And today, with my blog hanging out of my mouth, I demonstrated just how human I could be. I had to apologize to teen for something. Hopefully, I can be slow to anger and quick to forgive. That's the best I can do as I am still learning and growing too.

jhnsn, yes! They learn by watching us. We live the example of what we expect from them.

Rebbeca, that also is a great motto! I do believe in that as well, to an extent. This is my Pholsiphy on Raising Children :

Children need to learn gratitude. One primary object of their gratitude should be their parents -- who gave them the gift of life and cared for them since birth. The gratitude is due even if the parents didn't do the best job.

On a social level, respect for authority is one of the pillars that society is built on. Building respect for parents at home enables children to accept and respect authority in school, in the workplace, and in society. Despite the fact that authority today is not always worthy of our respect, we still need to teach children respect -- or we contribute further to the moral decay of society.

I can see from the many blogs you write, and I truly enjoy reading them, that you are a very commented Mother to your children. As I am to mine. I Just wish I had the income to home school them as you do. I envy that... in a good way!

When I was a little girl I can remember a few times trying to back talk towards my parents. Keep in mind my parents had never raised a hand to me as a child and I have tried some pretty wild things growing up. But, my point is my parents never physically discipline me for talking back, they explained to me that whether I agreed or disagree with their decision, I was not to speak to them in a manner such as back talk. It was absolute disrespect to the character of them. If I would like to discuss the decision, we could do so at a time when all have calmed down and can see things more rationally. And surprisingly, this does work. I do the same thing on my children to date. Children need us to be hard on them and to be pushy to them at times. It helps them to become a stronger wiser Adult. And they will thank you for stopping them at times and not allowing disrespectful manners from them. I know I am thankful that my parents did such things to me, for the better of my life towards society and the ones closest to me.

Vizzini. LOL

jhnsn, that's a good motto. I also like "children learn what they live." Though, thinking about "nature vs nurture" I wonder how much of that actually has more to do with nature. What is your take on that?

OK, aside from what this blog is about, I have to comment on the allowing of back talk to a parent/ADULT! I always TRY to live off the motto... "To each their own", However.... I must jump in here on this particular circumstance!

To allow back talk from a CHILD to me is just shocking. WHY would you allow this?! To me, that is not a form of expression for a child to back talk their parent. It is Disrespect. How do you EVER expect them to respect other adult's if you allow them to disrespect YOU in that way?! You say he respects YOU! This really just makes me very curious as to why a parent would allow something like that. Yes, you do have the right to raise your child how you choose! BUT.................................IDK!

My point really, I would never force my views on my child. PERIOD! I always allow my children to express themselves in MANY different ways, BUT, BACK TALK....NEEEVVVERRRR....this really is just inconceivable to me...I am sorry if I am being so blunt, I just don't understand!
I would love your explanation on this!

Ringer, there was a stage, I guess around 12, when it all seemed to backfire. I remember thinking "what have I done?" But, that had more to do with ME than it did with HIM. I needed to work on MY patience and he on his delivery. He's more respectful and respectable at 17 than he was at 12 - we both are.

Rebecca...{patt'n u on the back} EXCELLENT parenting. I COMPLETLELY agree with whats written and also allow my kids to "back-talk" ME!

If I would have "back talked" my Mother or Father in my house I would have gotten "popped" in the mouth.

I decided - real quick- after the delivery of my first child to change that rule! And, I've always allowed him to "express" his opinion in a "respectful"- agree to dis-agree - harmless way...
He has grown into a great young man and I am proud of who he is. More importantly, he RESPECTS me!

Great job - Good post!

the problem is not the code...it is the enforcement equal to all???

thats' the question

I do not use VISD facilities. I think, according to what I have read, that homeschoolers would be exempt from the dress code when taking a course on the campus. I don't agree with that, but it seems to be the case here. We don't look as sharp as the Duggers but without trying we look conservative enough. ;)

your child supports the idea. But you don't? Let them enjoy thier best years. The changes seem just tighting up the interpretation of length, style or art.

Listen if I throw a tourny and you dont conform to the rules you dont enter and/or your kid loses out due to a parents perspectives oh how it should be run, etc.

I too like a kid to think out of the box. It is ok to agree to disagree. But you want kids to speak thier mind but to agree with you. Now when they stand up to you, lets say there is an issue. 2 standards, eh?

do you use VISD facilities?

I am very ignorant as to what a uniform code is. Can you explain? Thank you!

Rebecca, the VISD dress code is not a uniform code. I think it will go well and tweeking for the 1st few weeks may make it even better.

As for home school kids I strongly believe if you go to a VISD event, facility or class you should have your home schooled student dressed per stated policy. Period. you think?