Hi,

My daughter is 7, she'll be 8 in February. She has just thrown yet another hissy fit because I wont allow her to have a TV in her bedroom. She is an only child and certainly not spoilt. We would have liked another one but decided we couldn't afford it, and because of other reasons now, cannot consider having another child. I try to be fair.....as you do,  but she has been giving me a really hard time about this, saying that all of her friends have TVs, DVD players etc in their bedroom so "why cant she"??? I am beginning to question my judgement on it.

I feel that she is too young to have control over a TV. how can she choose what is appropriate to watch? And knowing her as I do She would watch it long into the night and be fit for nothing for school the next day. She is already "too knowing" in my opinion, as far as sex, violence etc is concerned. Am I wrong to want her to retain just a little bit of her childishness? I also feel that it stems creativity, why make up games and draw, read and do things with me and her friends when she can just chill out on the bed and watch TV. I believe that it creates a generation of laziness and lack of imagination. I am by no means a strict, out of touch parent,  but as it is, I do not let her watch TV after school, she is only allowed to at weekends after she has exhausted all of her hobbies. eg, playing with friends, riding her bike, helping me, to earn pocket money. She also loves to read, I feel that this would slip by the wayside if she had her own TV.
She has now gone to bed in a huff and told me that I am the ONLY mum who wont allow it! :rolleyes: and she has already pulled the "my friends think we're poor because we cant afford a tele for my room" one. Emotional blackmail or what? My OH agrees with me, but even he is starting to soften now, and says that Christmas is coming and that perhaps we should reconsider.

Sorry this is soo long but I would like to know what all of your opinions are, I have been ill recently and feel that she is doing this now because she knows that I am likely to give in for an easy life :rolleyes:

Look forward to your opinions :)

Both my children were given a TV for their bedrooms when they had completed their GCSE exams. They also didn't have computers in their rooms until they were 18.

So, you are NOT the only parent who won't allow it :) Both our children have done well at school and have been pleasant and relatively trouble free teenagers, so we feel justified :) My middle name must have been 'just because other children have it/are allowed to do it, doesn't mean that you have to' :D Stick to your guns - she will understand when she is older :)

Daisy

Hi

I have two children 13 and 11, and they have been campaigning for T.Vs in their rooms for a few years. My answer, as is my OH's, NO, no discussion, simple NO.  Same goes for computer. Our computer is in the family room and they have to ask either my husband or me to log in to the internet.

We have held our position on this and they have stopped asking because they know we are serious.

Hold on to your decision - you are doing the right thing.

When I was a child, the first time I had a TV in my bedroom was at the age of 14 when one of mums freinds gave me one!!!!
My children (9 and 5) have a TV and Video, but in theor playroom. NOT in their bedroom. As when I send them to bed, they get into bed, not watch TV. You are right not to let her have a TV in her room.
My children go to bed at 7 and if not they are down with me and not in their playroom, so never watch TV after 7. So I am pretty confident they never watch anything they shouldnt.
If they had it in theor bedroom, they would put it on and leave it on till the small hours.
Ok, in their eyes, I am probably the worst mother in the world, but at least when they are in school, they are awake!!!!!!
I agree with you Hairypooch!!!!!!(oh and I am only 27, so not exactly an old fuddy duddy!!!!!!!!)
Would it be possible for her to have a TV in a room that you are not in alot, that way she would be able to watch what she wanted to watch up unti;l bedtime??????? That is what I do with my children. But you may have that already. As soon as I say bedtime, they know that the TV ius not allowed to be on!!!!
I would not give in!!!!
HTH
Lea :)

My youngest is 10 and I won't be considering a tv in her room for some time yet. I agree that you should be able to stop them watching late night tv ;) They DO learn a lot earlier than we did :) but I would like to keep her free from certain programmes. (Her big sister is 22 and doesn't have a TV in her room, either )

Both of mine have tellys in their rooms(7 & 3) we didnt want them watching whatever they wanted so we have never connected the tvs to an aerial so they can only watch videos/dvds. No telly when they go to bed, homework and chores first, they dont really spend a lot of time watching tv as Matthew has after school activities and sport and Bronwyn is happier playing with Abby and going to the park.
Mary

LOL @ Lea,I agree with you Hairypooch!!!!!!(oh and I am only 27, so not exactly an old fuddy duddy!!!!!!!!)

