But who's counting?

There's one job that most of us have that we are not taught the how's, why's and what for's.  There are thousands of books written on the subject.  Some based on theory supported by research, testimonials, etc. etc., others based on educated guesswork or religious beliefs. 

We don't apply for this job...there are no qualifications that must be met...no right or wrong answers to a specific pre-job questionnaire.  Any man who has fertile sperm can be one...as can any woman with fertile eggs.  No, that isn't right.  Let's replace the terminology man and woman with male and female...there's a definite difference.   As a matter of fact, the job is so easy to get that there is an entire industry committed to avoiding it.  There are probably as many books written on prevention, as there is positive support.

There's no minimum wage, no advancement, no supervision, no white collar/blue collar, no marketing, no advertising, no retirement, no pre-determined awards, no taxes...and, NO QUITTING! 

If ever there was OJT, this is the epitome of it.   Though it's the most important job a person could hold, it's the most difficult to sustain.  Unfortunately, more often than not society does not place the emphasis needed on this job yet the ultimate outcome being the most crucial known to man...the evolution of mankind.

I know I need not go further...I know you knew what we're talking about from the get go.  Parenting is the most important job we'll ever hold.  As we near Mother's Day and Father's Day, it comes to mind that we need to get real.  Now don't get me wrong, we should be thankful to our parents.  As a matter of fact, if we know we're thankful we should be thankful to them that we do.  Get it? 

I believe there should be  a stronger emphasis on family and instead of differentiating Mother's Day / Father's Day how about Parent's Day and/or Family Day.  Divorce of parents should be hard to get...the job is hard enough for two parents together let alone if they're apart.  But that's a whole different topic.

However, we need to look in the mirror!  Do we take accountability seriously?  Is putting brand name clothes on our kids, sending them to the very best schools, raising them in the biggest house, providing them with a car at 16 or providing them a cell phone so they can be just like everyone else more important than being there for them.  Industry is raising our children!  It raised mine!  Day care, television, technology...they did most of the parenting.  Now the pharmaceutical companies are in the game...BIG TIME!  Now, I'm not really up on everything when it comes to the various disorders that chemicals can help our kids with; but, I do know if a kid needs a pill to get thru the day and then a pill to sleep thru the night, it scares me to death. 

We grandparents don't get off the hook either!  If hindsite is 20/20, then we all need glasses!  Our eyes may be blurred, our joints may ache, our minds may even be getting feeble, but we are still accountable.  The day we took the job we became accountable for life.

Now the big question...who are we accountable to?  I believe accountability is personal.  We must hold ourselves accountable.  Those of us who have "been  there done that" should take a good look at our good and bad  and share it with our own children who are now parents.  We should listen to those who have "been there done that" and learn from their mistakes. 

I remember my parents...even my parents' parents...saying "what's the world coming to" and shaking   their heads.  Well, I say "what's the world coming to and what can I do about it?"  But who's counting?