Oh my ……… Monday thru Friday…… the Kid's Schedule

Wake-Up Time: 6:30 am Breakfast: 7 am to 7:15 am Bus Pickup: 7:17 am School Classes: 8 am to 2:30 pm Athletics / Arts: 2:45 pm to 5:30 pm Bus Drop-Off: 5:45 pm Dinner: 5:55 pm to 6 pm Homework: 6 pm to 7 pm (or 6 pm to 9 pm) Internet Chat Time: 7 pm to whenever……… Family Time: Ughhhhhh….. none.

I once believed that I, along with my wife, was raising our children. That was many years ago when I was young and naive. I quickly learned that this new world offered no room for old-fashioned relax-in-the-evening parenting. By the time my third child arrived I realized that I was no more than a glorified home-based administrator of equipment resources, transportation and funds….. lots of funds…….. funds and fund-raisers…… fifty two weeks a year. Organization after organization demanding more and more and more - more money, more dedication and more of my kid's time - much, much more of their time. And they have been getting more arrogant and nasty about it every year. Which leads me to my question, "Who is really raising our kids?" I mean really? In an average weekday, are you with your kids more than their teachers? Are you with them more than their coaches? Their friends? Strangers on the Internet? I bet your answer is no. Who is setting the example? Who are they emulating? Hmmmmmmm……… Scary huh?

Here are two true stories;

Years ago, I knew a man who signed his son up for every sport he could figuring it would add character to the boy. The boy grew strong and fast. And one day while the father and the boy did not know his son was listening he let out a string of profanity that curdled his dad's ears. The father was stunned because he never cursed in front of the boy. After some questioning, turns out he had learned the fine old art of foul-mouthedness on a football field from his coach. Who is raising your child? Twenty years ago I learned of a good father who made an iron clad rule in his house; wherever one goes we all go. He had several very talented and athletic children. Every child was required to attend every football game, basketball game and choir concert of the other children along with the parents. They were forever on the go ---- together. Today the children have grown up to be fine young men and women.

As age and my life mistakes have taken some of the foolishness from me I've learned that it is not where your kids are, but where you are. There is little chance you can stop the demands of society on them. But you can dedicate yourself to be their parent and go where they go until they can walk it alone safely. If you feel your child should be in the school choir, then volunteer to help the choir and be there. If it's football, join the boosters. Whatever the activity, even daily school, there is always a way for you to be involved and stay close, especially here in the Alle-Kiski Valley region.

So who is raising your children? I bet they would be happier if it were you.