I am made to feel so out of touch at times :D you make me feel old Lea at 36! I also had a TV in my room at 14 for the first time and that is because I saved up for one from my Saturday job.

It is good to know that I am not the only "dragon" that wont allow it. Problem is, her best friend, who has the same birthday has everything, TV with home cinema mobile phone, computer.........you name it.
And dare I say it, the parents are on benefit and have another older child too How on earth do they afford all of it????? (I am not being patronising to GENUINE benefit receiving families)

Sorry to everyone but HAD to reply to every statement................

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<I am made to feel so out of touch at times  you make me feel old Lea at 36! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Ah but I had my first at 16 so not exactly the best age!!!!!!!!!! Would rather be 36 with a child only 2 years off secondary school than 27!!!!!!!!
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<I also had a TV in my room at 14 for the first time and that is because I saved up for one from my Saturday job.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
My mums mate gave me a B &W TV. I worked from the age of 13. started a paer round at 13 (did my brothers at 12 when he couldnt) Started at a market garden at 14. and baby sat 4 children 30 dogs and 3 4 horses. At 15 I bought my own bike. At 15 I bought my own TV that is till going in, <blush blush blush> my bedroom!!!!!!!!!!!

<<<<<<<<<<<It is good to know that I am not the only "dragon" that wont allow it.>>>>>>>>> Nope, I am here as well :D
<<<<<<<< Problem is, her best friend, who has the same birthday has everything, TV with home cinema  mobile phone, computer.........you name it.
And dare I say it, the parents are on benefit and have another older child too  How on earth do they afford all of it?????>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Is it like my ex, if you cant shower them in love, ytou shower them in money????????????<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (I am not being patronising to GENUINE benefit receiving families)  >>>>>>>>>>> I am one of them, and afraid I donnot let my children have everything. only the things I believe they need/deserve and can certainly see your point.
The one thing my children recieve, which I am sure yours do as well, is as much love and hugs as they want, and IMHO is worth alot more than a TV in theor bedroom or what they come to me saying the want.
Lea :)

AH........ memories Lea, my first TV was also  black & white (they dont make 'em like they used to, mine lasted me 15 years!!!)  with a really dodgy indoor aerial :D I also cleaned offices for a friend of my mums, cleaned the neighbours cars and walked the dog from hell (not mine)  :rolleyes: you dont want to know :D :D I still have the ****** scars! :D

Kids have everything too easy these days, and you have got it soooo right ;) I always tell her, love is for free, she can have as much as she likes, but we don't have a money tree growing in the garden :D You have hit the nail on the head......{I am one of them, and afraid I donnot let my children have everything. only the things I believe they need/deserve} Just think......if we all instilled these values in our kids there would be a considerably low crime rate :)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<You have hit the nail on the head......{I am one of them, and afraid I donnot let my children have everything. only the things I believe they need/deserve} Just think......if we all instilled these values in our kids there would be a considerably low crime rate >>>>>>>>>>>>
OMG, I do say something that makes sense every so often!!!!!!!!! And yes, I do believe the values instilled in children these days have dropped, and if they did have more values instilled in them, there WOULD be alot lower crime rate.
Unfortunatly that does not happen :(
I donnot know the answers to everything, but know when I was a child 10+ years ago, there wasnt the fear every where there is now. Something must be different. Maybe it is the way we bring up children, the programmes they are allowed to watch, the video games they are allowed to play(although, my 9 year old has played grand theft auto on playstation for a year and is still the affectionate boy he has always been.(he is not allowed out on his own So I KNOW what he is doing!!!!)
Lea :)

Well,  at least we know that there are two of us in the Country that are trying to do the right thing Lea :D
Thats a comforting thought ;)

The fear is brought about by fear! Fear of strangers (Is this brought about by the common stories of paedophiles being more reported on? or more prolific? Fear of roads, more traffic? (no proper road sense taught in schools)

Now, all we need to do is run for Government :D Just think, in 10 years, all the youth crime will be but a distant memory :D :D

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Now, all we need to do is run for Government  Just think, in 10 years, all the youth crime will be but a distant memory>>>>>>>>>>>
Oh yes, Hairypooch and Lea as priministers!!!!!!!!!!!!! LMAO
Lea :D   

Lea, we'd make a better job of it than Blair :rolleyes: and just think of all the benefits to dog and children owners????? Ohhh......it makes my toes curl when I think of what we could achieve :D :D The mind boggles :D  When shall we start the campaign?

