🚀 go-pugleaf

Donning my asbestos shorts, here's my $0.02 on the subject:

As a parent, and from my observations, it appears to me that the major
problem with the kids today is their parents' non-involvement.

These dress-code threats are, IMHO, an attempt by the schools to legislate
some common sense into the acedemic environment.  (How's my spelling so far ?)
I find it unacceptable when kids show up at school wearing t-shirts printed
with obscene words or less-that-socially-acceptable graphics or ideas.

Personally, I went through school in a few different "dress code" modes:
	- Catholic school with a specific and strict dress code
	- One all male high school I went to (Baltimore Polytechnic Institute "Poly")
	  required shirt and tie of the students.
	- And other times, my momma, bless her soul, had "school clothes" which
	  were nicer than jeans and t-shirt, but not full blown Sunday-go-to-church
	  suit and tie.

I believe that today's parents need to get their collective heads out of their
(or their boss's) asses and pay more attention to their children.  I am not just
talking about knowing what they are up to and what they do with their time,
but spend time with them, encouraging interests and hobbies so that they do
not, to use a move cliche, become tempted by the "Dark Side".  I am happy with
how I turned out because my folks took a big interest in the things I liked and
went to some effort and expense to give me the opportunities to expand on
those interests.

My 3-year old has recently expressed an interest in whales and sharks and
other fishy thingies.  I told him I could show him some real sharks and I am 
planning a weekend outing to the Baltimore Aquarium.  Who knows ?  I may have
the next Jacques Cousteau on my hands.  If it is a passing fancy, then so
be it.  We will have had a fun day.  It is my plan to expose my kids to all
the wonders this planet has to offer.  Sooner or later, something will click
and they will say "That's what I want to do with my life."  and I will do
whatever I can to encourage it.

I take my parental responsibility very seriously.  I think that there are a lot
of folks who should not have had kids.  I do not know what to suggest for them.
For folks who do not have them yet, I say think long and hard about everything
that comes with the job.  If you are not ready for it, then don't have them.

WHEW !!

Comments ?