en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:13:48 GMT 15 By Abbey Jamieson & Eric Prince
Strong morals and family values show up in households throughout America, while in others’, neglect of such factors can destroy a child’s future. According to Licensed Psychologist, Marriage and Family Therapist of Dallas, Dr. Karla Hale believes children need more than freedom for security. “Children need boundaries to function in a healthy way,” Dr. Hale said. “Studies have shown that children without clear rules and limits are more insecure. Guidelines give kids a sense of safety; even though they frequently test them to see if the rules are set.” Parents can set that specific sense, but Dr. Hale believes teenagers have thoughts as to why parents place boundaries. Though they may say otherwise, children find structure in rules. “They will express outwardly a dislike for rules and guidelines,” Dr. Hale said. “But especially adolescents know that if parents are not setting any boundaries for them, it’s because the parents might not ‘care enough’ to do so.” Rules may not always be the deciding piece in how a child feels about their relationship with their parents. The presence of family values and morals can have just as big of an affect. “Parents are who kids spend most of their time around,” sophomore Ryan Stultz said. “Good or bad, they will shape what their kids believe and follow. Like father, like son.” School Resource Officer Vernon Doggett reports the transforming of teenage minds occurs at home and inevitably transfers to the school environment, no matter the circumstances. “If kids don’t learn good morals and values at home, they shouldn’t come to school,” Officer Doggett said. “If children’s parents are fighting, they will be more inclined to bring that attitude with them to school.” For Officer Doggett, other factors besides parental encouragement help decide who students will become as they grow older. “The friends kids hang out with affect them just as much as their relationship with their parents,” Officer Doggett said. For senior Brant Russell, similar thought processes and well-taught lessons have strengthened his relationship with his family. “For the most part, we see eye-to-eye,” Brant said. “There are times when they may be a little too strict and we may butt heads, but it’s always for the better and it never lasts long.” For Brant, that friendship built between him and his parents affected more than their relationship as shown by his involvement in the school’s pop vocal ensemble, Mane Attraction. “When I was in early elementary school, I would cry whenever I got on stage,” Brant said. “My parents encouraged me to get out there and make myself known. I’ve never been the same person since.” But for senior Ashley Quine, differing religious and moral beliefs played a major role in she and her parents’ opposing ideas. “I have an extremely open relationship with my parents,” Ashley said. “For a while, my dad couldn’t accept my atheism..., but a trip to rehabilitation after an attempted suicide opened my dad’s eyes to how hard it was to not have him accept me.” Although, Ashley explains beliefs created the major barrier between her and her parents, her parents’ love for her continued despite their obvious differences. “My mom is a Christian and loves me for me,” Ashley said. “My dad is a strict southern baptist, but loves me anyway. I am an atheist and I love everyone (regardless of what they believe).” Ashley has followed the example her parents set through their openness and acceptance of her moral values. “My parents have made me very accepting to other’s beliefs and opinions,” Ashley said. “(My parents) love me unconditionally and we don’t have any problems with each other. Life couldn’t be any better.” While some individuals find acceptance with both parents, some, however, don’t always have that same luxury. “Parents should be more accepting and have true unconditional love,” junior Melanie Goodrich said. “They should support and love their children no matter what.” According to Dr. Hale, sometimes tough love is necessary for the proper development of a child. “Kids who have freedom to choose for themselves at home, within the framework of clear boundaries, learn about choices and consequences,” Dr. Hale said. “They also learn how to solve the problems they make for themselves.” Though parents and their children may have different opinions and beliefs on various matters, according to Ashley though, one emotional need rises above the rest. “I’m loving and caring because of the way my parents raised me,” Ashley said. “I think they (parents) are an extremely important part of a child’s life. Love is what matters the most.” ]]> Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:09:00 GMT