Theory: Irresponsible parents are the reason for the downfall of humanity.

note: This is not an acceptible excuse for irresponsible actions. Adults make their own conscious decisions and are liable for them, regardless of their upbringing.

6/25 - I think the biggest reason the world is going down the tubes today is irresponsible parents. There are too many broken homes, teenage parents and abusive families. Also, most kids are raised in two-income households, so kids are left to babysitters or to sit in front of the tv all day. There are so many reasons but basically it comes down to this: parents aren't doing a good job training a child.

Here are some basic things that are important to teach your kids:

1. Be confident in yourself. If they are confident they won't need to "experiment" (i.e. learn from their own mistakes) or give in to peer pressure. They will have their own identity and will be leaders not followers. They will work harder and will know that they CAN achieve theirs goals.

2. Talk about the "bad stuff." Everyone has heard that music, television, video games and the media are the reasons for delinquents. These things are unavoidable to a kid. Even if you shelter your kid, sooner or later they will find these things through friends or when they go out on their own. On a side note, it is important not to shelter kids. Many college kids don't know how to handle the freedom because they never had it when they were younger, so they drink more and do poorer in their grades. So the only thing a parent can do is to talk to them about their choice of music. (A wide variety of genres is best. more on that here) Talk about the difference between reality and video games. Talk about the media and how people can still live good lives and can make a difference.

3. Don't rule by fear, but by knowledge and respect. Parents who rule by fear or shelter their kids are less likely to teach their child and are more likely to impede on the success of their life. That type of parenting destroys the relationship, breaking down honesty, respect, and trust on both ends. The child is probably going to do whatever he is told not to do when the parent isn't right there to tell them no. The better alternative is to rule with respect and guidance. Respect them, be honest with them, and trust them, and they will return the favor.

4. Teach them how to learn. If you as a parent fail to implement any of these from the list, do not skip this one. Even if you have covered all the above topics, there are so many more, and so much more knowledge than one person can have. So, if a child is taught to learn on his own, through experience, advice, and learning from other people, then the parent has done a good job. With this tool a child can learn all the things the parent hasn't. This way the generations go forward, and the wisdom is passed on. With out any of these things, the human race will lead itself to it's extinction.

Anon - (just a theory) Girls are born with all the eggs they'll ever have. So when they are about two years old, it should be routine that they remove the eggs and store them. Then if they are sluts they can sleep around and not bring an innocent child into it. But if they are good folk who have good values and income to talk care of it, they can fill out an application, take a class, and then get their first child. Then if they do well with that one, they can have more. It would help the population and help values.

To end today's ideas on this topic, I just want to say to all the parents out there, just be responsible about parenting. If you aren't ready for one, be careful about having sex, or don't have it at all. There ARE still people who wait! And if you are already a parent, spend time with your child, teach them, have a good relationship with them, and most important of all: love them.

I am not a parent myself, so I could definately use some responses here.