In "The Most Powerful Question A Parent Can Ask..." by Neil Millar, the author questions whether in the long run, the situation in a typical home is beneficial to the children. In "Be-ers and Doers" by Budge Wilson, an overbearing mother wants the best for her children, but only based on her ideals. The approach of the parents in "The Most Powerful Question a Parent Can Ask..." is more respectful towards the children.
Driven by the resentment of having a "be-er" husband the mother in the story "Be-ers and Do-ers" strives to make Albert into the "perfect son", "a fast-moving doer". Thinking she has his best interests at heart as many mothers do, she raises him to be the person she wants him to be rather than who he was born to be. Instead of encouragement towards Albert when he brings home his report card, his mother tells him that she is going to "light a fire under his feet" for he is so lazy. She is unaware of the consequences her actions will bring. Albert grows strong resentment towards his mother and had she shown him more respect he could of developed into his own person and thus been a more pleasant, independent adult.
Millar writes a very different story, in the “The Most Powerful Question a Parent Can Ask...” Millar explains the connection between work ethics and responsibility to how a child will grow up. Responsibilities are necessary for children to develop into independent adults. He also says that a mindful parent can ask their child to take part in chores, to not only share the load but improve their disposition for the future. Proof supplied is a "Maasai tribe leader appointed a seven year old girl as the person in charge of two-thirds of his village’s wealth," which shows that children are very capable of working. Also, a chart is provided showing kids that work a short amount of hours get better marks in school. Millar depicts a very respectful way in which children should be raised.
Through the assessment of these works it is apparent that raising your child to have responsibilities and independence is the more respectful approach. Trying to make you child into the person you want them to be rather than who they are meant to be will only result in an unhealthy relationship and resentment.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Letter of concern
January 19, 2010
678 Wiltse Blvd.
Penticton, BC
Canda V2A 8P5
Mr. Kleats
Central High School Basketball Coach
123 Main Street
Sportstown, British Columbia
Canada V2A 1W3
Dear Mr. Kleats:
My name is Kathy George. My daughter Audrey is a member of your grade 11 soccer team. Congratulations on your team's overall success in past seasons, though I wish to express some concerns.
I understand you busy schedule and appreciate you volunteering to couch the girls. As they are lacking in discipline to start on their own, your late arrival causes them to miss out on available practice time. I think it would be very useful for you to acquire someone to help start things off as you are very busy. If need be I am willing to offer my time as an assistant coach.
The girls are quite young and I find my daughter coming home with energy left to burn. Practice could be more strenuous to prepare the girls for game time situations. If you just send them out for a few laps at the end I feel it would improve their endurance and strength as running is a very important aspect to soccer.
I am very involved in my daughters extra curricular activities and after attending some practices it is my opinion that they could be more organized. I know girls can be very easily side tracked as they seem to find endless things to tell one another and could use a more structured practice. Separating them into smaller groups might help to form more organized sessions.
Young girls are often quite sensitive and I have observed a better response to calm instruction and encouragement. Although winning is important and a good goal, the girls who spend majority of time on the bench become overwhelmed when given the chance to play. More equal playing time could benefit your team in the long run as the subs would have a more positive contribution.
I thank you for taking the time to read my letter and hope you will consider my concerns and suggestions. I would appreciate it if you would inform me of any feedback you receive from the team and I am open to further disscussion.
Sincerely,
________________________
Ms. George
678 Wiltse Blvd.
Penticton, BC
Canda V2A 8P5
Mr. Kleats
Central High School Basketball Coach
123 Main Street
Sportstown, British Columbia
Canada V2A 1W3
Dear Mr. Kleats:
My name is Kathy George. My daughter Audrey is a member of your grade 11 soccer team. Congratulations on your team's overall success in past seasons, though I wish to express some concerns.
I understand you busy schedule and appreciate you volunteering to couch the girls. As they are lacking in discipline to start on their own, your late arrival causes them to miss out on available practice time. I think it would be very useful for you to acquire someone to help start things off as you are very busy. If need be I am willing to offer my time as an assistant coach.
