Neglect

Neglect.
by Jason Cruise

I found myself getting mad at this kid. He knew the exact location of every
button I have that is labeled "Push For Instantaneous Negative Response." I
could tell you the context of the situation, but then it would reveal too much
about this kid, and you might discover that it's your kid, and then you'll stop
reading The Man Minute. So, let's just assume, with absolute certainty, that
it's definitely somebody else's kid.

Later that night I realized that I could not burden this boy with shouldering
100% of the blame. Sure, when he gets older, the blame will be all his, but for
now, he's only, by my best estimate, 30% to blame for his consistently obnoxious
behavior. The blame really goes to his mom and dad.  

They chalk it up to his constant "attitude." I chalk it up to parents who are
guilty of child abuse. That's right. Child neglect is what's going on here. His
parents are neglecting to show real love, for real love loves too much to
withhold discipline. Real love has boundaries. Real love cares enough to
actually parent instead of just be a professional provider of things like toys,
video games, rides to and from ball games, and food.  

To be candid, I grieve a bit when I think of this boy's future. I grieve over
the way he's going to treat his wife, or the way he's going to be talked about
in the office. Most of all I grieve for his mom and dad, for in a few short
years, they are about to reap every single seed they've sown.



Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to
his death. 


- Proverbs 19:18

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