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The Honolulu Advertiser

How Do You Deal With It?

November 5th, 2009 by Braddah Lance

Da Wife and I don't have any keiki.... yet. But with the way the world is going - even in our little Hawai'i nei - we're not too sure we want to. We both envisioned three keiki before we even started dating but realistically we'll probably end up with two *knocking on wood*. One for surah.... I'm counting on dat my "boys" can still swim in my old age.   :lol:  

It's crazy to even fathom bringing a keiki into dis topsy turvy world wen it seems like we can't even help control wat's going on.

Recently there was a huge melee at Keaau High School in Hilo involving choke students where at last count, there are 17 students arrested. And from the looks of it, mores to come whether it be arrests or school enforced discipline. It was mob against mob and even a security personnel was injured.

Last year at Ilima Intermediate within a one month span there were 24 calls to HPD about fights or near fights. Uh, yeah. I did say it was an Intermediate school.        :sad:         Click here to read the eye-opening write up by Honolulu Advertiser's Gordon Y.K. Pang. Now that article just shows how whacked it is and da worse part? At such a young age.  You even have parents not only fearing for their keiki but for themselves.

Wassap Wit Dat!

Of course there was also the recent headline about a 12-year-old girl being sexually assaulted and kept against her will over the course of the weekend by two 13-year-olds! Now if that isn't f*%#@d up then I really must be losing it cause it makes me totally sick to da pit of my stomach.

I know a lot of Da WWD! Hui are parents, so let me ask you, have you talked to your own keiki - young and/or old - about incidents like these? Do you let them know how you feel? Do you try and find out how THEY feel about things like this?

How do you deal with it?

Unfortunately in keiki, like adults, there seems to be no threat of authority or (serious) punishment to our young keiki. They've witnessed it first or hand or seen in tv or just Google'd 'tips for getting away with it'. Many of them push the envelope but do we chalk it up to "growing up"? It's so true dat keiki will ALWAYS mimic adults.... so why can't da adults get it straight? It's an endless circle dat we all know will nevah change since it all starts with da man in da mirror.

If you can't respect yourself - and others - there's no hope.

 

 


 

 

 

Braddah Lance Kwon

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

35 Responses to “How Do You Deal With It?”

  1. Rosette:

    I keep my boys close to me so they don't get influence by other annoying kids. I spend time with them so they are not going to look for outside attention.


  2. Rosette:

    I try to keep my boys tame ..I give them advice if they get bully...they seem to know how to handle themselves.


  3. Rosette:

    If I sense my son is distraught I ask him questions then I send letter to teacher if other kids are bothering him.


  4. M:

    Good morning BL!

    I have 2 kids and never had any problems with both of them in or out of school. They are both honor roll students. I don't even know if they know about those fights at those schools.


  5. hemajang:

    Rosette got it right. Parents are kid's primary role model. You spend time with them and hope for the best. I don't think this generation is much different from the past and I wouldn't hold back having kids after reading negative stories about wayward teens. Sometimes I worry about my grandchildren with the challenges they will face in the future but I'm very grateful that they are here. What you waiting fo, BL!


  6. Ocean Lover:

    Morning BL,

    With respect to the "Of course there was also the recent headline about a 12-year-old girl being sexually assaulted and kept against her will over the course of the weekend by two 13-year-olds!" I have firsthand "rumors". :-(

    BOTTOM LINE.......until ALL THE FACTS COME OUT one must restrain one's OPINION. And I'm not gonna repeat "rumors" as ANYONE can make up a rumor. All I's knows is that the headmaster PROMISED to talk to the parents about the incident.......I'm STILL WAITING.

    OL


  7. jaydee:

    I always talked to my daughters about life and the temptations and challengs it brings. Even now, they're grown adults and living on their own, they still call me and ask my advice about guys, life and their day to day problems.

    If we as parents don't have a line of communication with our children when they're young, how can we expect them to be open and honest when they get older?


  8. Braddah Lance:

    Rosette:
    I try to keep my boys tame ..I give them advice if they get bully...they seem to know how to handle themselves.

    So wat do you say? Care to share an example?
    .............................
    .............................