The girls are quite young and I find my daughter coming home with energy left to burn. Practice could be more strenuous to prepare the girls for game time situations. If you just send them out for a few laps at the end I feel it would improve their endurance and strength as running is a very important aspect to soccer.
I am very involved in my daughters extra curricular activities and after attending some practices it is my opinion that they could be more organized. I know girls can be very easily side tracked as they seem to find endless things to tell one another and could use a more structured practice. Separating them into smaller groups might help to form more organized sessions.
Young girls are often quite sensitive and I have observed a better response to calm instruction and encouragement. Although winning is important and a good goal, the girls who spend majority of time on the bench become overwhelmed when given the chance to play. More equal playing time could benefit your team in the long run as the subs would have a more positive contribution.
I thank you for taking the time to read my letter and hope you will consider my concerns and suggestions. I would appreciate it if you would inform me of any feedback you receive from the team and I am open to further disscussion.
Sincerely,
________________________
Ms. George
Monday, January 4, 2010
Role models.
It is very apparent that other people influence our lives. In society, successful individuals are usually portrayed as role models. Although the term role model carries a positive connotation the definition itself does not specify. A role model is any person who serves as an example, whose behaviour is emulated by others. Role models are often attained as a child but can be carried through adolescence and even last during adulthood.
A male child's role model is often someone who has a heroic appeal: fireman, police man, soldier, etc. Children gawk at men in these positions as they fight fires and face bad guys. They also see these men being praised and learn early on that what they do is good and honorable. For a young female, the role model stereotype changes. Often it is a women with extreme beauty, but not always. Little girls look up to the hero's as well but are often persuaded by parents and friends to worship the supermodel, or pageant queen.
These influences can be both positive and negative. To some young males, the typical role model may be unattainable and looses glory with age. Although it may encourage them to live healthy lifestyles and grow big and strong, it is important that they also become aware that it is not all smiles and happy endings. Some will grow up and be exactly what they admired as children but others ideas of what is important to them will change. They may aspire to be scientists or teachers instead of the stereotype and that is perfectly acceptable. The role model that is thrust upon them at such a young age can be so damaging to moral and their perspective on life.
For girls, role models can be especially dangerous. The size 0 body type isn't healthy for majority of women and can be ultimately deadly to pursue. Pageants influence world knowledge and travel but have many more negative aspects to young girls who strive to be queen. The pearly white teeth, perfect tan, flawless skin and thick healthy hair don't come naturally. Try explaining that to a young teen going through puberty. Females develop unhealthy body images and extremely bad eating habits due to these standards being shoved in their faces their entire upbringing.
Right from the start with Barbi dolls and G.I. Joe action figures role models begin to influence us. Be it negative or positive our lives and perspectives are altered.
A male child's role model is often someone who has a heroic appeal: fireman, police man, soldier, etc. Children gawk at men in these positions as they fight fires and face bad guys. They also see these men being praised and learn early on that what they do is good and honorable. For a young female, the role model stereotype changes. Often it is a women with extreme beauty, but not always. Little girls look up to the hero's as well but are often persuaded by parents and friends to worship the supermodel, or pageant queen.
These influences can be both positive and negative. To some young males, the typical role model may be unattainable and looses glory with age. Although it may encourage them to live healthy lifestyles and grow big and strong, it is important that they also become aware that it is not all smiles and happy endings. Some will grow up and be exactly what they admired as children but others ideas of what is important to them will change. They may aspire to be scientists or teachers instead of the stereotype and that is perfectly acceptable. The role model that is thrust upon them at such a young age can be so damaging to moral and their perspective on life.
For girls, role models can be especially dangerous. The size 0 body type isn't healthy for majority of women and can be ultimately deadly to pursue. Pageants influence world knowledge and travel but have many more negative aspects to young girls who strive to be queen. The pearly white teeth, perfect tan, flawless skin and thick healthy hair don't come naturally. Try explaining that to a young teen going through puberty. Females develop unhealthy body images and extremely bad eating habits due to these standards being shoved in their faces their entire upbringing.
Right from the start with Barbi dolls and G.I. Joe action figures role models begin to influence us. Be it negative or positive our lives and perspectives are altered.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Daves Cooks the Turkey..
