Building a Moral Compass

After a delectable BBQ of Greek burgers and grilled sweet potatoes, we watched a movie as a family this past evening. The movie probably wasn't the most appropriate for kids. However, our kids have never gotten freaked out or had nightmares from scary movies. Furthermore, we just don't believe movies or the occasional video game will undo all of our years of parenting and building character and moral fiber.

It's when kids watch these videos without parents or play violent games alone and have nothing with which to compare them --no innate moral compass--that they have an insidious effect. It's clear in my mind it's the neglect of the child, not these games and videos, that is the problem.

It incites such anger inside me when certain types of music are blamed for high school shootings, criminal activity, and violence. That takes away all personal responsibility. Yes, we need to hold children from the earliest years accountable for their actions. We must teach consequences. Furthermore, we need to hold parents accountable for their children as well. They need to be teaching right from wrong, what's imaginary and not, respect, honor, and common courtesy.

Unfortunately, we have a flawed society. Teaching these traits and moral ethics is becoming more and more lacking in our society. Why? One reason is that we coddle our children. We tell them so much "good job," "you are great," etc. to build their self-esteem, that they believe they can do no wrong. They also aim for mediocre because they know eventually they will still get a high-five.

We also have become a society of inclusion when it is not warranted. We must let every child play on sports teams-whether they are good or not. We must pass every child and graduate them from high school-whether they pass the required exit exam or not. This leads children to a feeling of self-entitlement. They are special and deserve life's rewards without the work.

Finally, we shield children from disappointment, so when they feel it from peers, they have no coping mechanisms. When they get to the real world of jobs, bills, rent, they are shocked that they won't get a pass. Not quite doing the job or passing the test will lead to termination of employment. Whoa! Real world! It's a long fall off that pedestal.

What's worse is the mass exodus of adults returning to their parents to help pay bills, live free of rent, get free day care for their children, etc. Teaching personal responsibility is key. Whether it be free-loading off elderly parents or becoming violent, it has everything to do with moral compass and personal responsibility and nothing to do with violent music, games, or movies.

So back to our video night, we watched a "R" rated movie. Am I afraid my kids will mow down a pile of kids at school? Um, no, because watching with them, they asked questions and clearly realized that what we see on the TV is entertainment-not real.

Besides, it was only fair because we had to suffer through "Zoom" the night before with that tool Tim Allen from "Tool Time."

'lisciously scribed by Scout's Honor @ 7:45 PM