Raising kids

This past weekend, we had a 5 year old boy come with his mom to stay 2 nights.  I'd been around him before, but apparently I wasn't prepared for him to stay here.  Those of you that know me, know that my house probably looks like a lot of fun to most kids.  I have remote controlled cars, planes, pinball machines, slot machines and other things that kids like to get their hands on.  The kid that came this weekend went beyond bugging me to handle my stuff.  After being told numerous times by numerous people that if it wasn't his, don't touch it, he still managed to do some things that were way out of line.  Saturday morning, he took $140.00 out of a ladies purse that was also staying here.  I was told that he likes to give money to other kids so they'll be his friend.  For some reason, he turned the temperature control to OFF on the hot water heater.  At least he's into conservation.  Four of the batteries to my satelite radio were missing.  The remotes to my vehicles were turned on and left in places I hadn't left them.  I think you get the picture.  So before we went to bed Saturday night, I stood before the group and asked how we were going to keep him from doing a repeat performance?  His mom didn't like that, and took him downstairs.  Was I supposed to kid proof my house before they arrived or should the mom have a better handle on her son?  He is a little hellion.  When around him before, everyone had to watch him.  One thing I wonder about is why don't parents of kids bring some of their toys with them, taking the strain off me and my toys. 

I know it isn't just today's generation that is raising buttheads for kids.  Mine weren't perfect, but I can tell you when we took them places, they minded.  When I was young, we got reprimanded for butting into a conversation.  We were taught to say please and thank you, excuse me and to ask if we could touch something.  There was a saying that should be brought back, too.  "Kids are to be seen, but not heard."  And what's up with kids calling their parents by their first names??

Perhaps the dumbing down of society is showing it's ugly face when it comes to raising kids.  Hillary Clinton said many years ago that it takes a village to raise a child.  I guess she was speaking to how kids are being raised today.  There are single parent homes everywhere, not just in the ghetto.  Not sure how that pertains to where I live 'cuz I barely speak to my neighbors.  Not sure they'd go for watching them.

Big Dogg out!