What's with this? Do parents forget how to raise children? Do they give up after the first 4 or whatever? Is this "just" the youngest child getting spoiled?
Examples:
"Sofia" (obviously not her real name) has three older siblings. She's younger than her nearest sibling by at least 10 years. Her three older siblings are all awesome. Really really nice people. Funny. Smart. Talented. Sofia is a snot wagon. She dresses like ... well, she dresses like she doesn't really care if she's a stumbling block or not (to put it in Christianese). She is stuck up, self-absorbed, and seems to think that she can do anything. The worst part? She gets away with it. Does her mother actually let her out of the house like that? Does her father actually let her say those things? Who is encouraging this? How is this okay?
"Joe" and "Josie" are the two youngest of five siblings. The older three aren't my favorite people, but they're good people. They're nice and respectful, at least. Joe and Josie seem to think the world revolves around them. They are similar to Sofia in nearly every characteristic. They interrupt, butt in, and stick their noses where they don't belong. They talk too loudly and whisper (very loudly) to their friends during church. Their parents let them get away with this. It's like they don't even see how horribly their children are behaving. How is this okay?
Have you noticed this in people?
Parents: Pay attention to your children - all the way through the last ones, PLEASE!!
Love and Ranting,
Leah Joy
You raise a very good point!! We have noticed this in our own family, and are working hard to correct it.
ReplyDeleteI think that part of the reason this happens is that parents are plain worn out - not an excuse, just a reason. Parenting is not for sissies, and takes more energy (emotional and physical) than you often have to give!
Also, parenting styles (and hang-ups) change from child to child. What was of huge concern with child number one, typically relaxes with subsequent children. Sometimes, this is a good thing.
A large portion of the molding of our children is done in the first 5 years, and all that work pays off tremendously. However, a lack of work in this time frame has even bigger consequences. By the time the kids are tweens or teens, and are exhibiting these unpleasant behaviors, many parents may feel like their hands are tied - that's just how little Josie is!
Thank you for your rant, and good reminder to keep on the difficult path!
I love you,
AR