When reflecting on Charlotte Temple and relating it to modern day times, I think that we see this a lot today. For example, there is always that kid that growing up their parents are really uptight and shelter their children as much as they can to think that they are protecting them, but as soon as they can they rebel in as many ways as possible. I am not saying that this happens all the time but we do see it a lot.
I can see how it must be difficult for parents to raise their children especially in today's society. I think it is a tough position to find balance between discipline and trying to teach kids between right and wrong without trying to deprive children of feeling like they can still make their own choices.
I think it is just importance to find balance because if we look a lot of television stars and how they have barely any limitations on anything they are exposed to so much at such a young age. For example, a much talked about issue recently is Jamie Lynn Spears' pregnancy. We can see that her sister was also exposed to so much at a young age that eventually led to her breaking down in front of national television. Through a lot of this we don't see much parental protection through these situations.
On the other side of things, I have some friends who all through high school their parents held them on a tight leash for so long that as soon as they got to college they went crazy. So like I said, I think it is all about a balance and it is important that parents show their children the right amount of attention and love. As far as protecting children from a "treacherous heart," the best thing parents can do is hope for the best and caution their children and be firm in disciplining but through love. Also that parents not be push-overs to others or their kids and that they teach their children to have a strong voice of opinion and not be afraid to stand up for themselves because we see what happened to Charlotte by never really making decisions.
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3 comments:
I completely agree with the points you made in your entry, particularly your last line about teaching children how to make positive choices. As we saw in the reading, Charlotte Temple doesn't exercise decision-making. Her parents loved and wished to protect her, but I have a feeling that the fictional Charlotte grew up in a home and society in which choices were made for her. Thus, when seduced by Montraville and tempted by La Rue, she doesn't know how to say--and stick to--the word no. I think that parents today should be careful to instill good values in their children and allow them opportunities to base their decisions on those values.
Everyone seems to be saying about the same thing in their posts - that in the end, there's no 100% sure way to keep your children safe from a seducer and betrayal. I think what you said about the balance of protection and freedom is important. With the protection, the kids know that their parents care and emphasize safety, and with the freedom, the kids know their parents trust them to make good decisions. If they happen to make a wrong one, they are able to learn from their mistakes.
I agree. I don't think there's always a for sure, perfect way to raise your children. I think that the trick is compromise. It's finding the happy medium where parents still get their points across and still raise their children to be great adults, but also where the child doesn't resent their parents once they grow up. I'm sure parenting is hard for everyone, but everyone's different so I guess you just have to find your way of doing things.
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