good. better. best?

Every parent wants to give their kid good things. Sometimes we want good things for them so badly that we jeopardize their chances for anything better.

Like the parents who lift themselves up from poverty into wealth and then hand their children everything they demand. Sure, their kids are getting good things: toys, cars, designer clothes. But they're also getting an attitude of entitlement right along with it.

And too often, they're not getting any character at all. Good things, at the expense of better things.

Or what about the music, recreation and entertainment we provide our kids? Lots of things are "okay". They aren't harmful or damaging. But why settle for "okay"?

Why not stick with top quality only? There's going to be plenty of time later for them to acquaint themselves with the mediocre.

If we can play either pop or classical on the radio, why go for pop? If we can watch tv or play a game together, why not go for the game?

It takes no more energy to say "yes ma'am" than it does to mumble "uh huh". So why not teach our kids to be courteous?

I'm not advocating Nazi parenting. I'm not saying kids should never have fun and just be children. But when we have options on what to provide them, I can't see any reason why mediocre should be acceptable.

It takes so very little to be above average in today's world of anything-goes. Why not at least give it a shot?

© Sarah K. Asaftei, 2009 unless otherwise sourced. Use allowed by express written permission only.

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