Mu daughter has a tv & video in her bedroom ( shes three and a half ) i wouldnt say that shes spoilt, mainly uses it to watch her Disney videos at bedtime, theres also cable tv connected in there for her, so she can watch Boomerang, cartoon network..ect.  She knows how to use the tv, and video recorder, she also has a midi cd player in there as she sometimes gets bored with watching the tv.  She just likes something on of a nightime it seems to help send her off to sleep.

Am I the only soft touch on here? I am not on any form of benefit OH works fulltime and I work two part time jobs. My kids know that the first thing they lose for bad behaviour is the tv. They both got the tv as presents everything else they have to work for.
Mary

Abbymum, I'm not saying that only families on benefit let their kids have TV's in the bedroom :)

Live and let live, each to their own, I am not judging anybody. ;) You aren't a soft touch, its all about what we, as parents, think is acceptable. And I am the same as you, if she wants something, she has to earn it, the same as I did as a child and up until a few weeks ago, did, as an adult. Even now, if she is being a monster, (my god she can be, lol) then TV is limited.

I feel much better when I read this as Matthew keeps telling me I am the strictest mum in the world I wont let him stay up late, play out on the street with all the other kids make him do chores or no pocket money  .
Mary

I never got a TV till I was 16....I used to want one, but parents said no!  Well when I got one for my 16th, I was dissapointed, I didn't want a TV!  I hardly use it, I dare turn it on after 10 because I know I will find something to watch and won't sleep untill silly hours in the morning, plus I'm scared of horror movies!!!!

I did think my parents were evil, but grew to respect it, I was the last person in my group of friends to get a mobile aswell!  Then I must admit in the way of computers I was spoilt abit and have always had a computer, and since the age of about 13/14 had interent in my room!  So I had e-mail before all my friends....however I could never e-mail them...lol...

Anyway your not being to harsh, maybe you should make a deal that she can have control of the "family" TV for 30mins twice aweek or something, while your in the room and can see what it goes onto, either that or give her a TV with VIDEO(!!!!!) and no aireal and no videos!!!!! he he maybe thats just nasty!!!! ;)

Don't give in for an easy life! children are very good and getting timing right....take it from the teenager who knows exactly how to get daddy to cough up £15 for a seminar!!! :D

Ice Queen, just out of interest, if you ever have children, after your experience, will you let them have a TV in their room? Or will you become an "old f**t", like me and not allow it? I always used to say to my parents, "I will never restrict my child  (or dog for that matter)  Lol,  the draconian way that you have controlled me" :D :D.........My god, I really am starting to feel my age, but then, mentally I feel about 18 :D

When I was younger I did give the "I will never treat my kids like you treat me" but now I'm so much older (and mature....at times!) I would think I'm going to become an old one of you!!!!!!! ;) no offence!

But if I'm honest I acctully love my parents more for giving me ristrictions, I'm 16 now, I know right from wrong, I'm proud that I have never gone out and got drunk like all my friends do.  I have been brought up in a way that I didn't get what I wanted (not strict) and now I do understand and I'm happy the way I was brought up!  yes I was a cow and still can be, I am not the angel by any means!

I'm syre when your daughter gets older she will understand why you do what you do and its foir her benifit, I can tell you no child of mine will be getting spoilte, nor will they be arriving any time soon...let me live my youth (and show my dogs without a kid by the ring) first!!! :D

This made me smile I have been refusing to let my kids have a telly in there rooms for 20 years now LOL oldest is 25 and now has a telly in his bedroom in his own flat. I always felt that they would sit up late watching the telly so I have always refused we still get asked every couple of years the little fella will be 6 next birthday so I guess he will try too not that it will work. I feel bedtime is a time to relax they can chat or read for a short time but its time to unwind and i dont think telly helps them and I would worry about what they could watch I guess its each to their own but I would hold on to your guns over this one its definatly not "every one else has a telly in their room" honest :-)

I am 20 - I had a tv in my room when i was about 7 or so, because i had a games console in there that i honestly didnt watch all that much...In fact i never really watched the TV in my bedroom that much but it was good when i wanted to watch something and my parents were watching something else.
I watched it more probably when i was between 16-18 and by then i had bought my own tv, had a dvd player, pc etc in my room and i spent most of my time on the pc doing things (im a webdesigner).

