I can’t disagree more with the letter, “Agreed: Boot outdated column,” suggesting that The Herald drop John Rosemond’s Living with Children column for being “outdated and inappropriate advice.” I am a parent of a college student and was a Girl Scout leader for 10 years. Rosemond’s columns provide solid common-sense advice. You know — those basic principles we were raised on and which worked for decades, if not centuries. Yes, I realize that modern household dynamics are different now and our youth are bombarded by pressures through social media, etc. However, when so-called childhood psychologists started inventing creative methods of not disciplining, our youngsters started suffering. Self-indulgence; depression; narcissism; aggression/violence; and a lack of self-control, self-esteem, morality, manners, purpose, critical thinking and coping skills all seemed to become common place. Diseases/disorders are used to label “difficult” kids, excusing their bad behavior.
I can’t help but notice that the well-adjusted successful and pleasant children seem to often share the same condition: involved parent(s) who consistently but firmly apply clear expectations and discipline. Rosemond says it like it is and calls out lazy parenting and those who have conceded their parental hierarchy to their minor offspring. This is what more struggling parents need. Return to the basics. They’re tried-and-true methods.
Kelly Matteucci
Mountlake Terrace
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