Youth In America

[BigDee]

My nephews (9 and 11) stayed the night last night and it was an eye opening experience for me.

We have several video game systems in my home. I almost never play them but from time to time I like to play a game. The majority of our usage comes from hosting parties. Put a few drinks in a group of people and the Wii or Kinect can be a lot of fun. Needless to say my nephew's are well aware of the game systems we have.

Upon the arrival of my nephews they immediately wanted to play video games. There were multiple fights during the time they played which resulted in the older brother crying an awful lot because of his younger brother playing out of turn. I tried to get them to go outside and play multiple times with out any luck whatsoever. The fights continued and I ended up turning off the games because of it.

After turning off the video games I turned on the Olympics and tried to teach them about the importance of the Olympics and what it means to the country. They quickly lost interest and got a hold of the computer. I tried to unglue them from the computer but it was useless.

After countless attempts trying to break them from the computer I called their father and asked him if I could teach them about firearms and take them shooting the next day. He said it was fine so I busted out a couple guns and gave them a lesson on firearm safety. At least I tried.. They looked at the guns, said "cool" and went back to playing on the computer. WTF?!?!? When I was that age I would have dropped anything and been all over the opportunity to handle a gun and take a firearm lesson.

Today I took them to Cherry Creek to shoot the 15-22. They sort of got into it but after about an hour they had lost all interest and said they wanted to go back to my house and play video games. While we were shooting the oldest had a hot shell casing bounce off his arm, he proceeded to throw the gun down and spend the next 5 minutes whining about it hurting him.

Are my nephews the average youth today or are they bigger than normal pussies? I have a 3 year old son and I would hate to think that he is going to grow up in a society that consists mainly of kids who are pussies like his cousins.

[jmg8550]

Most kids today are little wimps. I'd also blame the parents for coddling them, and letting video games and media take over their lives. I am thoroughly disgusted with the generation of kids growing up these days. And I'm only 31.

I, like you, would never pass on a chance to go to the range with my old man.

[blacklabel]

I don't want to be a dick... ohh hell, why not?

You can blame your brother for this. I'd say they're about average youth but that's more of a judgement on the parents in the world today and not the kids. If you let a kid sit around a stare at a TV all day or play video games, guess what they're going to want to do when they have some freedom? If you get them active, explore different activities and create a "culture" of physical activity, that's what they'll gravitate to when they have more freedom.

[HoneyBadger]

All blame rests on the shoulders of parents. People are doing a shitty job of raising their kids nowadays and they are trying to make someone else do all the work for them, whether it be schoolteachers, TV, videogames, etc. Parents need to man the f*uck up and do their jobs.

[Cylinder Head]

I'm 31 as well and can't believe the gap in integrity and quality of MY OWN generation compared to my grandfathers'.

Kids today, forget it I don't want to live in their world. Their culture is warped, our own skills as parents are lacking (I don't have kids but every one of my friends who does coddles theirs like they've already won a gold medal).

[jmg8550]

As George Carlin said it: "the continued pussification of America". He had it exactly right. Today's kids are screwed when they grow up. They aren't taught that life is hard and not even remotely fair.

[jackthewall81]

Being 21, I loved playing videogames when I was younger. But, as soon as my uncle pulled out his guns I was all over them for hours.

It is about how they are raised, but some of it is society. Your nephews sound like huge pussies IMO.

[Great-Kazoo]

he proceeded to throw the gun down


Hopefully their father will understand the value you put on guns, after you toss his ass down once or twice.
Years ago my nephew came out to visit. His idea of enjoying CO, sit on his ass and play video games, OR watch tv. That lasted 5 minutes I turned off and tossed his ass outside. He had no clue what to do w/out the tube. Put his ass to work until he had blisters. Ahh family.

[spyder]

Most kids today are little wimps. I'd also blame the parents for coddling them, and letting video games and media take over their lives. I am thoroughly disgusted with the generation of kids growing up these days. And I'm only 31.

I, like you, would never pass on a chance to go to the range with my old man.
My two that live with us full time love going out with me to sling lead. I have my two other girls for the summer and all they want to do is play on their phones, or watch tv, there is a big difference (as their mother's are giant worthless cunts). It saddens me to see this huge difference between my four kids, but, it's there.

I don't want to be a dick... ohh hell, why not?

You can blame your brother for this. I'd say they're about average youth but that's more of a judgement on the parents in the world today and not the kids. If you let a kid sit around a stare at a TV all day or play video games, guess what they're going to want to do when they have some freedom? If you get them active, explore different activities and create a "culture" of physical activity, that's what they'll gravitate to when they have more freedom.


All blame rests on the shoulders of parents. People are doing a shitty job of raising their kids nowadays and they are trying to make someone else do all the work for them, whether it be schoolteachers, TV, videogames, etc. Parents need to man the f*uck up and do their jobs.
^ These two are correct. It's hard as hell to change them once they are set in their ways also. I've been battling this all summer...

