hi,
let me speak from a parent's point of view.
Setting a curfew is hard considering that I was young once and I do
enjoy hanging out with my friends, talking just about everything
under the skies, sharing our victory stories about our parents,
friends or teachers. Those were the days.
but look @ what is out there now. It is like a sea where you can
never satisfy its' hunger. There are too many real stories out
there that just scare the hell out of every parents.
The one where the gal was kept for a few days and tortured?
The two boys who were dudded the "MacDonalds boys",
The gang fights.
We as parents understand the freedom you desire.
But we are more worried that trouble come to you than for you to
make trouble. One wrong look, one wrong move can bring youngsters
endless trouble.
Look at Singapore Christmas Party at orchard, I bet many parents
would have asked their children not to go, but I bet most went
anyway. Then the foul cries of being molest, being in gang fights.
No point in "I told you so" stories then, right?
I totally agree that if we, parents were to hand-hold our children,
hey, they won't be able to take the knocks of life. They won't know
the danger, and most important the consequences of their
actions.
Most of teenagers think they are young, they can afford to make
mistakes, but hey, one you are marked by the law. This society does
not forgive that easily.
However, if a proper framework is establised and trust is
establised, then it is easier for parent-child relationship to
progress. I was taught that when the child is young, you can
correct and if necessary, scold, but once in primary, you need to
be their friend, to understand.
Almost all parents wish their child will go forth and grap the
stars, achieve greatness, be better in their lives than the
parents.
rem the old saying "I eat rice more than...", well, just say that
we, parents have been there, done that.
