Posted On: August 17, 2007, 3:19 pm CDT

Posted By: Lynn

Thanks, WooWooWoo. Very kind of you to say.

I think I survived because my parents were loving but also tough. They made it very clear that education was my number one priority. They said I had a choice as to whether or not I let them get me down. Choosing to ignore them was, at times, extremely difficult and I admit, I failed often.

But you're right, I did survive. Not too sure if I'm a better person for it because I have a bad habit of being cynical about teenagers. Almost as if I'm an "age-ist". I don't know the term for someone who irrationally fears teenagers, but I have absolutely been guilty of it. I don't throw rocks at them or anything. (Although the temptation is there. LOL That's humor, people. Just kidding!) But I admit I would be the last person to apply for a job at a high school.

However, I do take the time to talk to my kid (age 14) and his friends about bullying, racism and discrimination. Surprisingly, they've been very frank with me about their experiences and have admitted some participation in bullying.

You can bet as they get older I will talk to them about when it's appropriate to sue someone over a harmed reputation or lost pants and when it is NOT. Take that one to the bank! ;)