tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662171249638416805.post7660957529524416966..comments2024-03-16T05:34:13.675-07:00Comments on The Commercial Curmudgeon: Here's a better idea: Parent your freaking bratsJohn F Jamelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351383534436377360noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662171249638416805.post-32008246212940406532015-05-12T15:51:41.276-07:002015-05-12T15:51:41.276-07:00I really hate the message of ads like these: that ...I really hate the message of ads like these: that if you don't do something as a parent to make sure you are helicoptering over your children 24 hours a day and monitoring their every move, they are going to engage in hellishly unacceptable and undisciplined behavior the second they are out of your sight.<br /><br />It is not supposed to be that way. You're supposed to train your kids how to behave so that they will do it even when you are NOT there to make them mind you. So that you can take them out into the rest of the world and trust they will not destroy it if you turn your head for a second.<br /><br />The message of this ad is that such a feat is impossible, so your only solution to taking a trip with your children is to be sure you never have to take your eyes off them to do anything else. You know, like put gas in the car.<br /><br />Is that why we didn't act like hellions when we were on trips as kids? Because gas-station attendants still pumped gas back then? I don't think so. More like "You kids better behave or I'm leaving you behind at the gas station and not coming back. And it's not a gas station with a convenience store like the ones that will exist when you are adults. It's just a GAS STATION with oil and windshield wipers and air filters and a crummy restroom that hasn't been cleaned in decades. You are not going to like it. So shape up or you're getting left there."<br /><br />We behaved.Morning Kvetchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12212725744949084479noreply@blogger.com