    M:
    I have 2 kids and never had any problems with both of them in or out of school. They are both honor roll students. I don't even know if they know about those fights at those schools.

    I'll bet you dat they know more than you tink they know. Try ask them about fights in their own schools and if they actually saw one too.
    ............................
    ............................

    hemajang:
    I don't think this generation is much different from the past

    You don't tink so? I "feel" like it's gotten worse - as far as da severity and lack of respect goes - but at da same time those doing good are/have been doing "more" good than in da past too like getting more involved in community projects/initiatives etc.

    .... and I wouldn't hold back having kids after reading negative stories about wayward teens....What you waiting fo, BL!

    I not worried..... and we waiting for da "right time". :wink:
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    .............................

    Ocean Lover:
    BOTTOM LINE.......until ALL THE FACTS COME OUT one must restrain one's OPINION.

    Das true.... I only stated wat was told and how I felt about it. Nothing more nothing less. Da boys were arrested though on several charges.

    All I's knows is that the headmaster PROMISED to talk to the parents about the incident.......I'm STILL WAITING.

    You know, I've been wondering too even though I'm not directly involved. Why? Because there's always something to learn.
    ...........................
    ...........................

    jaydee:
    I always talked to my daughters about life and the temptations and challengs it brings. Even now, they're grown adults and living on their own, they still call me and ask my advice about guys, life and their day to day problems.

    Now dat is sooo cool! :grin:

    If we as parents don't have a line of communication with our children when they're young, how can we expect them to be open and honest when they get older?

    True dat.


  9. Ocean Lover:

    You wanna know what the problem is? Well I'm gonna tell you. ;-)

    Its the PARENT'S RESPONSIBILITY to bring their children up NOT THE SCHOOLS. From what I see that's the prevalent mindset out there in society.

    If YOU and your "other half" gonna bring kids into this world.....YOU and your "other half" have an INHERENT RESPONSIBILITY to raise them to be contributing and RESPECTFUL members of society. I KNOW living in Hawaii is tough as both parents gotta work......but that's an EXCUSE as got plenny single parents raising their kids "right".

    This damn "AINOKEA" attitude also gotta change to "AIKEA" (I see these stickers popping up now).

    OL...........off his soapbox


  10. roach:

    BL,
    I hate to sound like a broken record but its the parents that have failed to raise their kids without the proper discipline and respect for authority. Its the might makes right attitude that unfotunately rules the schools and playgrounds. You see it yourself when you play sports or coach the kids. Children learn from the examples set by their parents and the adults that surround them. Daddy is a big man if can "broke the others face" during an arguement and I want to be just like that because mommy is so proud of him when if hits the other guy. Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now because in reality, what can I do about it ?


  11. sassy7:

    We talk about it all, when their are incidents at school, on the streets or on the news we talk about it all the time. We have big gang issues here. My daughter and hubby cannot wear all red or all navy blue to school or work. It associates you to a gang- yes..here in Utah..we discuss the daily abduction issues here, and the just recently the (4) boys who took 2 girls joy riding to try raping them. We have girls being abducted by neighbors, killed and stuff in boxes down in their basements...it's crazy..My keiki's have discussed walking from their school to the sisters, we've discussed the issue of people offering rides, and we've discussed what to do if ever a "Columbine" happened in their school...When it comes to school bullying...my keiki's are very articulate...I always tell them to use their words..but if it continues..tell the teacher...if it still persist...call me..I'll be there...and it's worked.
    And yes...RESPECT is the word..BL...now a days if the parents don't have respect for others...watch the keiki's it shows, and then when stuff like what you mention happens...you kind of wonder why????


  12. rayboyjr:

    :D :D :D Good Morning Everyone!!! :D :D :D

    ... wow ... heavy, heavy topic today ... I hesitate to join in because I don't have kids ... but I am witness to a lot of the crap that goes on today ...

    ... sadly, I don't think society will change anytime soon ... but I am hopeful that today's generation will see that things aren't so great ... and that they would try harder to instill good values and morals in their kids ... so that the next generation would be in a better place than we are today ...

    ... might happen beyond our lifetime ... but gotta start now ...

    ... Have a Good One Everyone!!! ...


