oops...my humor gets me again...in my head it sounded good!!

Oh well, I still had a little laugh from it. I wish I could say mine was intentional, but ummmm, that wouldn't be entirely true.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Watch the "holier than thou" Disers

For the record--this is the attitude you started off with

When that happens--it always elicits a polar response

while I do think "kids" are spoiled today--it doesn't mean they all are and it doesn't mean that the parents are lazy.

Accept responsibility. For this thread--and for your child's materialisitic desires.

 

[ashjohnson80]

If you hate the Dis so much, don't come back. If you think everyone here acts like middle schoolers or are judgemental why would you want to talk to them?

 

[babytrees]

So, why the nasty posts, if you don't care? Curious.

me too!

 

[SwedishMeatball]

 

[L107ANGEL]

me too!

I dont think I was nasty. I will call anyone out that says I am a bad parent!!!

Fair!

 

[momrek06]

If you dislike the place & people so much why are you here? I'm here to have fun, talk Disney & at times have a sounding board... Not to cause trouble - Middle School indeed!

This is exactly why I suggested she POST this on her TOWN'S ACCESS CHANNEL and NOT the DIS Boards....

I wonder what the TOWN'S-PEOPLE'S reaction would be if she did actually POST on their Access Channel....I think she knows....

Like her THREAD TITLE, I think the people in her town would say "I am fed up with you!!!

It amazes me that she starts this Thread and has now informed us she is shutting off her computer....Hhmmm....

 

[Planogirl]

Maybe we should all do a group Ignore. Nay, it isn't worth the trouble. Troublemakers are easily ignored without using the Ignore button.

 

[punkin]

Admit it Punkin...you hooked it up in her room to keep her occupied while you were vying for Flava Flav's loooovvvvveee.

All right. I'm about to admit something that will forever brand me as a BAD PARENT. My 13 yo turned me on to "Flavor of Love" and we watched it as a family with my 7 yo (whose eyes I would close at certain inopportune moments.

 

[T. Lynn]

Well, my DD is 6 and this is what she has & why:

* Disney Princess TV & DVD - her kindergarten teacher sends DVD's home once a week for them to watch and learn from. Incase we're watching a movie, she can still do her homework and watch the movie to earn her stars (yes, it's considered homework to watch the video).

* Digital Camera - yes, she's 6 and has my old digital. Why? Saves me money. Film with her lasts about 5 minutes and then I pay $7.00 for 30 cropped off heads. With the digital I gave her, she managed to take picture of the toilet and at least I could delete them off and not pay for it.

* Leapster - NO gameboy. I feel that the leapster was more learning based but guess I could get chewed out since it's an electronic. Her teacher complimented on how much she knows compared to the rest of the class. To me, this is a good thing and beneficial.

* My old laptop, once I get itput back to factory default settings - you can't believe how much they are doing on the computer in kindergarten. I'm a parent helper and see what they do. I have many learning games for her which I will not install on my new computer in fear of something getting messed up or if she would accidently delete something. I'd rather her have my old laptop from 1999 and there would be no harm done. When I did have her games on my other computer, she was playing one day on it, mind you she was 3. I was in another room and heard my printer going. I ran out to the living room in fear of what may have been done. Here's what she said "mommy, I'm printing out my progress report". At the age of 3, I was so impressed and so proud of her. I came to find out that they used the same CD in her NURSERY school.

 

[babytrees]

I dont think I was nasty. I will call anyone out that says I am a bad parent!!!

Fair!

I think my "me too!" may have been taken the wrong way. I wanted to know why the OP was being so snarky.

I think this entire thread is hurting my head(either from shaking it so much or from laughing take your pick)....I will gladly stand up and say I am a bad parent according to the OP. My girls got a TV for the birthday when they turned 6 and 2 so I wouldn't have to listen to Barney for one more minute!! My almost 14 year old will be getting a cell phone for her 14th birthday because of so many reasons that have been posted.

Never in dealing with my daughter and MS for the past 3 years have I come across any one quite up to the OP snarkiness!!

 

[dreamflight99]

Wow...interesting subject. Yet, I am truly perplexed by OP's angst and frustration with what OTHER parents purchase for their own children, because she has to listen to her son whine and complain because he can't have what "so and so" has, etc.! You are an adult, and can make your own decision for your juvenile son. None of it should ever be based upon what others "have or do not have" in relation to your own personal life. DWDreams stated it perfectly. She is also absolutely right about every child NOT having these things, even though the op's son protests otherwise. Self esteem should not be tied to a cell phone, computer or a television.

