………Parents often mean well but so many of them are just so obviously clueless all too often. Whether it is as a coach for one of their children or as a pillar in the community, parents are usually all too inexperienced, they often are too unwilling to carefully listen and at times all too willing to judge everyone, save themselves. Parents have been with us since the dawn of man. Over the millennium they have developed some really nasty habits.

………It would be helpful if more Parents learned from the experiences of their youth. Unfortunately, all too many Parents do not know what they don’t know. By the time that they actually learn something useful, it becomes all too obvious that it was just too little, too late. Parents seem to have a penchant for teaching others how to lie, gossip, exaggerate and ultimately be seen as undependable. They even model this for their own children. Not every Parent fits into this category but far too many are well on their way to earning a lifetime membership in such despicable groups. All too often children of privilege advance into old age without ever being held accountable. Privilege in certain circles is equated with good, decent and worthy. Unfortunately, that is not necessarily the standard by which we should be judging others, or ourselves.

………Goodness, worthiness all need to be earned by deed. It is easy to bestow such honorary terms on people, especially the undeserving. Good people are often altruistic. They are not looking for the accolades. They are doing what that see as right and honorable. Those people are seldom according the kind words that they so glowingly deserve. Those are the type people responsible more upstanding communities. The others are more reasonably characterized as social climbers. They do things strategically. They are looking for what they deem a huge payout of sorts. Many times the notion of recognition is their ultimate goal.

………With recognition goes power. With power comes opportunity. These so-called opportunists are both willing and able to pounce when the chance presents itself. In the end, we need to exercise caution and make sure that the real pillars of the community, the real intelligent and well meaning parents are brought to light as the shining examples that we share with our children and other members of the community. Awards are not up for grabs by those interested in personal gain, at least they shouldn’t be seen in such a light.

………We need to have expectations and standards that are appropriately designed to shape lives in meaningful ways. all too often Parents are more immature than one might be led to believe. I like to observe people in their environment, see exactly what their intentions really portend for things to come. You will need to make the call on your own. I have my standards, you have yours!