WHAT PARENTS COULD HAVE DONE……..CAN DO !
The following article is from the pen of Fred Green, Juvenile Probation Officer, Galveston, TX. These are compiled from actual interviews with teens on their way to reform school. Answers stem from the question. "What could parents have done to help them."
1) KEEP YOUR COOL. Do not lose your head in every crisis. Kids need confidence and a steady hand around.
2) DO NOT GET HUNG UP on a job that keeps you away from home. Fathers, keep in touch with your kids somehow. Mothers, cut the heavy social schedule so you can be home to supervise the children.
3) DO NOT GET STRUNG OUT. Stay away from liquor and sleeping pills. Be normal, Be square.
4) BUG ME A LITTLE. Use strict, loving discipline. Show the kids who is boss. They want it this way. Do not just let them ride out a storm, give them an anchor.
5) DO NOT BLOW YOUR CLASS. Keep the dignity of parenthood. Stay on the pedestal your kids have put you on. Do not dress, act, or swing like the teens do.
6) LIGHT ME A CANDLE. Show your children the way to faith. Give them the security of a living faith.
7) TAKE THE WORLD OFF MY SHOULDERS. Share your kids' problems. Talk about morals, Life, Love Eternity, Beauty, Peace of Mind and values with them. Help them believe the world is a good place in which to live.
8) SHAKE ME UP. Punish me when I first go wrong. Tell me why. Convince me that more severe measures will come. If I transgress again in this manner. Do not punish me just in anger, THOUGH
9) CALL MY BLUFF. Stand firm on what is right, even when you kid threatens to run away or become a delinquent or drop out of school. Stay in there with him and the bluffing will cease in 98 percent of the cases.
10) BE HONEST WITH ME. All the time tell the truth. Praise when you can . Criticize when you must, but never keep your children in doubt where you stand on important matters.