To a startling degree, American parents have handled their primary duty of child rearing to educational institutions or babysitters who cannot and will not do the job. Because of our divided lives, most young people are left to grow up without adequate guidance from their parents.
Parents need to wake up. Parenthood is not just biological. It is also moral and spiritual. Parents who bring children into the world have a responsibility to transmit from the past to the present those values that matter. It is the responsibility of parents to establish some clear guidelines for their children to let them know exactly what is expected of them and then to enforce these standards with firmness and love. These standards need not necessarily be written down but they need to be clearly understood by all involved. What should such standards include? Let's start with curfews, speech, and personal habits.
First, curfews. In my judgment all high school students should be home by 11 o’clock on weekends and earlier on weeknights. There of course would be exceptions to this rule, but not many. There is little for young people to do beyond that hour except get in trouble.
Second, speech. Today’s youth need to be taught to speak respectfully to their elders. “Yes, sir” and “No, sir” are still very much in order for youth.
Third, personal habits. Family standards should cover such personal habits as cigarettes and alcohol. I have no sympathy with the idea of saying to young people, “We prefer that you not smoke, but if you must, do it at home and not behind our backs.” That’s foolishness! With all the harm that comes with smoking, parents ought to say, “No, you will not smoke.” The child might rebel and do it secretly, but it’s not as likely. Besides, if they do wrong at least don't let it be with your approval.
Of course you will be reasonable with these rules. You will also keep in mind the child’s stage of development and allow more freedom as they grow older. Today’s youth are no different from those of other generations. All they need is proper guidance enforced in firmness and love. Parents, don’t fail your children by not disciplining them.