One thing is for sure though. I know that the two we have full time here are going to be very well off in the future, especially against everyone else they will be competing with. Teach yours good, teach them well, and watch them exceed everyones expectations (as everyone will be used morons). I just hope my two kids can give my other two good jobs. [Beer]

[airborneranger]

My girls are nothing like that.

[bogie]

They seem to fit the mold for the kids I see that age. My nephew acts like a little effing brat too and wines constantly. He's about 8. I know its the fault of his parents.. my inlaws.. They coddle all of their kids. He gets whatever he wants, lies constantly, beats up on his younger sisters. I'm not against home schooling but its not doing him any favors. Hell I learned more riding the bus than I did at school like not talking back to that big headbanger oaf that sat in the small back seat on the bus... He just needs a little tough love from the parents and a bloody nose from another kid to set him straight.

I agree with Jim. Take them out and work them if they are gonna be little $hits. I lived and prayed for the times I got to spend with my dad and uncles going fishing and shooting. A lot of these parents are setting our country up for a real butt hurt when these little brats grow up.

Now I feel better that I've bashed on little kids. That's all.

[spencerhenry]

it is 100% parenting.

i am 41, and do not have kids. but almost all of my friends do. some are well behaved good little people, and some are all the things you dont want in a kid. it is all in the discipline.

[Uberjager]

At the age of 4, I killed an elk with my pappie's .45-90, and at the age of 5 my kindergarten teacher Ms. Browne and I made passionate love repeatedly. By the age of 6 I was a true gentlemen, this was in the fall of '15, I drank, smoked, and womanized, but I always had respect for my elders and always said, "please", "thank you", and "sir" or "ma'am".

Obviously none of the above is true, but I find the concept of newer generations bringing the world to hell laughable. Some of the oldest graffiti found in Ancient Greece and Rome complains about kids being too immature and too disrespectful. Lest we forget this quote by Socrates: "The children now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for
authority, they show disrespect to their elders.... They no longer
rise when elders enter the room. They contradict their parents,
chatter before company, gobble up dainties at the table, cross their
legs, and are tyrants over their teachers."

[bogie]

At the age of 4, I killed an elk with my pappie's .45-90, and at the age of 5 my kindergarten teacher Ms. Browne and I made passionate love repeatedly. By the age of 6 I was a true gentlemen, this was in the fall of '15, I drank, smoked, and womanized, but I always had respect for my elders and always said, "please", "thank you", and "sir" or "ma'am".

I thought you were leading into the Most Interesting Man in the World.

[eneranch]

At the age of 4, I killed an elk with my pappie's .45-90, and at the age of 5 my kindergarten teacher Ms. Browne and I made passionate love repeatedly. By the age of 6 I was a true gentlemen, this was in the fall of '15, I drank, smoked, and womanized, but I always had respect for my elders and always said, "please", "thank you", and "sir" or "ma'am".


Sounds like a Dos Equis commercial [Beer]

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT7LeGztEx5AeSdM6fBGlgWykD-tqZ1jBiaLC1AWnWT4khIENdpfw

[lpgasman]

I would guess your brother doesn't spend much time with them? My 8yr old loves to shoot, in some cases he is a better shot than me. He still plays his psp, but he would rather hang out with dad. We are going to the gun show today, he will be all over that:)

[Ridge]

I tried to get them to go outside and play multiple times with out any luck whatsoever.

I guess you missed this week's ongoing coverage on the 24 hour news networks of a little child from wherethefuckever, USA being abducted out of their front yard and how the only way children can be safe is to stay inside.

[GilpinGuy]

Right after breakfast when we were kids, mom would say "I'll call you when lunch is ready. Go play outside."

After lunch, mom would say "I'll call you when dinner is ready. Go play outside."

We were outside constantly fishing, building forts, playing wiffle ball, putting miles and miles on our bikes, etc. I don't remember any of the kids in the neighborhood being fat either. I wonder why.

[Ridge]

^All that stuff is also illegal now :)

[Mazin]

I'm 31 as well and can't believe the gap in integrity and quality of MY OWN generation compared to my grandfathers'.

Kids today, forget it I don't want to live in their world. Their culture is warped, our own skills as parents are lacking (I don't have kids but every one of my friends who does coddles theirs like they've already won a gold medal).

Agree 100% and I'm 32

[speedysst]

My 5 year old niece wants a pink .22 for her birthday! My brother is teaching them (2 girls) while they are young about firearm safety so even they'd rather play with dolls, they know how NOT to handle a gun.

[hatidua]

I'm 45 & don't have kids (that shiny new vasectomy is holding for now), yet like many who have posted above, most of our friends/neighbors do have children. Some of the kids are very polite and well behaved young people whereas others are coddled to the point where the smallest thing will cause them to throw an absolute fit.

Corporal punishment seems to be a thing relegated to generations past, being replaced by "time out's". None of the children in my neighborhood, regardless of age, seem to have any household duties (taking the trash out, mowing the lawn, washing the car, etc.), there are hired hands for the menial aspects of life to buffer the spawn from lowering themselves.

For a few people I know, video games and computers have become the easy option for keeping their kids occupied - less costly than a babysitter or au pair. As I was an adult before those games really took hold, I don't have a grasp on their appeal but they seem to be quite irresistible to many folks.

