American Idol Rant: Parenting
It must be said. Parenting in this country has gone to hell. I can’t hold this in any longer. I’ve raised a lot of kids, and IMHO our job as parents is to develop character in the children and give them a solid grounding for life. They are the future of this country: the future entrepreneurs and employees. The future leaders.
I’ve enjoyed occasionally catching the American Idol show from time to time. Seeing kids have a chance to try out their skills, find a stage, be tested in the real world — all that warms my heart. No one ever said celebrity and fame is easy. Simon Cowell is more than likely much kinder than the average director. The inability these children have to deal with his rejection shows they aren’t ready for the road they seek.
This brings me to the parents. It is apparent that these children have been told too often how GREAT they are. While it’s good to encourage your children and help them dream, filling their heads with fluff and leading them to believe they are “star quality” without teaching them how to work for it creates unrealistic expectations.
This is the problem with the “Self Esteem” movement of the past two decades. We have created children with unrealistic notions about themselves and little of the character or work ethic to get where they want to go. Singing along with your iPod does not make you the next singing sensation. It takes work. And parents who believe their job is to be their kids’ best friend do more damage than good. John Rosemond said it best, “Parenting is not a popularity contest.”
Somebody’s gotta be the grown up.
Just sayin’
Beth
© 2010 Beth Terry Seminars, Inc. All Rights Reserved
