"Kids are so different these days", "This generation just doesn't get it", "Back when I was doing it, we were nothing like these kids". I'm sure you have heard one of these sayings, or something that sounds extremely similar (like every T-Pain song). I AM TIRED OF ADULTS BLAMING KIDS FOR EVERYTHING. The problem doesn't lie with today's youth, it lies with those responsible for leading them.
I heard Frank Martin, Kansas State Head Men's Basketball Coach, speak a couple of weeks ago and couldn't agree with him more when he said, "Kids haven't changed, we have." If this generation is different it's because we have allowed them to be. Young people will get away with what you let them. If kids seem apathetic it's because adults have rewarded them for doing nothing. If they seem entitled, it's because parents, teachers and coaches have given them things they haven't earned. If they seem disinterested, in anything other than their selfish desires, it's because adults have let them do things like sit at the dinner table with their headphones on (probably beats by Dre), blasting songs from their iPod (probably a tune about some kind of swag). If they seem like they lack respect for authority, it's because they've been allowed to do and say whatever they want. What do we really expect when the expectations for behavior are set so low?
I wrote the preceding observation more than a quarter of a century ago. Are people really that different today? Have times changed so much? I wonder about that.
Then again, maybe I'm not the only one that sees the need for real leaders and less figure heads. Growing up I vowed never to be like Vivian Hawes (my mom) but eventually became wise enough to pray that I could be just like her. After all, her only son turned out O.K….I think.
This is a good read and points are valid. How can I share this?
Thanks. I'm not sure (besides copying and pasting the url) but if you find a way let me know.