[DD977GM2]

It's your brother and his wife's fault your nephews are video game heads and Whitney babies. Same thing happens to me with my nephews on my side and my wife's side. It's a shame and no amour of correcting will change their upbringing.

[Whistler]

If you hung around our house growing up Mom would find something for you to do. After school we disappeared until dark building forts and tunnels, catching Water Moccasins to sell for hat bands, having wars with flaming catapult "bombs", "experimenting" with black powder, bow hunting rabbits. Just normal kid stuff.

[ben4372]

I was listening to a program about the current generation not being excited to drive. I brought home a gokart for my nephew and he was hardly exited. I would have blown someone to have an uncle like me.

[Ronin13]

Ugh, I hate this crap! My cousin has a 7 year old son, luckily the only thing she does right with raising this boy is get him into playing outdoors or into sports... that's it. He's a little shit and undisciplined brat to say the least. He is a fighter but a pussy, he'll play fight and not know that you can't go 100%, so when he hits me a little harder than he should, I give him a shot back at about 40% and then he starts crying. He also hits his dog and I always threaten that I'm going to knock him out next time he does... [Bang]

[jackthewall81]

I was listening to a program about the current generation not being excited to drive. I brought home a gokart for my nephew and he was hardly exited. I would have blown someone to have an uncle like me.

I'll blow someone for a Gokart...


I meant to say ill blow up someone's balloon for a Gokart.

[brianut]

as stated the blame or responsibility falls to the parents.
My wife and I (both 35) have 2 kids, 5 and 8 and we work our asses off to do our best to make sure they grow up to be good people.
Is it hard? does it suck always having to keep them in check? yes.
but it is our Job as their parents to make sure they grow up to contribute to society in a positive way.

It feels good when people say how well behaved and mannered our children are.
A lot of people say we are too hard on them and to relax and let them be, many expect them to behave bad, biggest problem is that my kids are way better than most and if they get a bit out of line and I need to snap them into place, sometimes we get looks, comments of " oh they are fine" from friends, but it is my job and my expectation of behavior they have to live up to.
I remember hating my parents at times for the things they did(not that bad) but respect them now as an adult for doing it, makes me who I am.

Parents now days are trying to be friends with their kids instead of parenting. Proper parenting will result in your kid being able to have fun with you and still be your "friend" in a more truer sense.

the kids not wanting to drive baffles me.

My neighbors kid, 16, no desire to get his license. I dont get that. I was doing everything I could to be mobile at that age, he is content with just watching tv all day.

sad

[josh7328]

Really kids don't want to drive? WOW! Do they just expect to bum off of other people all the time?
My home has all of zero video game systems. We do, however, have kayaks, fishing poles, hiking gear, scuba gear etc...... I don't want my daughter to become the uneducated, lazy, screen-glued kid that so many families see as the norm now.

[jreifsch80]

it's funny because my 4 year old daughter already wants to drive haha and she already wants a pink and purple ak74 and her own mosin nagant. my wife can coddle her at times but she knows that no means no and that when she's disobedient she will be scolded accordingly

[revor]

I'm 52, as kids we were outside during nearly all daylight hours. Unless of course it was raining ro 20 below, in which case we stay out only half that time...
As a parent I have had to learn and understand all of this stuff kids do today.
You can't make the phone/Internet/games away, it's a huge part of their world. we can only plead moderation and make rules that reflect that.

We have always kept out kids busy in YMCA sports, swimming classes in the summer , all that just keep them busy! So at one point I was quite worried alot about my son, who it seemed at one time was addicted to gaming, that was 4 years ago. He was getting a little thick. I didn't press it though (based on my wifes brillient input) We just sorta continued on the path of moderation with some parental suggestion and steering. So this year he'll be a Junior in high school, Last year he lettered as a Wide Reciever, he has lettered both previous years in academics. Most of his classes are Honors with a few AP classes tossed in, he has numerous department awards. He has always been active on the Basketball team, Football of course and Track. Last years GPA was 4.6. He has a Job, works out and seems to be a very safe driver.
This kid has a lot of screen time, I'm not bragging I'm just saying if you control the screen time, get them busy in one activity and be a parent Video games, TV etc can be fine. We like to challenge them "I think you should be the star WR on your team!!"

I have a 12 YO Daughter who doesn't game but loves the TV. Her day Starts at 6:45 when she walks to the pool for Swim Team practice, when that's done she has a little break and then it's a few hours of Junior lifesaving and swim coach aide training.
Sunday at meet she got first in the 200 I.M! A couple of thirds and a second rounded out the day. When School starts, she'll go nuts in Volleyball and Gold Crown Basketball starts soon as well (I love to watch her play B Ball!). She's on the same path as her brother and they both have a lot of screen time.
Both are fit as a fiddle too.
If parent's are parents, thing usually work out fine, if you want to be your kids friend or are too busy to get 'em out there you can have problems.

[josh7328]

it's funny because my 4 year old daughter already wants to drive haha and she already wants a pink and purple ak74 and her own mosin nagant.
Hell yeah!