My sister teaches elementary-level students. She said the worst students are the ones whose parents back them up on this “He can do whatever he wants because he’s misunderstood.” She left one job because the principal/finance director (charter school) told a parent in front of her that Ms. X doesn’t know how to discipline her class. Not “your son’s been disruptive and is now becoming physically so. Get him out.” Nope. The school would lose money, you see. No, instead the parent’s complaints about her son’s behavior actually being punished were rewarded with validation to allow the little punk to continue acting any way he wanted.

Seriously, though, this topic came up in conversation just the other day. It’s crazy that VERY small children have cell phones, DVD players, their own TV, castles in the yard to play in, laptops–the list goes on.

I did have a blessed childhood. At one point, I even had my own bathroom. I did have a TV–although it wasn’t brand-new. And although my parents helped me get a car, I was responsible for the insurance and fuel.

So, while I enjoyed a nice room and nice things, I was taught to set goals and work hard to achieve them. I’m certainly not perfect and have messed up along the way, but my parents instilled values deep into my soul. I have to say my grandmother did, too.

This rant really is entertaining but like you said, so serious. I think it’s sad once people realize that all the fancy stuff given to them doesn’t make them happy.

What you said here really says it all, I think:
We have to stop falling back on this “But I deserve it, I’m worth it!” mantra. If you haven’t worked hard toward a specific goal you don’t deserve it. And you know it. That’s why so many people feel so empty inside, no matter how many material possessions they have — because what they really need is a sense of SELF-worth, and all they’re really building is shelf-worth.

Shelf-worth. Wow. So true! And I think one of the reasons so many people are cruel and spiteful is that they do eventually realize that they actually don’t deserve whatever it is they’re after and they hate the world for it. If we happen to take up space in their day, we get the blame, eh?

And your last paragraph when you mention “shaping up” brought a flood of memories back to me. I remember my grandmother’s famous phrase: Shape up or ship out!

The old way was hard but there sure was a lot more character, don’t ya think?

Great job, Kristen–and I SO enjoyed reading this! And I do hope it truly resonates with MANY people who have been living as if they’re entitled or a victim.

Kudos to you for a life-changing rant!

*smiles*
Michele