When did structure become a bad thing?
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| Fri, 07-30-2004 - 8:19am |
We used to live next door to a "no structure" family. The kids ran wild in the neighborhood, the mom never planned dinner so lord only knows if and when the kids ate. Sorry, I don't think that's a good way to live. My kids know we eat dinner at 6:30, so they have to be home.
I can see taht you wouldn't demand that an infant go to bed and wake up at precisely the same time, but is there ever a time to impose structure on a child? So lets say you are the freewheeling type and have always doen things whenever. What happens when you send your child to school where the bell rings at the same time every day?
As far as activities, I realize all kids are different, but when my kids were little, if we just did whatever, whenever, my kids woudl end up grumpy and overtired. My experience is that if say, we were at the beach and I say, oh heck, let's just stay later, the kids woudl be happy at first, but by the days end I would end up with whiny, overtired kids.
Maybe I'm just misinterpreting what I am reading, but I personally think structure is a good thing. When children are small, the structure includes naptimes, mealtimes, etc. As they get older it evolves into boundaries like "be home at 6 for dinner" or "you can't go into soemones house without telling me first". I couldn't imagine living without structure or boundaries for my kids.
Susan

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First of all, you and others who are outraged that anyone *dare* question your health habits-part of participating in a debate board is having your thoughts, ideals and values challenged. The idea behind debating is, for some, learning to think about ALL sides of an issue. When someone posts a thought or view that is generally considered outrageous or highly unusual, they are going to be called to defend it and explain it. So far, I havent seen any real defense other than lots of cries of *no fair* and *why do you care what we do*, etc.
If someone came to the board and said *We dont use carseats because we think the studies done are ridculous and they are unnecessary*, what would your response be? If a smoker came to the board and said *what is the big deal about smoking? Everyone *I* know smokes, there is nothing wrong with it.* what would you say?
As far as the subject at hand, which really for me is less about the whole tv thing and more about this thought that one doesnt *have* to exercise, eat right and use their brain to be healthy-this country's health is in a state of EXTREME crisis. While Paige's health habits might not direclty affect my family's life, her attitude affects us ALL. People are out there getting gastric bypass surgery like its the latest *fad*. Obesity is being declared a *medical condition* and insurance is now paying for these surgeries. There are so many PREVENTABLE illnesses out there that people go under the knife for EVERY DAY. And obesity is only part of it-there are a myriad of other health problems that go with not eating properly or exercising regularly. That means insurance rates are going to continue to rise and things like life insurance are going to be more difficult to pay for. I feel that we have a responsibility to teach our children proper health habits, so that we can hopefully get this problem under control for future generations.
dj
Dj
"Now when I need help, I look in the mirror" ~Kanye West~
Again. . .moderation is important here. . .balance between sources.
I wouldn't want to offend some delicate ears on the board.
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