Parenting weakened by too much ‘sensitivity’

After reading the Jim Slusher’s column on July 10, I could only hope most parents do not share the paper’s attitude regarding “sensitivity.” Having raised five responsible, reliable, competent children who in turn have raised our 13 responsible, reliable, competent grandchildren, some of whom are parents themselves to our six young great-grandchildren, I feel that their sensitivity should not ignore expectations when it comes to following rules that are in place for everyone’s safety, including theirs.

Far too many children today are pretty much on their own, leaving parents feeling guilty if they should say no or expect normal behaviors that our children were raised with. The end result is children who think the rules don’t apply to them, especially if they have parents who are afraid of “disappointing” them.

Why would you buy an electric bike for your child unless you will take them where they can legally ride it? As a senior, don’t I have the right to safely walk on the very paths that your children are often (recklessly) illegally driving?

I never blame the kids for being kids. I blame the parents for not parenting. Often it’s not “fun” being a parent, especially when you have to say “no” but guess what — that’s a part of parenting since we’ve all seen too often the results of kids raising themselves.

It’s the sad part of the news every day. No one ever said parenting is an easy job, but it’s a very important one and needs to be taken seriously. Our kids’ futures depend on us doing a good job.

Janet Lumm

Schaumburg