With the internet, when we first got a computer we had it in the main living room but my parents dont know how to use it anyway so they couldnt ban me from looking at stuff - i was 13 when we got it but cant say i ever had a desire to look at stuff i shouldnt - and all of these porn popups etc werent so frequent back then.

You could be making it sound worse than the reality - for the first week there is the novelty factor of a TV in the bedroom and you watch it all the time, but then if there is nothing on, you dont watch it and she probably wont end up staying awake all night.

Sophie (14) and Conor (11) both have TVs in their bedrooms, they also have their own PCs (our old ones). They didn't get a TV until they were 10 and they are only allowed to watch them until half an hour before bedtime...then they have to read for the last half hour. They are never allowed to watch anything after 9pm ..even at weekends or during the holidays.

We can track what they are doing on their PCs via remote ranger on mine and Stephens PCs

We have strict guidelines about PCs and TVs ....and if they break those guidelines (and they have :) ) then the consequences are strictly enforced. They do learn that having those items is a privilige and NOT a right , very quickly ;)

It is down to the parents at the end of the day ...it is possible to allow children to have these items in their bedrooms and still have loving, hard working children....but it takes, like everything else, work :)

Sophie and Conor are both members of NAGTY so the TV hasn't affected them too much ;)

My children, 9 and 5 both have televisions in their room.

My children are at the moment 9, 11, 13 & 15, they have had a tv in their bedrooms from a very early age,  they were taught from young the rules ie. what time it has to go off etc. and have always stuck to them.  It's not a problem unless you let it become one.

The 3 girls 11, 13 & 15 also have a computer in their room, on the net, but with this again we have a ruling that 9pm they come off...........if they go over then I can disconnect their connection downstairs :-) from the router!

I'm 24, and was never allowed to watch television except on very special occasions.  My brother and I campaigned for a computer for years and eventually we were given a Spectrum ZX!, although we were only allowed to play for a limited time (I think 30m a day, but I can't really remember).  However, we were given any books we wanted, music lessons, ponies, dogs, cats etc.  We also travelled extensively and were taken to heaps of museums, plays and the like.

I went to boarding school where there was no television, so peer pressure wasn't an issue, but as soon as I went to university I bought a television and watched it almost continuously for about 2 years!  Now, however, I rarely bother.

Anyway, I ramble, but my original point was going to be; at the time I was absolutely furious with my parents and thought I was deprived, but now I'm very grateful to them and realise how lucky I was.  I don't see anything wrong with not allowing televisions in childrens' bedrooms if you don't like the idea, and I'm certain that it won't do them any harm, but be warned - they will spend their university years watching Trisha and Richard & Judy rather than doing any work!

<<<<<<<<<<<<<but be warned - they will spend their university years watching Trisha and Richard & Judy rather than doing any work!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
But they do that anyway, whether they have had TV's, in their bedroom or not........... I am sure one of the questions you have to pass is, Are you going to wake up and watch total drivel instead of going to lectures, if you answer yes, you automatically get selected ;) ;) ;) 
Lea :D

I'm also 24, as far as I can remember I had a BBC computer in my room when I was eight, but didn't have a tv until I was 13 (I bought it from paper round money). The computer I generally used for school work and playing educational games on (which I was allowed to borrow from school :) ). I did have cable in my room when I was 15, but it didn't interfere with my studies as all I used it for was to tape films I would have missed otherwise. I hardly ever watched the tv, and when I went away to uni I left it in my room at home and just took my computers with me (I had a TV card in my desktop but it was never used :rolleyes: ). Even now I'll hardly ever watch tv - I watched the three day eventing when the Olympics were on but that's the last time I watched tv - I do use it for my PS2 though (which I watch dvd's on).

Its not much to do with where the telly is, more the rules you set around watching it.  Watching TV alone in a room can be very isolating, and doesn't really matter if it is a bedroom or lounge.  What child would choose to be sat alone in a room, given the chance to do more exciting things with friends and family? 

Children are becoming more isolated within families - it is much better watching TV together with your children - or at least having an eye on what they are watching, so that you can discuss it together. Too many people rely on TV and videos to keep the children occupied, rather than talking with them or doing "" exciting things with friends and family"".  Unless parents enforce strict rules about how long the TV should be on for, it is too easy to let children spend most of their time in their rooms unsupervised :(

Daisy

It depends on the children ......and the parents......