The main character, Dave, In Stuart McLean's short story, "Dave Cooks the Turkey", is put in charge of "looking after the turkey" to make Christmas stress free and fun again for his wife. Little did Dave know that "looking after the turkey [...] meant buying it as well as putting it in the oven." Some of the humor in this short story in created using exaggerations. When Dave couldn't find a turkey in either freezer he "unloaded both freezers to be sure." After pouring himself some scotch and pacing around the kitchen worrying Dave called himself a taxi. "At 4:00 am, with the help of a taxi driver named Mohamed, Dave found an open store" and bought himself a grade B turkey. At the time he hadn't a clue what grade B meant but it was the least of his worries, it was the last turkey in the only open store on Christmas eve. He returned home and set out to prepare the turkey as it defrosted "it became clear what grade B meant. [...] Dave's turkey looked like it had made a break from the slaughter house and dragged itself a block or two before it was captured and beaten to death." The story begins to get out of hand as Dave pours himself another scotch, starts referring to the bird as Butch, and then discovers a lock on his stove. Dave then goes to a hotel, checks in, and asks them to cook the turkey for him. This short story does a very good job of using exaggerations to create humor and teaches Dave to never underestimate the obligation of cooking the Christmas turkey.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Certain experiences mark the beggining of maturity.
Certain things happen that mark the beginning of maturity. For some, maturity comes smoothly, but others encounter circumstances that thrust them into maturity. I was an individual who wasn't given a chance to mature naturally. My mother was diagnosed with cancer when I was a mere eight years old. The cancer spread fast and developed tumors in her brain. She didn't have a fleeting chance.
Now, you think that being only eight years old I wouldn't know enough about what was going on around me to be faced with the repercussions. My father would have stepped up and been strong for all of us. But with the lose of my mother, the love of his life, my father quickly fell to pieces. He was an early bird who started sleeping in till noon. He no longer ran each morning as he had in the past and my father left my mothers stuff in the closet for years.
I had a little sister, 5 years old, wondering "When is mommy coming home from her business trip?" I became a mother to my sister and a shoulder for my father. When I was eleven we started going to therapy. Though no one was fooled, my father did his best to pretend everything was perfect. Without a true mother figure my sister became a manipulative brat. She stormed around and made her demands. Dad became her victim, letting her do as she pleased.
After some time had past my dad continued on with most of his fatherly duties. I took over as many roles as I could. My roles grew as I did. I got my sister ready in the mornings and to bed at night when I was too little to help with much else. By the time I was driving I had a part-time job, and had practically raised my sister. I took her where she needed to go, packed her lunch, I did the laundry, and I cooked when I was home. With all of this and my schoolwork you can imagine I wasn't someone who had a very large social circle. I had more responsibilities and felt older than anyone I knew.
I matured at a very young age. For most, maturity is marked by new responsibilities such as getting your drivers license at age sixteen, graduating from high school at age eighteen, or moving away to university at age nineteen. But for me, maturity was marked by the lose of my mother at age eight.
Now, you think that being only eight years old I wouldn't know enough about what was going on around me to be faced with the repercussions. My father would have stepped up and been strong for all of us. But with the lose of my mother, the love of his life, my father quickly fell to pieces. He was an early bird who started sleeping in till noon. He no longer ran each morning as he had in the past and my father left my mothers stuff in the closet for years.
I had a little sister, 5 years old, wondering "When is mommy coming home from her business trip?" I became a mother to my sister and a shoulder for my father. When I was eleven we started going to therapy. Though no one was fooled, my father did his best to pretend everything was perfect. Without a true mother figure my sister became a manipulative brat. She stormed around and made her demands. Dad became her victim, letting her do as she pleased.
After some time had past my dad continued on with most of his fatherly duties. I took over as many roles as I could. My roles grew as I did. I got my sister ready in the mornings and to bed at night when I was too little to help with much else. By the time I was driving I had a part-time job, and had practically raised my sister. I took her where she needed to go, packed her lunch, I did the laundry, and I cooked when I was home. With all of this and my schoolwork you can imagine I wasn't someone who had a very large social circle. I had more responsibilities and felt older than anyone I knew.
