"Parenting is a Full Time Job" or "Why I am Remaining Childless"

My cousin's mention of this article (boy waves knife at parents after they turn off video game) inspired me to write the following...

I have to take issue with your post regarding video games. (Just for the sake of discussion, not as an argument!) The story that you linked to, and many others like it, are often used as argument against video games. And as much as I hold game designers (my husband included) responsible for the quality and content of their games, it ultimately comes down to the parents (or other family members intrigal in the raising of children) and their ability to monitor what their children are playing.

Parents need to be aware of the content of everything (not just games) that their children are exposed to. They need to discuss things like violence, sex, emotions, world events, and cultural differences as they are introduced. I think rather than sheilding and isolating our children from the dangerous or inappropriate things in life, we need to educate them. Teach a child through your words and actions that something is wrong and they will grow up able to recognize and avoid that thing.

A child who is taught right from wrong, given appropriate boundries and allowed to explore with the guidance of trustworthy adults, WILL NOT attack someone with a knife for turning off a video game. The stories we hear that point to video games (or any other form of entertainment, for that matter) as the culprit are turning a blind eye to the neglect and lack of supervision that most children are growing up with. If kids are imitating games, it is because they have nothing and no one else to imitate.

Of course, that is my own personal opinion. Thanks for letting me share it. :)

Parenting is, in fact, a full time job. It has the highest standards, the most responsibility and the least pay of all jobs out there. It is not for the faint of heart. When you take on the role of parent you are required to act (at least in part) like the grown-up. I know that I am making a lot of demands of parents tonight, but frankly - that's what you sign up for when you accept the position.