:)

Well - yes :) Obviously :)

Daisy

All my grandchildren have tv's in there rooms and have done since about 3 years old, the have video and dvd, non of them bother about it, they know that they do not have tv on school nights, but are allowed at weekends and holidays. They would rather be playing  out than watching tv, it is usually video's or dvd that they watch but I cannot say that any of them are spoilt, or are obsessive in there veiwing, Savannah also has a comouter in her bedroom but cannot conect to the internet without our supervision, she is 6 and usually uses it for homework or school channel and cbbies games.

I am 57 and can see benefits for her education with the things she has, all things in moderation

I have read all of your posts with great interest :)

But have decided that I will stick with my original decision not to let her have one. Yes, a balance can be reached, but I would much rather her use her brain and develop her imagination than take the easy option of numb skulling in front of TV.

I appreciate everybodys decisions regarding their own parenting, but I think that I will put it on hold for as long as possible :) I think cartoons at the weekend and computer education/games is enough inside activity for now.

I think that children learn to appreciate things more if they have to wait for them :) After all, TVs and computers are expensive items and there are probably lots of other, better uses for the money :)

Daisy

Yeah, fags and booze for the parents :p :p :p :p

(This was a JOKE before anyone hits the roof :D :D )

LOL - :D

Daisy

Melodysk, :D :D :D :D

Don't forget the Prozac :-p

Curses ! Forgot the prozac!

:D

Mmmmm! Prozac!

hiya, i dont meen to b rude but did u av 1 in your room wen u were a kid if so did it do u any harm, all kids av 1 an its the best peace i av ever ad since i got them

I wasnt allowed one until I bought one myself, well, my mums best mate gave me one at the age of 14. And at that age you really dont want to be sitting watching what your parents do!!!!!!!!!!
Aty least I wasnt sitting in my room with musoc blaring at 200 decibels, my parents never knew they hadf me!!!!!!!!!! But know that if I had had a TV at the age of 7 in my room, I would never have seen my parents!!!!!!!!!!
But my kids come down and watch TV with me. And know when their TV in their playroom isnt allowed on. I just will not have their TV in their bedroom as know, as soon as I walk downstairs it would be on and they would fall asleep watcjhing TV hich is a very bad habit to get into!!!!!!!!
Lea :)

I had my first telly in my room when i was about 13 or 14.

It was in fact a Sony Solidstate black and white errr 'thing', but it recieved telly pics, so I didnt care (though it made watching the snooker hard!).

Before that, MY parents got 'peace' because i would read books, draw, paint, play my flute, or guitar etc.

Other kids had colour tellys before I did, and I'm sure I played the 'I am a deprived child' card on many an occasion, but kids just do that. Whilst I think at times my parents DID balls things up a bit, on the education front, especially being given a wide range of reading material and exposed to a wide range of other people from different backgrounds, cultures, ages etc I now count myself as lucky.

If my parents had given me a tv to get some 'peace' then i suspect I'd still be unable to spell correctly, and unable to read properly (yes, I was and still am mildly dyslexic, and was in 'remedial reading' groups at school for a long time!) Thankfully they didn't, and I'm starting out as a freelance writer and am already published.

When I did have my tv though, yes, I stayed up FAR too late watching rubbish all night, and I stopped reading as much as I used to.

Joibiza, did you have a television as a child?

Em

yep i had a tv in my room it was a little black an white one, i never stayed up to late though only on w/ends  my mum trusted me to turn it off, but it got stolen wen i was 14 so i bought a colour 1 after that lol

Being a parent means that you will constantly be exposed to the those two people

Nobody and

Everybody

Nobody is ubiquitous and live in Everybody's house and is singly and totally responsible for ALL BAD THINGS that have been done by your children.

Everybody is behind the keep up with the jones's attitudes so often exemplified by parents. "Well you have got to buy it for them have not you, cos ALL the other children have it.themn......................"

Does no one have a mind of their own and demonstrate the worth of individualism etc?

I never considered what other children/parents were doing when bringing up my daughter, I made up my own mind, according to my principles and stuck to them.

Diversity is one of the attractive things about life; we often castigate difference instead of revelling in it and we should teach our children the value of differing views and opinions and reasons so that they can grow up to respect their parents for having their individual welfare at heart, not teaching them that if they have a tantrum for long enough they will get what they want..............

If you believe it is fine then give her one; if you are convinced that the cons outweigh the pros then stick to your guns.  You will be faced with much tougher decisions over the next few years.

