What have you learnt over the years to help the younger generation

**homesteadmamma** · 09-15-2002, 10:28 PM

or would they listen to you should you give the advice?

I've learnt so much over the years and yet when I want to help our older kids so they don't make the same mistakes, they laugh and hardly listen. They want to do their own thing rather than take advise and so I let them.

Its difficult at times though because having gone through some difficulties getting to my age, I'd love for them not to have to go through the same thing.

What have you learnt over the years that would help the younger generation?

**captclearance** · 09-16-2002, 12:52 AM

I would say to no avail.... "Listen to your Mother" Then they would say "What did you say??? " My Mother said to me once "You ask for my money and my advise, but all you ever take is my money" She was right, my loss, I took a lot of bumps on the head as a result..........

**KathiS** · 09-16-2002, 04:38 AM

Our children sure don't take advantage of our wisdom!!! LOL

!I guess they are just like DH and I were when we were young. We had to learn everything on our own and take our own bumps. So basically, I have learned to stay out of their business unless asked. Then I mostly listen!

**Katybird** · 05-01-2003, 09:38 PM

I would advice my children to appreciate the years when their children are young. They are grown so fast, it seems like you look once and they are in elementry school and playing with Barbies and matchbox cars and the next time you look they are getting ready for graduation and planning their own futures. The time just sifts through our fingers. I miss having little kids.

**heavensent_7** · 05-01-2003, 10:55 PM

I haven't learnt much - I kept on and on making the same mistakes, so I try not to advise my kids too much either. It hurts to watch them when they are hurting but I believe life is the very best teacher.

I wrote a poem once to mine and here is a 'part' of it (I hope you don't mind?) but this is what I think:

Experience can make us hard,
when it should make us wise,
people can be bitter,
then no-one gets 'the prize'.

When kindness is meant,
sometimes there's pain,
and some will give,
if there's something to gain.

Always try to love others,
In life do your best,
be confident that YOU are good
don't worry about the rest.

Don't revenge on those who hurt you,
Don't gain at another's cost,
Don't befriend evil,
Don't harp on things lost.

Forgive others for their downfalls,
There is no-one without fault,
learn hope and love and charity,
It is virtue that should be sought.

Hate greed and envy and malice,
Lust for that which is good,
Know you have always done your best,
and then you have done all you could.

And when you look back at this life of yours,
with it's trouble and it's woe,
practise some things I taught to you,
and remember I love you so.

**captclearance** · 05-01-2003, 11:04 PM

That is beautiful Bev !!!!!!!!! How I love your poems !!!!!!!

I am no poet, no philosopher either........
I have learned and tried to teach my children,
that the only renewable resource is the human experience.
It should be improving with each new generation.

**SewCrafty** · 05-02-2003, 08:38 AM

That is beautiful Bev!!

I don't have children, but many nieces and nephews. One of my nephews was having a hard time a couple of years ago and wanted to leave home and school. I took him aside and CALMLY (not my screaming sister) spoke to him and made him see both the pros and cons of doing this. Well, I guess I made him think because he stayed at home for the next two years even though just recently he has gone to live with his step-dad. But the good thing is, he is still in school.

Anyway, I guess not having children myself I have more patience probably because I don't have to deal with them on a day to day basis.

**captclearance** · 05-02-2003, 10:00 AM

Sounds like you gave some very good advice Diana, I think we all parent children, even nieces and nephews.... I really does take a village..... I correct the ones walking in front of my house........
"HEY !!!!!!!! I don't think your Mother would like to hear you talking like that !!!!!!!!!!"

**duckduckgoose007** · 05-02-2003, 10:36 PM

I would say"Do not give any advise" They don't really want it, They only want someone to listen to them." Even though there are times I do not follow this, alas, then I am in the Dog-house again! Oh well--it is a nice Dog-house

**duckduckgoose007** · 05-02-2003, 10:39 PM

Great Poem Bev

**captclearance** · 05-02-2003, 11:11 PM

Oh No Liz !!!!!!!!!!! Sweetie Dede didn't want your advice ????????

**gemmbp** · 05-03-2003, 02:00 PM

The best advice I could give is what I learned from my grandma..She said the best gift you can give your child is to allow them to make their own mistakes,then pick themselves up. Our job is to be there next to them,and make sure we let them know we care enough to let them do it themselves.

**Renie** · 05-30-2003, 03:47 PM

This is a good question. There are so many things, in looking back that I would have done differently. But, like others I never listened to my mother and kids today don't listen any better than I did. I quess they have to learn my their own mistakes. If I had to advise them of anything it would be to get their education before they start a family, Try to deal fairly with others, and I would hope they have learned something from how they were raised.

**panzypatch** · 06-05-2003, 11:00 AM

I have learned to keep my mouth shut re unsolicited advice.
If I am asked my opinion I try to be tactful. My children have wonderful spouses and my grandkids are turning out to be loving and caring.{also, they have all disaster looking bedrooms]