Speed With Direction...

This time of year can bring out the best or the worst in a kid. They know that Christmas is coming and many have an expectation about what they're going to get. Things have changed since I was a kid, although I did live through the Cabbage Patch run of '83. Sure, Barbies, Match Box Cars, and GI Joe were big, but I never felt like my parents were pressured to find the "it" toy. Things sure are different now.

Webkins, Wii's, cell phones, iPods and Tickle Me Elmo's are all the rage. Parents stand in line for hours waiting for a gift that will make their child happy Christmas morning. I can't say I understand it all, but it's what's happening in malls around America.

I came across an article about a Dad who did something almost unheard of these days. He actually took back a much sought after video game after finding that his son had smoked pot. There were consequences for his child's actions. I totally applaud this father.

A few weeks ago, I had a KidStuf dancer's parent call me with a dilemma. Her daughter hadn't been a good listener that day. Her mother wanted to take away her dancing privileges for the following morning. I was more than happy to back her up. I would have hugged her if I could have.

If we can show kids that there are consequences for our actions at a young age, how much trouble will that save them later in life. Some adults call that cruel. They say that kids can't understand or comprehend consequences and that we need to let them be kids for as long as we can. But the sooner they understand boundaries and that rules don't mean the lack of love, but are an expression of it, the better off they'll be.

I'll get off my soapbox now...