JMHO

Both my children got a tv vcr combo and they were 7 and 10, they each have one in their rooms and a playstation each. The playstations were 2nd hand. Tv goes off at 8pm unless they are watching a movie in the vcr, and they are not allowed cable in their room, they want to watch cable they watch it on the tv in the living room with us. We mainly got it so they can watch their movies or play games...They bug for cable cause their friends have it, but all I say is that they are not my children and you will not have everything that your friends have, thats life....Do what you feel is right and I wouldn't let them pressure you into what they want just because their friends have it....There are plenty of things there friends will have that they will not.

Meanest Mother in the World

   I had the meanest Mother in the world. While other kids had candy for
breakfast, I had to eat cereal, eggs and toast. While other kids had cakes
and candy for lunch, I had a sandwich. As you can guess, my dinner was
different from other kids' dinners, too.

   My mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You'd think
we were on a chain gang or something. She had to know who our friends
were and what we were doing.

    Iam ashamed to admit it, but she actually had the nerve to break the
child labor law. She made us work. We had to wash dishes, make the beds
and learn how to cook. That woman must have stayed awake nights thinking
up things for us kids to do. And she insisted that we tell the truth, the
whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

   By the time we were teenagers, she was wiser and our life became
more unbearable. None of this tooting the car horn for us to come running;
She embarrasses us to no end by insisting that friends come to the door
to get us.

   I forgot to mention that most of our friends were allowed to date at the
mature age of 12 or 13, but our old fashioned Mother refused to let us date
until we were 15. She really raised a bunch of squares. None of us was
ever arrested for shoplifting or busted for dope. And who do we have to thank
for this? You're right, our mean mother.

   I am trying to raise my children to stand a little straighter and taller
and I am secretly tickled to pieces when my children call me mean. I
thank God for giving me the meanest Mother in the world. Our country
doesn't need a good five cent cigar. It needs more mean Mothers like
mine.
           Blessings on that wonderful women.....

Not sure who wrote this, got it from a friend :) Just thought I would share it

OMG,
That was my mother, AND ME :0 :0 :0 (although, I was always a good girl and still am. :D
Thats is my poem. It must be.
Should I be worried or not!!!!!!!!!!!!
Although, my children are yet to say, my friends get...............
But that must be imminant(9 years and 4 months and a 5 yewars and 9 months!!!!!!!!!!)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Meanest Mother in the World

   I had the meanest Mother in the world. While other kids had candy for
breakfast, I had to eat cereal, eggs and toast. While other kids had cakes
and candy for lunch, I had a sandwich. As you can guess, my dinner was
different from other kids' dinners, too.

   My mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You'd think
we were on a chain gang or something. She had to know who our friends
were and what we were doing.

    Iam ashamed to admit it, but she actually had the nerve to break the
child labor law. She made us work. We had to wash dishes, make the beds
and learn how to cook. That woman must have stayed awake nights thinking
up things for us kids to do. And she insisted that we tell the truth, the
whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

   By the time we were teenagers, she was wiser and our life became
more unbearable. None of this tooting the car horn for us to come running;
She embarrasses us to no end by insisting that friends come to the door
to get us.

   I forgot to mention that most of our friends were allowed to date at the
mature age of 12 or 13, but our old fashioned Mother refused to let us date
until we were 15. She really raised a bunch of squares. None of us was
ever arrested for shoplifting or busted for dope. And who do we have to thank
for this? You're right, our mean mother.

   I am trying to raise my children to stand a little straighter and taller
and I am secretly tickled to pieces when my children call me mean. I
thank God for giving me the meanest Mother in the world. Our country
doesn't need a good five cent cigar. It needs more mean Mothers like
mine.
           Blessings on that wonderful women..... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I thought it was a cute poem :)

Hi Tohme,

Good to see the subject is still going :) It proves that I am not the only parent who frets about these things.

I totally appreciate the worth of individualism, which is why my child is probably one of the few children in her school that experiences and appreciates a wider social/educational spectrum than those of her fellow scholars,  As I decided earlier, I am adamant that she is not having one, after all, I certainly wouldn't want to keep up with the Jones's :D Not that I would know who the Jones's are, my nearest neighbour lives 4 miles away, I wouldn't know if they were animal,vegetable or mineral :D

Flo who is 12 will not get a TV and VR or CDVP player until she is 16, as far as we are concerned that will stand :)

If anyboby wants to PM me why then please do as I will explain :)