Teenagers and R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Was I really one of them once upon a time? I had a bit of a run-in with one today that just ruined my happy day. Matt and I had lunch together at a place that I suppose is popular with the high schoolers - Cafe Rio. First of all, what parent gives their child $8 for lunch? The most I ever got was $2/day. If I wanted anything more than that, I had to save my pennies from the previous day. Just observing the teens during lunch ruined my appetite. No offense to any one who has teens. But I must say how disappointed I am in the lack of respect they have these days. Whatever happened to "respecting your elders?" Hill and I were talking about this on Monday. She was telling me that her YW girls will text in the middle of a lesson and it doesn't even seem to phase them that they might be doing something disrespectful. Well, I felt that way coming out of Cafe Rio today. There was a kid standing in my way, without even flinching to the idea that he might be IN my way. I kindly said "excuse me" but then got really perturbed and turned around and said, "where's the respect with high schoolers these days?" He just looked at me like I was from outerspace and had no idea what I was talking about.
I sure hope my kid(s) will understand the importance of always being aware of those around them and have the common sense to show respect to everyone - older, younger, or even their peers. R-E-S-P-E-C-T... find out what it means to me.
I do admit that my backfiring was disrespectful. Please forgive me for being somewhat of a hypocrit. I will try harder next time. I guess I just felt it was my place to put this kid in his.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
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8 comments:
you must have just posted this a second ago...i'm on it!:) I'm sure our little talk just made you sensitive to the disrespectful door blocker at Cafe Rio, but I have to say that is so annoying when people are oblivious to being in the way especially when you're hauling kids around.
Um, I too have been quite surprised. I work with the YW and although, for the most part, they are good girls, I am surprised at the occasional disrespect I notice. The texting during lesson is a usual occurrence for some of the girls. And the way they talk to me...just very different than the way I spoke to my leaders. So, yes, I hear you!
First of all, I got the chills when I came to your blog, because of course brandi carlisle's song "raining in baltimore," wow, that really sent chills down my spine...anyways, so that totally made my day, she's amazing to say the least...and your post about the disrespect...I agree with every word you say, and I'm proud of you for saying what you did, I would have totally done the same thing. Anyways, thanks.
that last post was from your sister Heather, sorry it says mom, but I use their pass word to log on.
I couldn't agree with you more Ang....we have been talking about the lack of respect we have seen in our youth in our RS lately and are going to try to do some lessons on how to teach our children how to be more respectful. I was impressed the other day though when one of the girls down the street said, "Hi, Sister Snow" as she walked by. I pray that I will be able to teach my children the meaning of the word, RESPECT!
I find myself wondering the same thing; which is sort of funny since the generation before us also wondered about the lack of respect. I'm sure our children will have run-ins with teenagers someday as well.
Texting in class? NO WAY. I would take those things away, but that's just me.
Yeah, Shane definitely gets all kinds of experience with that and it's a little disturbing. Luckily, he has an equal share of good stories about really good, respectful kids. So, they do exist. Hopefully, the obnoxious ones will grow out of it fast, eh?! And what is the deal with EVERY kid having a cell phone these days anyway?
P.S. I had to laugh at six girls one boy comment. I was baffled to find out that your mom was such a Brandi Carlisle fan. Then I read on to the next comment and the world made sense again :)
I am constantly amazed by the lack of respect teenagers show these days. It reminds me of when I was at the park early in the summer and some older kids (like 11 or 12) were playing around at the playground and swearing. I politely asked them if they could watch their mouths around my kids. They said, "what did we say?" as if they didn't know... then proceeded to use every foul word they could think of in every other word of conversation. Seriously I wish I could have smacked 'em!
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