How Did We Do It?

When I sometimes wonder how we did it without radios, televisions, Nintendo play stations, personal cell phones, personal computers, or Internet chat rooms; I remember that we had parents. Yes, we had parents who knew and had values, and proudly taught their children these values. They taught both self-respect, and respect for others (their ages not withstanding). They taught how and when to play, and had dignity in labour. They practiced and impacted self-esteem, morality and contentment. Every parent knew where their children were at any given time.

If you forgot your classmate’s pencil in your bag, it was called stealing. They taught their children not to beg, borrow or steal; because, nothing goes for nothing. Live within your means, they insisted. When a child wore a new dress, the first question was, “Where did you get that from?” But today, it is compliments, “You look good.” How can parents who live on immoral and corrupt earnings, in order to finance their addictions in fashion and false lifestyles, parent their children on morality, ethics and contentment? Charity begins at home, remember?