Thankfully my parents weren't helicopters!

By STEVE KNOX   Saturday, January 16, 2010 - 1:26 p.m.

Some in the millennial generation are dealing "helicopter parents." Those parents that just won't let go.  If the college grade isn't good enough the parent will storm in and demand an explanation from the professor. If Joe or Jane didn’t get the job interview, mom calls and demands the employer re-read their resume. I'm not making this up. It really happens!

Parents of Generation X kids weren't that way. Mine weren't at least. With me it was trial and error. If I didn't make Little League my parents didn't call and curse the coach.  I just had to suck it up.  If I wanted to drive the car my grade average was a factor. I didn't meet expectations one semester and my driving privileges were yanked.

Today, everyone wins. It seems like tryouts are formalities.  Sure, it's instant gratification but are lessons being learned?  Are we going soft?  I'm not advocating spanking or harsh punishment.  Just consequences.  Real life.  

Are Generation X parents willing to step up and reverse the trend?

Steve Knox was born, raised and landed back in Janesville. He encourages you to participate as he writes on Janesville and beyond as this Generation X guy supports his Janesville mission, global vision. Steve is a community blogger and is not a part of Janesville Gazette staff. His opinion is not necessarily that of the Janesville Gazette staff or management.

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(19)
prounion
Jan 18, 2010 at 8:44 a.m.
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Catalina Wine Mixer, Pow.

prevention
Jan 17, 2010 at 10:29 p.m.
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You all are humorous as you bicker about each President and how they are doing this, that, and the other wrong. Remind me, which one of you is running for the 2012 Presidency?

Do you not realize that the President is just a puppet for the rest of Washington? He is just there to place the blame.. which is what everyone, all across the country, does just fine.

So, my point? Get over yourself!

Velheim
Jan 17, 2010 at 10:17 p.m.
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My parents were children of the 60s, I can't really comment on generation X.

JohnWicket
Jan 17, 2010 at 8:58 p.m.
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Dear Steve - Reality and truth are often overrated. Most readers prefer a well-told lie. This is often evidenced in political discussions when claim is made for real change and a majority votes for well-told lies they've heard before. I often felt sorry for children of "hover parents" six decades ago but now I feel sorry for the parents who have to live with their mistakes. PS - Why is the fiction section of the library so large?

prevention
Jan 17, 2010 at 7:23 p.m.
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If you all don't like his articles, why are you putting us through misery by reading them? Does it make you feel that much more superior to degrade another person? Get over yourself. You're probably the same ones he is writing about.

I believe this is yet another fine touch on reality. Thank you, Steve, for sticking your neck out and writing reality.

Zoom
Jan 17, 2010 at 1:14 p.m.
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"another pointless Steve Knox blog, yuck."

And yet, here you are, taking the time to post on said blog. Classy.

garyprimer
Jan 17, 2010 at 1:08 p.m.
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BTW, Steve, did you know that your blogs are horrid? You must be so ashamed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

BeloitGuy
Jan 17, 2010 at 1:04 p.m.
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I am a teacher and a coach and will tell you that working with the kids is great....but the parents are another story. Most parents are great but there is always a small minority that never agree that their son/daughter deserved a "B" or that think little Johnny should be on field all the time because he is really good.

garyprimer
Jan 17, 2010 at 12:22 p.m.
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I think that you may have hit a little too close to home for some of your devoted readers.

miltonalum
Jan 17, 2010 at 11:10 a.m.
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Walter, your conclusion is wrong and Steve Knox' blogs are horrid, that is my opinion, you are welcome for it.

papagrande
Jan 17, 2010 at 10:56 a.m.
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I too enjoy reading these blogs. I'm a fellow Gen-Xer and can relate to alot of what Steve has to say. Keep it up, you're doing a great job!

WalterSobchak
Jan 17, 2010 at 9:46 a.m.
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Miltonalum and Benneton, your use of yuck leads me to believe you're the same person. Is someone keeping you in a dark basement at gunpoint and forcing you to keep reading this blog? If not, just stop clicking on it. Even if this is the case, conclusory statements don't do much to persuade others - try a new strategy.

I personally think Steve's blogs are great and it's the main reason I visit this site despite moving from the area 10 years ago. They strike a great balance between important issues (dangerous intersections and wasted taxpayer money) and less serious issues (hanger nipples, for example).

PBRMan
Jan 17, 2010 at 8:19 a.m.
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Liberal modus operandi at its best. Equal for all.

miltonalum
Jan 17, 2010 at 6:19 a.m.
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another pointless Steve Knox blog, yuck.

cpaese
Jan 16, 2010 at 8:03 p.m.
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Steve, I totally agree. As a high school student, nothing is more annoying than these type of parents. I work my butt off to accomplish what I do, and when someone has mommy or daddy bail they out it's pretty frustrating.

watchinjvl
Jan 16, 2010 at 6:36 p.m.
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Here's a tip. If you don't like it click the x button. Thanks for the fun blogs.

bennetonf1
Jan 16, 2010 at 6:07 p.m.
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It's like a car wreck. I don't want to look but I can't help it. And, when I do, yuck! Please stop with the inane blogs.

bennetonf1
Jan 16, 2010 at 6:05 p.m.
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Please stop.

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