  13. visitor:

    I have two girls. Fortunately, they've turned out well, so far.

    OL is absolutely correct about parent's responsibilities. But the problem is when the parents themselves are the products of poor parenting. At times the worst place for a kid is at home with their parents. We make judgments base on intact and loving families, unfortunately there have many situations where the home and parents are the downfall for the kids.

    As our society evolves, everyone needs to realize that some old, tried and true methods don't fit in some situations. We, as a community, in order to make our neighborhoods, schools, etc safe and nurturing may have to adopt the "it takes a village to raise a child" more seriously. We can continue to point fingers and say who 'should' be responsible, but it they aren't, do we just let the kids continue on a path to fail and cause pain for everyone?


  14. SittinginLimbo:

    I know it's just so crazy now and days. I have 3. Two of which is in school. I always tell my girls be a leader not a follower. And they pretty much stick that. My oldest pretty much know how to handle herself and protect her sister. I always tell my girls that if someone hits them they better hit them back. My thing is you like hit expect a hit back BUT I don't tell my girls to go around and think they can lick the whole world. There's always someone bigger and stronger then them.

    I'm fortunate enough that I haven't had a call from the teacher or principal about my girls misbehaving in school. But I did get a note from my oldest daughter's teacher saying that my daughter kicked sand in a girls face. I asked my daughter what happened and she told me that her (my daughter) and her friends were sitting down under a tree eating their snacks, and this "big" girl came up to them and asked them to play. But because they were busy eating their snacks they told the girl no because they're eating their snacks. The "big" girl got mad and kicked sand in their face. So my daughter stood up and kicked sand back and told the girl "what you like how that feels, no do that to no one if you no like it". The "big" girl backed off.

    Another story.........I'll make it short and sweet. The neighbors kids and my kids. They were playing outside the neighbors kids starts making trouble to my little one, my older one told them stop making trouble to her sister. Older sister grabs younger sister to walk her home, neighbor says something (mind you this neighbor is 7th grade, my daughters is 4th & 1st) about being a bi-sexual. Oldest daughter gets pissed (yes she knows what that means) and goes up to the girl. The girl tried to grab her hair my oldest grabbed the neighbor's face and punch her couple times, while the neighbor's kid tried to scratch my daughter's face but my daughter was blocking her.

    I think overall my girls know how to back themselves and each other up. My girls gets along with everyone they meet, they have so much aloha in them it's ridiculous. I am worried when they get to that inter and high school stage, there will be more challenges for them. UGH! So not looking forward to that what so ever!!!! that's why they'll be in sports and other things to keep busy so they dont have an excuse to think of misbehaving! lol.


  15. Rosette:

    @ BL
    I try to keep my boys tame ..I give them advice if they get bully...they seem to know how to handle themselves.

    So wat do you say? Care to share an example?

    okay one day my son came home ..he told me a locker boy beside him is rude and the boy would open his locker so wide so my son can't put his books inside...so I said to my son did you push him..? NO if I push him I will get in trouble....then during class the same boy was sitting beside him spitting at my son's face three times ..my son warned him three times but the boy keep spitting...OMG my son was so mad rip the boys homework and snap the boy's pencil in half... MY son told the teacher and the teacher said now you are both even...they are constantly at each other's throat..so finally my son told me he will get more revenge ( I WAS LIKE OKAY KICK HIS BUTT..... FUNNY) ....so I said okay buddy enough of that garbage let the teacher deal with it..I WROTE A NOTE telling the teacher to separate the boys..so far so good no problem the teacher got the hint....my youngest son crazy kids are attracted to him becasue of his personality...

    with my oldest son he was bullied also ( MY SON IS SMALLER ) but one day my son got so fed up HE PUSH THE KID ACROSS THE LOCKER SMACK and the boy stop bothering him ever since. My oldest son told me there was fighting in his school all the time so I tell him to stay clear. I teach my boys how to go for the weakest part of body...I warn them only use for self defense.

    yes my youngest is funny MOM IF I SMACK THE KID I WILL GET IN TROUBLE so I have to just wait for teacher...but then I will be a snitch...so my job as mother I write the note to the teacher this way I am the snitch.


