I personally, felt pressured just reading the articles about the expectations of young women these days, especially teenagers, so I can't imagine what it is like for most of the girls. It is no wonder so many teenagers are struggling so much. What is expected of them sexually within their age group horrified me. They are starting from such an early age (11 and upwards?) and it seems without too much respect for themselves at all. The cigarette behind the cricket shed on the oval in my day has now been replaced by oral sex with many teachers reporting that this is happening on a regular basis. It seems less and less they are thinking of themselves first and it seems they are struggling with peer pressure and conforming to "Requirements of popularity" more than ever before. I thought society was trying to teach them to be self loving and independent so what I have learnt to be the truth seems to defy all of that. It also seems that teenagers in general have little or no inhibitions at all and this acceptable to their friends especially. It seems self respect went out the window with Facebook and text messaging - especially images. This has made me even more determined to instil the morals of respect for all women so much more with my own boys.
Today I am more grateful than ever to be the mother of boys (which at times also isn't easy to say the least). I have to admit I am not sure how I would cope raising girls. I would love to hear from any parent that can tell me a different story when it comes to our children and the truth about what is happening in their lives. I hear now that it doesn't matter too much if the opposite sex is there or not and many girls opt for the same sex if need be without batting an eyelid. Needless to say all of this has left me confused and with an overwhelming feeling of naivety. Is this really the truth?
Working full time, spending weekends doing the housework and for the rest of the time trying to fit in something that resembles actually having a life, I realised I haven't spent as much time as I would like taking in the transformation of our world as we know it.
Weeks go by and other than work, sometimes it feels like my only exposure to the real world is a trip to get the petrol. I don't even grocery shop any more. Sometimes more expensive I know, but the convenience of shopping on line and having it delivered to your door far outweighs the time and effort taken struggling with rude inconsiderate people, long cues and screaming toddlers (Well most of the time). I think the Technology we are now offered assists people more and more to become a recluse and only deal with the REAL world when they really have to. Unfortunately this ensures you may become out of touch with reality. But then again what is reality now?
Have you noticed that our world now seems to revolve around food, much more so in recent years than ever before or maybe it's just that I haven't paid enough attention. We are constantly told what to eat, what not to eat, how to grow it, how to cook it, what can kill you and what can help you. That too is an issue for me as my diet or lack of, leaves alot to be desired. Regretfully,I have fallen too many times into the trap of getting something on the table, not necessarily the most appropriate meals in any way to ensure more time for other things. This concerns me and I promise myself every week to try and make more of an effort but its seems tiredness and lethargy always gets in the way. Understandably it's a catch 22 isn't it?
At one time we all thought that the measurement of success was the amount of money you made and the things you accumulated along the way. As the saying goes "He who dies with the most toys wins!".Overall and sadly, this hasn't changed too much its just that now the things we accumulate are less (in an attempt to live minimalistically) but each item purchased is just more expensive. Many families struggle these days to maintain the amount to just cover the bills, so less and less is spent on holidays and items that we now consider luxuries in life. I myself had my first real holiday in 10 years last year. Another perk of being a single parent. - no extra funds available to enjoy life the way you would like to. I have also noticed there are many more suicides now in relation to marriage separation and the pressures of financial stability for families. The pressure seems so huge for everyone.
For our children, social pressure begins and effects them long before the financial pressures kick in so I often wonder what sort of adults these children will be later in life. What can you suggest to help our children and encourage them to still retain self respect and respect for all others whilst battling the daily pressures that life in general delivers them?
On the up side I think we all have the ability to make our lives bearable. I think the secret to this is to try to worry less and make time for ourselves outside of all these tremendous responsibilities. By doing this our kids will learn the importance of this long before we ever did. We can certainly set an example for them without feeling selfish. I think it is essential for self preservation if nothing else. I would appreciate any suggestion you have in regard to this. What is your favourite time out?
What have you noticed about the changes in our world that you like or dislike?
