A father, a son, a kilt and a storm.

[Detroitpete]

Now that I'm firmly settled into middle age--everything I was told as a young man has come to pass Too bad I only listened to a fraction of it. Is it me, or have we somehow become less effective at teaching our younger men?

But then again, the above story would suggest., "The kids are alright!"

[MacMillans son]

Now that I'm firmly settled into middle age--everything I was told as a young man has come to pass Too bad I only listened to a fraction of it. Is it me, or have we somehow become less effective and teaching our younger men?

But then again, the above story would suggest., "The kids are alright!"

I love the story Pete, thanks!

In answer to to your question, I think that the multitude of competing influences make it more difficult for parents to have an affect on kids, but no less their responsibility to continue to try. The healthiest families that I encounter seem to be the ones that limit television, computer, and video game activities and spend that time with their children doing activities, reading, walking, making crafts or projects together etc. You can't influence children without spending time with them, and the less time we spend with them the less influence we have.

I don't have research in front of me to support it, but I am sure that there is a positive correlation between parent involvement and child/adolescent mental, emotional, behavioral health.