Recently we have seen the images of teenagers, taking over shopping, malls and business districts. Yesterday I read an article of a new trend in Florida in neighborhoods. Apparently this trend involves teenagers, disturbing or kicking in doors of people’s homes. Who in their right mind thinks this is funny or a good idea? The essay/post was written by Sheriff Rick Staley of Flagler County Florida-the east coast of Florida. He went on the explain the dangers of such behavior, especially in Florida with a “Stand Your Ground” law that allows for homeowners who feel that their life is threatened, to defend themselves, even if it means shooting the intruder. The actual post is pictured below. Staley encourages parents to “Be the Sheriff of your own home.”
Here’s the post mentioned from Sheriff Rick Staley from Flagler County Florida.
That phrase stuck with me when I read the post, as that really sums up what the role of a parent is, to protect and to be responsible for those under your roof. Being a parent is a tall order to live up to. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CHILDREN”S WELL BEING. You are responsible for teaching them what they need to know to survive as adults down the road, you need to protect them and teach them how to treat others. We all have seen so many parents who want to be their child’s friend who don’t want to put their foot down or who don’t want to hold their child accountable when their children have poor behavior. One of the thoughts that ran through my mind when raising pre-teens and teenagers was that if I don’t teach my kids to behave out in the real world, society would, in terms of a school principal or police officer. I would much rather teach and correct bad behavior under my own roof than get others involved.
Kids want guardrails whether they will admit it or not. It may seem like you are “cool parent” when you allow your kids to get by with childish behavior or defending them when they are in the wrong to a teacher or neighbor, but eventually, that behavior will not be tolerated and your child will have to face the consequence in terms of a penalty, a fine or not being equipped to handle the real world. Think about the parent who didn’t hold their child accountable to do their homework or study when they really were capable. When that kid can’t get into a trade school, college or get a decent paying job, THEY are paying the consequences of their parents poor parenting skills. Make sure as a parent you do all you can do so that your kids have choices and opportunities in their adult life. If they choose to close doors as an adult, that’s on them. DON’T abdicate YOUR role as the parent and close doors for them that will make it harder for them as adults. My mother-in-law used to say, “I wanted my kids to sweat so that as they got older, they could perspire.”
Remember, as a parent, when you pay for something or allow a behavior, you are endorsing/giving your stamp of approval on it. If you buy the alcohol if your kids are under age, you are saying “it’s ok to break the law.” If you allow them to go to a party when you know that the parents are not at home and there could be questionable behavior, you are saying, “This is a great idea to allow several high school students to be unsupervised doing who knows what.” Corrie Ten Boone had a saying, “Just as you wouldn’t expect your child to carry a suitcase that was too heavy for them, you wouldn’t allow them to carry the responsibility of putting them in an uncomfortable place, knowingly.” God gave kids parents for a reason, they can’t fend for themselves until they are adults, they NEED your guidance and wisdom, give it to them, that’s your role. They have many friends, and friends have a purpose in life, but they have only two parents; this is a unique and honored role. Take is seriously, be the sheriff and protector of your family and home. Teach them right from wrong and good vs. evil. They are counting on you; society is counting on you, for great days ahead.
