Are kids just nastier these days? Some believe reality TV, racy movies, and music are making them more disrespectful than ever before, but who's really to blame? We have tips to help you keep your little angels from becoming little monsters.
They're cute now, but some parents fear they could turn into brats!
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Christie Stump says after seeing how some kids behave, she's concerned about how her kids will turn out.
"Respecting their elders I don't think is something that's taught as much as it was," said Stump.
So do we blame Honey Boo Boo if our kids are disrespectful? Family therapist and parenting expert Dr. Karen Ruskin believes this stuff isn't the problem.
"Parents are the difference that makes the difference," explained Ruskin. "I believe that there are parents that think they're doing really great parenting, and it's not really great parenting."
A big mistake parents make is not stopping their kids when they're disrespectful to other children.
"They don't use it as a learning opportunity for their child and you know what, that child becomes an adult that is rude and nasty to others," said Ruskin.
The doctor says it's also important to set clear boundaries, like telling kids they need to knock before entering their parents' bedroom if the door's closed.
"You must do the same thing too. ‘Oh, a young child, I should knock on their door?' Oh yes you should!" Ruskin explained. "Teaching them that you respect their bubble and thus they will then in turn respect your bubble."
She adds parents should make sure their kids know they're a valuable part of making family decisions.
"Doesn't mean you do exactly what they say, but you certainly respect their voice, hear it, and process it," said Ruskin.
Ruskin knows her parenting philosophy doesn't sit well with everyone.
"Some people disagree, but they need help. They're willing to try anything," added Ruskin.
When it comes to spanking to deal with disrespectful kids, Ruskin agrees with the American Academy of Pediatrics, which does not recommend it as a form of punishment. However, the Portraits of American Life Study suggests kids who were spanked performed better in school and grew up to be happier and more successful than kids who had never been spanked.