Pure Defect

When a parent rejects a certain percentage of the 'advice' given forth by so-called experts I'm sure a large slice of society cringes in horror and secretly whispers about them being a terrible parent, but I for one rejoice when people toss out some of the utter tripe that is force-fed to parents these days. This is just one of those things I hope serious parents toss out the window.

2. What you say: "Watch your language!"
What they hear: "I've tuned out what you're really trying to say."
A better way to say it: "I'm so glad you came to talk to me, but I have one request for the future. I find that word offensive, so please don't use it."

I was told plenty of times growing up to watch my language and although it didn't do much to stop my use of profanity in the long run it sure didn't make me run screaming away from all communications with my parents. Instead of heaping on the wishy-washy shit a parent would be better off trying something like "Try that again with out and we might be getting somewhere" or even tell them that you don't permit usage of a particular word, but pulling that limp-wrist "zomg im offended" crap is just weak and doesn't indicate that YOU the parent are in charge and you don't intend for them to use a specific word in your presence. People are offended all the time these days; those of us with some sense shrug off most 'offenses' because its nothing more than bullshit. A little firm direction by parents is far more effective than some of the crap this article is suggesting.

4. What you say: "Don't worry -- it'll be okay."
What they hear: "You're such a drama queen!"
A better way to say it: "I totally understand what you must have gone through. Tell me about it."

While I agree that this common line indicates a high level of pussyness its not going to make the children turn out better by rewording the same bullshit sentiment. Instead of coddling them tell it like it is and don't hold back the punches, kids in fact do need to hear that things are not perfect storybook happenings and that things will go bad, they will not always be ok, and they don't need to break down and analyze every setback in life or all they will do is spin their wheels. Instead try telling them to suck it up and get on with life.

7. What you say: "Why did you (miss your curfew, hit your sister, etc.)?"
What they hear: "You messed up again."
A better way to say it: "My guess is that you missed your curfew because you were having fun and didn't want to come home, but that's still not okay."

This one cracks me up because it violates one of the simplest directives that everyone should live by; thou shalt not assume. (we all know what happens when you do) The whole purpose of asking a child for reasoning behind their actions is to give them a shot at honesty and in the event that they attempt to lie you can point out that they were continuing an unacceptable pattern of behavior by attempting to cover up the real reasons behind the original infraction.

After reading such crap as the original article suggest I can only sigh and be thankful that this nonsense was nowhere near as prevalent or approved of during my childhood as it is today; its just a shame my nephew and his peers will be subjected to this counter-productive drivel