As the parent of an only child, she had a television in her room while younger...but rarely used it. It was there mostly for sleep-overs, (to watch television programs/movies with friends, etc), and on days she was home sick and in bed, etc. But...she much preferred/enjoyed watching television in the family room (as opposed to alone & sequestered in her room). She never asked for this item. It was not a big expense, so I never considered it a waste of money. It served it's purpose.

She also never had a computer in her room (until she acquired her own laptop in HS---and used it in classes at school/home), but was always free to use the one in the main office in our home. Even with the laptop, which was wireless---she preferred to use it in the midst of a family setting.

We did have a "Disney" computer in the playroom/game room when she was younger, and she adored it. No Internet connection on this one. Again, she certainly never asked for this item. We also have a large library in our home, with a very comfortable wrap-around bench bay window custom-fitted with deep plush dreamy-soft mattress~like cushions. Everyone loves this place. There are also lots of other comfy oversized chairs for relaxing and reading/studying in peace and quiet in this room. She spent some free time in there reading, when she was not busy with after school demands (music, sports, etc), and preferred it to playing video games or computer stuff.

As for a cell~phone...again, she had one but rarely used it. I agree with clh2 as I insisted she have it for safety and personal reasons (mostly so I could contact her!). She never received it until she was about 15, and detested carrying it around. She's never been one to chat incessantly on the phone (thank God), or waste time/money in any respect.
C-phones are a pet-peeve of mine here in California...as EVERYONE drives and chats! It's the most annoying thing--I just wish we had laws like most other states (illegal to chat while operating a vehicle).

Punkin's old BROOKLYN BRIDGE mantra post is hysterical! Thanks for the laugh...as it still rings as true today as it was back then.

And...Daxx~Couldn't agree with you more (about the ridiculous reasoning behind an 8 YO NEEDING a cell phone!)!! Your DS used the TV in his room much like our DD did hers (for movies (DVD) and local programming). There's no cable box or satellite on it! LOL. You brought up a nearly forgotten point. Residing in a rather large home, DD's room is quite a ways from ours (both on the second floor---but on the other end across the second stairway). Therefore, she enjoyed the television on softly at night as a source of quiet comfort. Many kids enjoy sleeping with the television on in their rooms as a "white noise" effect. This provided a sense of security and comfort when she was small, and masked any strange noises/etc.

In fact, on other nights it was either "mother goose, teddy ruxpin or mickey mouse...all animated and all wonderful story-tellers!! LOL. Anyone remember these ingenious toys?!?

*After the recent testimony before the senate last week by Justin Berry about Internet use/sex, etc (which began when he was lonely/curious and using his computer in his room after school), most parents should be against the use of computers by their children ALONE in their rooms. Read: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/05/washington/05porn.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

 

[Mom2Ashli]

I don't know if they were nasty, as they weren't directed at one poster in particular...they were strongly opinionated, however and meant to elicit a strong response. I wasn't surprised at any of it and even laughed at the poster who went and looked up an old thread...typical DIS stuff.

This sort of thing happens on MySpace all the time. I had a student make the mistake of saying something on there that was opinionated and she was torn apart by it. I told her to turn the computer off and not turn it back on.

I just shake my head at it, to tell you the truth. Now, I'm going to go sit with my Mom and watch the news. I know when I turn my computer off, that this situation will be "over" except for the judgemental people on this board who will continue to tear it apart for the next several days.

And that is a crock of SH**!

You could have asked a questions about kids having TV's in their rooms and would have gotten some really good responses.

But instead you come out with your arms swinging in the direction of allot of parents on this board. So we were just supposed to sit back and let you poke us in the eye and tell us how lazy and terrible parents we are for providing for our children in a way we feel is right.

I DON'T THINK SO. You were rude and judemental in your first post and than you get upset when the rest of us don't agree with you.

 

[dreamflight99]

My girls got a TV for the birthday when they turned 6 and 2 so I wouldn't have to listen to Barney for one more minute!! !!

