yes, otb...I saw that earlier on the ABC site.

I think, however, that rehctub is not so concerned about "over-involved parenting styles that have emerged in the past two decades”.

.....more likely from those of a middle-class background.

He's more concerned about under-involved parenting styles.

Problem being (as far as that article is concerned) that children are over-indulged and cossetted, driven here and there and deposited in organised activity.

(keeping in mind we're a "consumer society" where conspicuous consumption rules.....we're raised from the cradle to consume. Every facet of our education system and lifestyle is geared to promote that reality)

There is no room left for spontaneity in children's social roles in modern Australia...and if they are left to their own devices, our communities lack the cohesion and interaction that were features of earlier generations. Once was a time that children could roam around a neighbourhood - people knew each other, and were in many cases related. If Johnny committed a misdemeanor several blocks from home, he'd be chastised and delivered back to his parents - or at least news of his misdemeanor would be.

Challenges of the modern West, where autonomy, independence and individuality rule - at the expense of healthy communal relations.

My daughter-in-law has a toddler who
we're very concerned about and I would
love to buy the book that OTB has recommended.
It sounds ideal - and we've been trying to
get the message across to her and our son for
some time. However, I hesitate - because the
last time we tried talking to both of them -
they became highly offended.

Any advice?

Should I just buy the book - or stay out of it?

"...was meant to convey that that was the fare of the poorer members of society - especially those who found themselves in the hastily concocted urban conglomerations at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution - who didn't have the time, knowledge or access to more wholesome preparations."

We are not living in the industrial revolution anymore.

Far too many people today want to constantly look to the past (like even John Howard or Julia Gillard) and not towards a positive future or a solution.

Taking a negative approach to living doesn't help anybody - nor complaining on behalf of somebody else. I would even suggest visiting a Library (an historical institution still in use in 2014) as there are free books to borrow and internet available - regardless of a person's financial situation.

As I said from the start of my post: "I was really impressed with what was suggested (re my medical situation) thanking (my Neurologist). I said I was was really impressed with the fact that we have so many intelligent specialists here.

People need to consider the only way to overcome one desire is through a greater desire displacing the previous one. This is something to think about and take action upon in all parts of our lives to get action going today.

What a great thread Nathan! Yes, Australians complain a lot. And blame others. We are constantly being told we are in a dire state, a crisis no less. It's bleak, bleak, bleak.

We are made to believe Mining companies are going to leave Australia if they are made to pay a reasonable tax on profits for instance, so we cannot raise revenue from them, which is the biggest con of course. The carbon tax had to go, though hearing Helen Ridout on Q&A last Monday, this price signaling is not as hated by business as Liberal voters have been led to believe. We cancel price signals for some, but not others. Interesting isn't it?

It all comes down to how to raise revenue. To raise money to pay for services. That's what we have governments for, to provide an environment and opportunities for its citizens to reach their highest potential. That's good for the individual and good for that nation's society.

Otb. It's embarrassing how personal you become when you disagree. Emotional name-calling is not a rebuttal. Neither is alluding to 'affirmative action' going to diminish weight to someone's argument. We have a few emotional 'conservatives' on this forum, but you always resort to ad hominems.

Foxy, on that book. Don't buy it. But a book I can really recommend, my kids loved it and so do adults, is 'the virtues project'. A great book that can be used throughout the child's growing years. It's the only 'parenting' book I used. I can give you more info if you want.

Nathan,

I was using it as a "comparison".

I would suggest "visiting a Library"...I'm all for "personal human interaction" as well as online interaction.

.....

Foxy,

What's you concern?

Parental "spoiling" or some kind of developmental issue?

lol!...if it's developmental issue, then parents do become offended quite easily. Our youngun started reading fluently at 4 - and had only started talking 22 months earlier.

Kindy teacher said perhaps ASD...etc.

I thought "who do you think you are?" :)

Eventually did my own research and harassed Paed for referral.

Yup...high functioning ASD....but since we homeschool, he's fine - no meds, well adjusted, bright and happy.

Regarding spoiling - a bit of delayed gratification does wonders...took son 7 months to save up for an ipad...using his pocket money. Great stuff, as he values it so much.

(He's itching to go back to the city so he can go to the State Record Archives - as he's a History buff.)

Dear Yvonne,

Could you supply me with all the details of the
book you recommend - author, title, et cetera.
I'd be very interested in
taking a look at it in a bookshop.
Your recommendation is good enough for me.

Dear Poirot,

Our grandson is only young - he's going to be two in
December. However he's very, very, spoiled - (has more toys
than any toyshop). All he has to do is open his mouth
and cry - and he gets everything he wants. We feel
that they are teaching the child bad habits.
I keep thinking - give it a rest Gran - he's only a
baby - but deep down I am worried.