  16. sally:

    Everyone is rightfully entitled to opinion however, until you have lived it, don't take your word as God. I used to be the one who read the news and said "where's their mother?" Until that person became me.

    Anyone who knows me and watched us together will attest to the fact that there could hardly be two more close mother/daughter relationship. Even during "those years", it was a jumbling toss between closeness and defiance. I aged in dog years.

    Too many incidents to cover but, here's some things I've learned from the authorities.

    And this entails ONLY what happened outside the home.

    HPD has limited legal control, much less than what they had in our day (50's 60's 70's).
    The courts have less legal control. Laws have changed, folks, get used to it or go to legislative sessions and see how far you don't get.
    DH is, for most kids, a comforting -not threatening- place to be.
    Organizations to help families have lost funding, so there is nowhere to go for help until you have exceeded certain legal limits.
    By then, the state is so understaffed that you get lost in the "low priority" shuffle.
    The "system" has lots and lots of "laws" that are not enforced and definitely not kept track of unless you, the parent, keep your own documentation.
    The only kids that get good attention are the ones that get involved in drugs, robbery and assault. The rest, like mine, are not important.
    You ain't lived until you've been told "your child is not a priority". Quote/unQuote.
    Once they turn 18, none of this matters. Files are closed and they move on to the next set of kids.
    The CJ himself told me of the lacking judicial system and how so many hands are tied.
    The kids learn all this, and use it. HPD is a joke to them. Enroll in school, don't go, flunk, go back, don't go, flunk, repeat until 18, then no one cares. The school is happy because they don't have to deal with them anymore. One holier than thou mother said "I sat in the classroom with her". Yah, how nice that welfare paid your rent and groceries. Who is gonna pay mine?

    Again, these are only what happened outside the home.

    Anyone who dares tell me I didn't do my job, I will not argue with them, I'll just feel sorry for their sorry blind a$$. This is just about when I learned my lesson about not judging and categorizing people. I met lots of families along the way from all walks of life and, like drugs, you can't peg them. Granted, there are some people not worthy of being parents (drug addicts, baby makers for welfare, etc), but the rest of us did nothing to "deserve" this or "cause" this.

    But BL, fortunately this is not the majority. When it is good, it is AWESOME! Your kids will bring you the kind of joy that you cannot imagine. Different from a puppy. Different from a bike.

    Just imagine, your kids might be the ones to change the world!


  17. Rosette:

    The school that my boys attend has camera and security guards...you have to be involve as a parents and I don't let my kids wonder around to other people's houses and cause mischief...I don't encourange my boys going to friends houses or hanging around like fools etc etc...my boys have each other...I keep them more at home....MY husband he spend time with them so that is enough..I have an 18 year old and 11 ... I keep an eye on them so they know what is wrong and right...my youngest he is attracted to crazy kids he is very competitive...two different personality
    with my boys ...I often wonder if the teacher are asking why is the second son hard to handle my oldest is so calm then the next child is handful.


  18. Rosette:

    well the funny thing is I was younger than my sister in law when I had my kids and they use to look down.... I couldn't take care of my kids..NOW I LAUGH my kids are smart and well balance thier kids NO COMMENT i am not going to takk about thier kids..omg ! YES so I keep away from my in laws...my oldest son couldn't understand why I keep him away from them until now... the annoying habits my son pick up from them then I had to fix it..OMG ....just becasue they are rich it doesnt' make them smart parent.... ! I laugh >>i mind my own business.


  19. Rosette:

    it is hard to be a parent..so far so good I think I am doing well with my boys.


  20. Rosette:

    seeing I had my boys younger my boys think I am a playmate they play with...a friend instead of a mother...yesterday my son 11 mom I am taller than you .....MOM you remind me of a smurf then he would hug me so tight....omg funny.

    BL what you are feeling is a parental instinct..my husband use to say why have kids etc etc..but the minute boys pop out he was so happy we have kids......OKAY @BL KIDS CAN DRIVE YOU CRAZY so be prepared.


  21. King Katonk:

    No doubt parenting is the hardest job on Earth. Unfortunately, it comes with no instruction manual. It’s sad. I see some parents treat their kids like pets; they let them run all over the place, cause a ruckus, and only care if they make it home before midnight. It blows my mind when I see kids roaming the streets on a school night. WWD!?

