Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce for August 09, 2013

vwdualnomand Regarding your comment yesterday: Wondering what you think is wrong with telling a child that he or she is special, a winner, to respect their elders, follow their dreams, and also give them advice about bullies and strangers, etc. Since you called these types of comments “lies WE tell kids”, you must be an adult. What advice do YOU give?

Now your comment regarding teenagers is very interesting. I consider the teen years of my children rather non-stressful other than their smoking of marijuana. I tried to be honest with them and I guess it paid off because I think they grew into awesome people. We had the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus but I drew the line at the tooth fairy because I wasn’t paying (money we didn’t have) for a naturally occurring event. The world did not stop turning when they found out the truth and I believed in the spirit of Santa and Bunny and we went to church and all was good. I imparted to them that one of the worst things they could do was lie. Many a time I’ve said, “Thank you for telling me the truth. I don’t like it, but I appreciate knowing the truth.” And they were never punished for it and we worked it from there.

His gram is just like nate’s Dad

This comments section turned from a bunch of children with inane comments like “first” to a deep psychological discussion about how to raise said children. Sheesh.

I, for one, liked it.

Agreed Teddy.

She probably gives out “treats” on Halloween night that Marty would approve of…….Snark! SNARK!!

GORP is better (good old raisins and peanuts).

Gosh, sometimes the comment section takes on a life of its own.--And, yes, I did praise my children for work well done when it was so. One of my daughter’s first sewing projects was a hoody. I pointed out all she did well and the one area that wasn’t perfect I said it would get better with practice. She is now a fashion designer.

Never said lie to your children, be personally dishonest in any situation, make them think they are superior to others, that I agree with participation trophies, or would lead anyone to believe they are just going to be handed something without earning it. Or to tell “Little Johnny” he is good at something if he isn’t.Basically was saying you better be encouraging and edifying in how you talk to your kids and you better TALK TO YOUR KIDS! And make sure they know he/she is special to you.Why some teens are difficult to deal with is a really deep subject, but I personally believe it has a whole lot to do with the breakdown of the family and values in general. Without getting deeply into Judeo-Christian values—that’s what much of what the “founding fathers” based the government on.

wow

It really depends what “special” means in this case. Everyone is different, but no one is more special than anyone else.

my gram gave me some P.O.O.P peanut oatmeal omlet andpistachio

Poll: what is the best food acronym?