"I LOVE YOU...YOU LOVE ME..." blah blah blah...could have been used to flush Saddam Hussein from his hiding hole!!! LOL..thanks for the gaffs. This is one of the funniest I've read on this topic!

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

Wow! The DIS is an amazing example of "pack mentality" that happens in middle schools. I've seen it happen here before, but thought I'd try it and see. Here's what happens:

1)Post something controversial...This can be any topic-I picked child rearing, but I could have chosen any other topic.

2) Take a really strong, controverisal stance on it.

3) Watch the "holier than thou" Disers call the OP (me, in this case) call names and accuse the OP of being judgemental, while at the same time tearing that person literally apart.

4) Then patting themselves on the back because even though they have engaged in this group attack, they are "better" than the OP.

I have to laugh, because this happens all the time in middle school, but it happens here on the DIS too. I could even have predicted that some poor soul would take the time to look up old threads and attack those too. (Of course, that person would never, ever be judgemental. They just had the time to do all that research so that others in the community could join in the group attack. It's an amazing study of human nature that I see happen all the time on the DIS. I really don't care what teenager has a TV in their room or calls who on the cell phone. However, I could write a thesis on the human behavior witnessed here today. It's amazing!

(But, for those that joined in the attack and picking apart, I'm glad you're not judgemental!!)

I'll admit I'm judgemental. When I read the OP I felt one way about you. Then when I read this, my opinion didn't really change that much. Go figure!

 

[pigget74]

I have read most of the posts and had refrained from taking part until now. I am also a teacher and I surly hope that you do not start conversations in class like you started this thread. Typically it is in human nature that when you feel attacked you attack back. You attacked many parents character and integrity today. So yes they had the right to attack back. To each his own on how they want to raise their children--remember they are the parents not you. You know your child better than anyone and you also know what is best for them. I have 3 children --one with a Language Disorder with a very high IQ, another with just a high IQ, and then the baby. We do things together all the time as a family and with friends. I would never force my parenting styles on anyone nor would I expect them to have my style either. Again, that is why we are the parents. IF you have reservations or convictions on what your child can do that is fine, but please do not judge or lable us for what we think our kid can handle. Every child is different as you know--you did a great job getting everyone going so I guess you get an A on your science project.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I haven't read the whole thread, but figured by time I did it would be locked.

I did read 7 pages of it and I seem to have the genral idea.

People get there panties in a knot rather easily.

OK, now to the OP. I understand your frustration, being a parent isn't easy. I rather dread 10 years from now when my kids will be teens. I only hope they are as good of kids as my niece and nephew are. I plan on putting the work into them now and hope it pays off.

I remember being a teen (close to 20 years ago) and it did feel like every other kid got to do things that I didn't. In some cases they did. However not every kid did and after the fact as an adult I relaize my parents made the rules they did because they loved me. I more then likely will set the same rules with my kids and they will temparaly hate me for it. I am ok with that.

My parents were not hip, or cool, or even rather fun. They were good parents and I now am happy they are who they are and raised me how they did. 20 years ago I didn't have this much sense, it is called maturity.

Now lets all remember we are parents, or adults and lets try to get along and stop the name calling. Let's support and encourage.

(Oh and no T.V.'s or computers in my kids rooms, now or later.) Cell phones are ok for teens, but limits on how much and how long they can be used.

 

[Papa Deuce]

I am so glad that I wasn't the OP......

Not that I agree with her anyway.... nor really disagree.

 

[paigevz]

Well, my just-turned 11 year old just got a firefly, because he's going to middle school next year and coming home alone to an empty house, and I want him to be able to call me if he needs me......................I didn't want to go to the expense without it being a "present" and this was the next gift-giving occasion before next school year.

He has a TV in his room to play his video games on. His video game hour is 8-9 in the evening, and I like to watch TV at that time. We couldn't leave it in the playroom where 3 year old brother can get into it and ruin the games, so it's in his room. He watches TV with us, as he gets no cable there, and TV top antennas don't work well here, so he can only get PBS and the three major networks, and the majors are fuzzy.

He has a computer in his room, but no internet connection. He plays chess, keyboard, typing, and architecture games on it. All of these have great benefits for his maths...........his strength, and what he enjoys best. I can play chess with him, but he beats me........so this gives him a worthy opponent.

So, you think those are BAD choices. I think they are quite reasonable choices for my family.