    As a father of three young kids I try my best to install morals and values to them. I always encourage them to do what is right even when it’s not the most popular choice. I too, fear for them growing up in this uncertain time but it is my hope that they will grow to be shining examples in the future. Believe me, I have many faults but I will not shun my responsibility of being a parent.


  22. sally:

    Just imagine, a bunch of little BLs running around. BL-ites. or BL-ettes. Ho da cute! You'll never lack for babysitters when it's date night.


  23. visitor:

    @ Sally - You're description of the "system" is very accurate. I've been a part of that "quagmire." My comments really dealt with those kids who are at the deep end...those who are the chronic law violators and the serious offenders who were allowed to continue because of no support from home or parents. In fact, some continued their ways with the encouragement of parents.

    But there are literally thousands of other parents/kids who are caught up with stressful situations where it is not "bad" enough to warrant outside resources or intervention. In these cases, without the perseverance of caring and committed parents, family members, friends and other involved individuals, many kids would be lost and families torn apart. But whatever the case, during this period it's grief for parents and families and never easy. This is when they need support and understanding, not finger pointing from the "village."

    You succeeded...kudos to you and your daughter.


  24. theDman:

    Too many parents are just kids themselves and that is a recipe for disaster. If you believe you are a mature adult, then more than 50% of the battle is already won.


  25. sally:

    @visitor: You're right, but it's not easy for the village to not point fingers cuz they don't realize how it is to be in that situation. I know. I was a finger pointer at one time. You just don't know until you've lived it.

    Many friends and family told me "I do it this way" and "You should do that" and it's hard to not scream back at peoples' holier than thou comments because I had to understand their side too.

    Fortunately today, I see traits in my daughter that I instilled since she could understand language. I always told her she doesn't have to be the smartest or the prettiest, but she always had to have a good heart. THAT was not optional. And she does. yay!


  26. zx6r:

    Bruddah Lance:

    I know it may seem like the world is going to hell in a handbasket, but the media also has a great deal to do with our perceptions in the matter. Let's face it, they have a biased slant on most issues. Rarely do they simply report the facts without spin. And look at so called reality TV, where bad behavior is not just encouraged, it is rewarded. The best way it was put to me is: "Don't be too distressed from what you hear in the news these days. Just take comfort in the fact that decent people are not newsworthy."

    This is not to downplay the incidents you have mentioned, but raising a child in Hawaii is still better than raising one in the majority of mainland locales. If you are involved in your children's lives and listen to what they are really saying, chances are they will turn out ok. I have the feeling you will be involved, simply because you asked the question you did. Just know that you are not perfect, and are not expected to be as a parent. But even our imperfections are an opportunity to pass on important lessons to our children. Just do your best and love em! (that's the easy part)


  27. sally:

    @zx6r: RIGHT ON POPCORN!

    I can't wait for the day to see BL and Mrs BL's keiki. And, since apple don't fall too far from the tree, just picture BL at 3' high and running around.

    Your comment about Hawaii vs Mainland: could it be maybe cuz we have most of our families here with us? Extended uncles and aunties as well? I dunno, just wondering. Cuz my ex bro-in-law used to drive from Waianae to Kaimuki to help me. (cuz her daddy wouldn't)


  28. Rodney Lee:

    It's an uphill battle raising proper children in this day and age. There is so much crap on TV, so much violence even in video games, and music that preaches hate, killing, and sex. These just so much that it's become commonplace in our society.

    Sure, you can shield your children from this stuff - but for how long? Eventually, they will be exposed to it - at a friend's house, at an arcade, at the movies...

    The best thing parents can do is to teach proper morals to their children. Once these morals are instilled in them, parents can only hope that when they come upon a situation, they will do the right thing.


  29. 9th Island Girl:

    zx6r, I like your philosophy: "Just take comfort in the fact that decent people are not newsworthy."

    I do talk to my daughter in a way that's age appropriate for her, about incidents such as rape and kidnapping. I think it's good for them to be forewarned, so they know what to look for. For example, once I was walking with my daughter and there was a van with an open door that was parked on our side of the street. I made her cross the street with me, and told her how easy it would be for someone to grab her, stuff her in the van and take off.