I matured at a very young age. For most, maturity is marked by new responsibilities such as getting your drivers license at age sixteen, graduating from high school at age eighteen, or moving away to university at age nineteen. But for me, maturity was marked by the lose of my mother at age eight.
Friday, November 20, 2009
The resolution: An increase in profanity is indicative of a decline in society's morals.
Affirmative Side
There is a direct correlation between profanity and morals. Foul language is rude, disrespectful to those around you, and shows a sense of carelessness. According to wikipedia.com, "morality means a code of conduct or a set of beliefs distinguishing between right and wrong behaviors." If your using profanity you are exhibiting wrong moral behavior. The more swearing is accepted on television, in schools and all other aspects of our day to day lives the more our morals decline. If improper language becomes 'the norm' then what was once considered 'wrong moral behaviour' becomes 'right moral behavior' and if wrong becomes right then I don't see how anyone could argue profanity to not be proof of our decline in morals. Profanity is also associated with hate and anger. Any basic moral code does not encourage a wild show of anger in public or society. In the past, one was to remain calm and speak about their issues in a respectful way but as time changes and morals decline simple conflicts are blow out of proportion and profane words are often of choice while arguing. It is evident that society's moral declines are indicative of profane language.
Negative Side
Profanity is simply another form of speech. It is a way of expression and feeling. There is no tie between profanity and morals. Language has evolved as time has passed and the standards have changed for much more than just the words we use. Society's morals are more greatly effected by the lack of responsibility placed on youth today. Punishments have become much less harsh and second chances are given out like hard candy at a parade. People can get away with more and something that would have been considered immoral and punishable by law simply becomes a slap on the wrist. The decline in morals is not indicative of profane language it is a direct reverberation of the constant negation of crime and punishment.
There is a direct correlation between profanity and morals. Foul language is rude, disrespectful to those around you, and shows a sense of carelessness. According to wikipedia.com, "morality means a code of conduct or a set of beliefs distinguishing between right and wrong behaviors." If your using profanity you are exhibiting wrong moral behavior. The more swearing is accepted on television, in schools and all other aspects of our day to day lives the more our morals decline. If improper language becomes 'the norm' then what was once considered 'wrong moral behaviour' becomes 'right moral behavior' and if wrong becomes right then I don't see how anyone could argue profanity to not be proof of our decline in morals. Profanity is also associated with hate and anger. Any basic moral code does not encourage a wild show of anger in public or society. In the past, one was to remain calm and speak about their issues in a respectful way but as time changes and morals decline simple conflicts are blow out of proportion and profane words are often of choice while arguing. It is evident that society's moral declines are indicative of profane language.
Negative Side
Profanity is simply another form of speech. It is a way of expression and feeling. There is no tie between profanity and morals. Language has evolved as time has passed and the standards have changed for much more than just the words we use. Society's morals are more greatly effected by the lack of responsibility placed on youth today. Punishments have become much less harsh and second chances are given out like hard candy at a parade. People can get away with more and something that would have been considered immoral and punishable by law simply becomes a slap on the wrist. The decline in morals is not indicative of profane language it is a direct reverberation of the constant negation of crime and punishment.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
I'm worthy.
I have scaled mountains with no ropes, dropped from planes with no parachute, and ran marathons with no shoes. I cook the perfect boiled egg, both hard and soft, no timer required. I have been recruited by the coast guard, when they found themselves unable to complete their mission. I'm known to sculpt better than Michelangelo and rap superior to Snoop. I build houses for the needy in my spare time and calligraphy is just one of my many talents. I am a yoga master, bending into pretzels with ease. I happen to be one of the last teens surviving day to day life without a cellular device. My humor is capable of making even the strongest willed British guard keel over in laughter. Although it is against my morals, I have gone completely undetected swiping ninja's wallets, robing casino's vaults, and extracting teeth's gold fillings. I've drank from the milky way. I've parted seas.
But I have not yet gone to university.
But I have not yet gone to university.
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