PARENTS: Standing up for their kids

I wanted to ignore the letter from Julia Potee, a Junior High School teacher who was responding to Faith Normington’s letter, but I decided I just couldn’t let this go. Julia says that Faith’s letter was “utterly ridiculous” and showed that some parents sheltered their children too much. Really, is it sheltering your children to stand up for the decline in decency and morality that has seemingly become the norm in our society?

Julia mentioned that children hear more cuss words in the hallways at school than they do at Scarywood. Why would foul language be so prevalent in our schools? Why is it allowed? Not that many years ago students would have been disciplined for that. Maybe if parents wouldn’t “shelter” their children from the consequences of bad behavior they might learn what is acceptable and what isn’t.

Actually, I am surprised that someone who is teaching our children would find this acceptable. The moral compass in this country has become skewed. I love Silverwood and I’m happy that we have such a quality amusement park in our area. I have not attended Scarywood, because I really don’t enjoy being scared. I do find it sad though that they would feel it is necessary to have exhibits of the kinds I have read are included.

Not seeing this myself, I cannot address them. But Julia’s chiding Faith’s concerns does bother me, for her to “shame” her for being a responsible parent is alarming. I would think that a teacher would appreciate a parent who actually wants to protect her child and others from things that are inappropriate. To say they can make a choice and opt out of the places that are objectionable is not realistic. She knows as well as I about peer pressure, or being caught up in a moment. How much better it would be to just not have something like that.

There are plenty of ways to scare people without using bad language or using X-rated themes. That being said, it is impossible to shield our children from everything bad that is out there. I really wish we could. Children are growing up much too fast. Julia spoke about “innocent” people who look forward to this wonderful event each year. It is hard to remain “innocent” when your innocence is taken from you much too soon.

SUE ANDERSON

Post Falls