Posted by Kath on July 13, 2000, at 8:54:37
In reply to Re: Question, posted by kazoo on July 12, 2000, at 23:37:34
> > Hi Kazoo - What do you mean by "but the fruit don't fall far from the tree." ?
> > Kath
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> Greetings to Kath:
>
> The expression is an extended metaphor meaning children ("fruit") imitate and learn
> from their parents (the "tree"), in both the positive and negative.
>
> If change is needed in children today, then it would be judicious to start with the parents
> first.
>
> "Spare the rod, spoil the child" could land you in jail today if taken to the extreme, so what's
> the answer? There's nothing like starting all over, and using common sense.
>
> Also, education is the key. Spiritual growth is another within the parameters of a secular society.
>
> The bane of society? Television, specifically the FOX network.
>
> This stuff is so axiomatic ... pardon my soap box.
>
> kazooHi kazoo - I thought that's what you meant, and I'm calmer now, but as we're having major problems with our 16-yr-old son I'm maybe over-sensitive here. There are many factors that affect how kids "turn out". I think good parenting is very important and I think it would have been better if I'd provided a bit more structure & certainly more expectations. I sure taught him what was right & what was wrong. It's all too easy to simply "Blame The Parents". And hold them responsible for their children's actions. I think I felt pretty defensive & felt that you were saying "it's always ALL the fault of the parents - just look to them & you'll see why the kids are doing this". In some cases I think that's probably true, but, guess what?? Not always. (Sorry for being grouchy about this, but it's a pretty sensitive area for me right now.)
Thx for listening :-)
A sort of disgruntled Kath
poster:Kath
thread:40135
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000708/msgs/40303.html