    While I think it's a good idea to warn your kids, I think we can't be overly paranoid. I take my daughter to church so she always has Someone to talk to and pray to when she's afraid.

    I remember having the same fears that you have, BL, when we thought about having children. Back then, 11 years ago, it was scary, too. I can say right now that being a parent is a joy, and having a child is a decision I don't regret. Knowing you and da wife, it would be a shame if you didn't have children.


  30. Scott:

    Howzit from No. Cal BL!
    The boy turned 8 months today. It's great but it's hard work. It drains you mentally and physically, like nothing you can imagine. I know you and the Mrs. are up for it. It's worth it! Time for bed now...yes, at 8:00pm.


  31. Ynaku:

    WoooooSaaaaaaa.

    I agree that training starts at home.

    I heard today had BIG fight at Hilo High School. Don't know the specifics. All I know is my son told me the school went into lockdown. Fortunately, he wasn't feeling well and stayed home. And he was thankful he wasn't there to witness the fracas. He has a good head on his shoulder and will avoid confrontations and stay away from those situations.

    I don't know who was involved.

    As for the Keaau one, some of those kids are on the Football team. They were supposed to play Hilo this weekend. Not sure if that will happen. I know the two teams had some bad blood recently where members of one team went on campus of the other team and later the other team wanted to retaliate etc etc but authorities got wind of it and locked down the kids. Then again, I don't know all the specifics.

    The thing is, I train my children by word and by example to avoid dangerous situations. I talk to them about the "Golden Rule" Do unto others as you want them to do unto you" Treat them as you want to be treated. Show the Aloha Spirit.

    That's really missing in society. And I don't think it will improve anytime soon.

    As a future parent or as a parent, it is our responsibility to raise the child. We brought them into the world so we need to take care of that miracle. It took 2 to make the child. Both parents need to share in the responsibility.

    Thanks to those parents who try really hard to raise their children in the right way.


  32. snow:

    when i went to school, there were fights almost every day. i got hijacked for my lunch money. people stole my food, right off my plate. were there gangs? sure, but i wasn't in any. were there drugs? sure, but i didn't use them. was it scary? at times, yes. but i wouldn't go back and change anything... those experiences made me the person i am today. (and, yes, my school was on the news for bad things, even back then!)

    as a parent, you can't be with your child 24/7 to shield them from all of life's challenges but you can prepare them to handle the situations they are faced with. it won't always be easy, for them or you. you won't have all the answers and neither will they. i think my son is turning out to be a very nice young man. i did have issues with how he handled a certain situation in school a few months ago - his temper got the best of him when he was provoked - and he heard it from me. i have to trust that he will make better choices next time.

    i think you might be surprized to find, though, that a lot of kids who get into trouble come from good homes with loving parents. parents who are at wits end, not knowing how to control their children. there are good people who honestly don't know how what to do (not that they haven't tried) or have children who have come under bad influences.

    being a parent is not easy... and it's definitely not a "one size fits all" kind of deal. but no matter how stressful it might be, no matter how hard... there are other times that make it worthwhile! don't wait, BL... you and da wife will do just fine!


  33. B:

    BL, you and wife are already ahead of the game because you volunteer your time to coach kids.you have an understanding of how to communicate to kids. our kids are now 20 and 25 yrs old and what really helped us was communication. during the formative years especially at dinner time, the family should sit together to have dinner. no tv, no radio, just conversation about each persons day. what you talk about should be "real", don't sugar coat it but do make it age appropriate. if there are more " serious" situations to air out have a family meeting. we used to do it in our bedroom as it was a place of "comfort" for everyone.
    another thing that was really helpful for us, was "opening" up our house to their friends. naturally there are some ground rules but for the most part the door is always open. and again communication was the key. we made it a point to greet and talk to each friend.
    going get alot of "potholes" along the way but you show the "love" and "trust" things will work out. going be hard work but as Scott said it's worth it.


  34. Braddah Lance:

    Ocean Lover:
    Its the PARENT'S RESPONSIBILITY to bring their children up NOT THE SCHOOLS. From what I see that's the prevalent mindset out there in society.

