Mom of a Middle School Kid

Not only am I a teacher of middle school children, but I am also the mother of one. Next year I will be the mother of two and, with five kids, it will just snowball from there. 'Raising kids today is harder than it was when my parents raised me", I hear this phrase often. I'm sure it's been said since the dawn of time because raising kids is indeed more difficult than being one. And, in this world of constant change we can not rely simply on our own experiences as a child to raise our own children, though that can enhance it. There are things out there today that my parents did not have to worry about - internet being the main one. However, I prefer to look at these things as tools to make my job easier instead of seeing them as making my job more difficult.

My parents were pretty naive. They were oblivious about the movies I watched, the music I listened to, and the books I read. I don't think they considered the impact it was having on the person I was becoming. I don't blame them really. They are great parents. I just think that, with their fond memories of childhood, they were not aware of what I was doing. There was no PG-13. There was no parental advisory tag on my music. Books were not labeled YA.

Now, when my children express interest in a song I can google a line, any line and all of the lyrics magically appear on my screen. I love it! Then I can say, and do often say, we won't be listening to that song again and no, you can't buy it. When my children beg to watch the newest movie out in theaters I hop on to imdb.com and read through the parental advisory section before I give a yes or no. I love it! With Netflix movies that download I can see everything they have watched and with Netnanny I can keep them from as many unsavory websites as possible. I feel like there are many safety nets in place to help me do my job as mother. I suppose this is my 'glass is half full' thinking on a subject that I know worries so many parents. There are tools and people out there to help parents raise their children in today's world. Get out there and educate yourself so you can be their anchor!