    There's no questioning dat..... but da schools and da environment it provides does have a huge impact.
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    roach:
    Children learn from the examples set by their parents and the adults that surround them. Daddy is a big man if can "broke the others face" during an arguement and I want to be just like that because mommy is so proud of him when if hits the other guy.

    Funny you mention dat cause it's dat very attitude dat da keiki take "pride" in. They're proud dat their parents "won" instead of maybe standing up and saying, "Dad/Mom, isn't dat wrong?" :roll: Sad I tell ya.
    ..........................
    ..........................

    sassy7:
    I always tell them to use their words..but if it continues..tell the teacher...if it still persist...call me..I'll be there...and it's worked.

    It's cool dat you have an action plan. :grin:

    And yes...RESPECT is the word..BL...now a days if the parents don't have respect for others...watch the keiki's it shows

    Rogah dat.
    ............................
    ............................

    rayboyjr:
    ... wow ... heavy, heavy topic today ...

    Wat? You calling me fat? :lol:

    I hesitate to join in because I don't have kids ... but I am witness to a lot of the crap that goes on today ...

    Eh, c'mon! No mattah if you have keiki or not..... got something to add? Go share 'em! You know das how we roll hea at WWD!. :wink:

    ... might happen beyond our lifetime ... but gotta start now ...

    :grin:
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    ...........................

    visitor:
    OL is absolutely correct about parent's responsibilities. But the problem is when the parents themselves are the products of poor parenting.

    Das so true! It's a cycle and hopefully, just hopefully there are positive influences around.

    At times the worst place for a kid is at home with their parents. We make judgments base on intact and loving families, unfortunately there have many situations where the home and parents are the downfall for the kids.

    Couldn't agree with you more.

    As our society evolves, everyone needs to realize that some old, tried and true methods don't fit in some situations.

    Rogah dat! Evolve or dissolve.
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    SittinginLimbo:
    There's always someone bigger and stronger then them.

    And das part of da mentality dat's so troubling cause everyone (da "kahuna" types) tink they mo' big and mo' strong than any/everybody else. :roll:

    I think overall my girls know how to back themselves and each other up.

    Das a good trait to have... also knowing wen to back down too is just as good.

    I am worried when they get to that inter and high school stage, there will be more challenges for them. UGH! So not looking forward to that what so ever!!!! that's why they'll be in sports and other things to keep busy so they dont have an excuse to think of misbehaving! lol.

    Good job! Sports and extra-curriculars keep 'em busy but also builds structure.
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    sally:
    I used to be the one who read the news and said "where's their mother?" Until that person became me.

    Live and learn. :grin:

    When it is good, it is AWESOME! Your kids will bring you the kind of joy that you cannot imagine. Different from a puppy. Different from a bike. Just imagine, your kids might be the ones to change the world!

    :grin:
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    Rosette:
    The school that my boys attend has camera and security guards.

    I've been noticing dat a lot about schools these days..... I'm just glad we haven't reached da point of having metal detectors yet. :shock:

    it is hard to be a parent..so far so good I think I am doing well with my boys.

    If they aren't part of trouble, then you must be doing something right.


  35. Braddah Lance:

    King Katonk:
    No doubt parenting is the hardest job on Earth. Unfortunately, it comes with no instruction manual.

    And amazingly there books about it yeah? :roll:

    It’s sad. I see some parents treat their kids like pets; they let them run all over the place, cause a ruckus, and only care if they make it home before midnight. It blows my mind when I see kids roaming the streets on a school night. WWD!?

    My sentiments exactly.

    Believe me, I have many faults but I will not shun my responsibility of being a parent.

    And das da kine of spirit to have!
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    sally:
    Just imagine, a bunch of little BLs running around. BL-ites. or BL-ettes. Ho da cute! You'll never lack for babysitters when it's date night.

    Free babysitting? Heck yeah! :grin:
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    theDman:
    Too many parents are just kids themselves and that is a recipe for disaster. If you believe you are a mature adult, then more than 50% of the battle is already won.

    :shock: Damn! I a 100% behind and I no mo' even keiki yet! :sad:
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    sally:
    I always told her she doesn't have to be the smartest or the prettiest, but she always had to have a good heart. THAT was not optional. And she does. yay!

    But believe it or not, at least wat I truly believe, you can say dat all you like but "heart" cannot be taught. You can show by example or try to explain wat it is but heart is something dat comes from within da individual. If she's showing it.... good job on your daughter!....... and you for "showing" it too. :wink:
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    zx6r:
    The best way it was put to me is: "Don't be too distressed from what you hear in the news these days. Just take comfort in the fact that decent people are not newsworthy."

    Sad but true.

    If you are involved in your children's lives and listen to what they are really saying, chances are they will turn out ok.

    Sounds too logical..... and yet some don't. :roll:

    Just know that you are not perfect, and are not expected to be as a parent. But even our imperfections are an opportunity to pass on important lessons to our children. Just do your best and love em! (that's the easy part)

    Very nice!
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    sally:
    Your comment about Hawaii vs Mainland: could it be maybe cuz we have most of our families here with us? Extended uncles and aunties as well? I dunno, just wondering.

    I believe das a major factor.
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    Rodney Lee:
    Sure, you can shield your children from this stuff - but for how long? Eventually, they will be exposed to it - at a friend's house, at an arcade, at the movies...The best thing parents can do is to teach proper morals to their children. Once these morals are instilled in them, parents can only hope that when they come upon a situation, they will do the right thing.

    So much to teach..... so little time. But das exactly how I feel wen coaching my players.
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    9th Island Girl:
    I do talk to my daughter in a way that's age appropriate for her, about incidents such as rape and kidnapping. I think it's good for them to be forewarned, so they know what to look for.

    Exactly. Don't hide from it but let them "see" it to understand it.

    While I think it's a good idea to warn your kids, I think we can't be overly paranoid.

    Das true too cause we can't prepare for every little thing.... roll with da punches yeah?

    Knowing you and da wife, it would be a shame if you didn't have children.

    There's no doubt in dat..... but we may move to a desserted island to raise 'em. :lol:
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    Scott:
    The boy turned 8 months today. It's great but it's hard work. It drains you mentally and physically, like nothing you can imagine.

    Happy 8 months Baby Scott!
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    Ynaku:
    Show the Aloha Spirit......That's really missing in society. And I don't think it will improve anytime soon.

    But we still gotta try yeah? :grin:

    Thanks to those parents who try really hard to raise their children in the right way.

    Rogah dat!!!
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    snow:
    ....but i wouldn't go back and change anything... those experiences made me the person i am today. (and, yes, my school was on the news for bad things, even back then!)

    There's no doubt about dat! I wouldn't change all my "experiences" for nothing but da things dat we hear about today is just daunting and so much more brazen dat really gets me. It's not like you hear once in awhile about a rare incident but wen it starts becoming da norm is wat's freaking me out like criminals trying to run over cops or an alarming rate of teenagers getting pregnant. :shock:

    as a parent, you can't be with your child 24/7 to shield them from all of life's challenges but you can prepare them to handle the situations they are faced with. it won't always be easy, for them or you. you won't have all the answers and neither will they.

    Da uncertain is...... uncertain. :grin:

    i think my son is turning out to be a very nice young man.

    I thought so too..... or was it his "I'm outside with strangers be nice" mode? :razz:
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    B:
    during the formative years especially at dinner time, the family should sit together to have dinner. no tv, no radio, just conversation about each persons day. what you talk about should be "real", don't sugar coat it but do make it age appropriate. if there are more " serious" situations to air out have a family meeting. we used to do it in our bedroom as it was a place of "comfort" for everyone.

    You really don't see/hear about dat kine stuff anymore but I do notice dat some tv series have tried to incorporate it in to show "family values". I know Medium always has at least two or more scenes of them eating breakfast.... howevah chaotic it may be.

    another thing that was really helpful for us, was "opening" up our house to their friends.

    As a "recipient" of dat, I can attest to dat. :grin:

    going get alot of "potholes" along the way but you show the "love" and "trust" things will work out. going be hard work but as Scott said it's worth it.

    Good thing I no work for da City then...... cause they can't fix "potholes" to save their lives. :razz: :lol: