You know BBW, I think there is a different mentality with the 20 something year old generation. When I say "mentality," I'm NOT saying ignorance or anything along those lines. It's just the first word that I can think of to explain what I'm trying to say.

We (those of us in our late 40's-50's) still have some of the "old fashion" values system. I have noticed that folks in their mid-40's have a slightly different values system. And then when I look at the 30 and 20 yr old groups, I see yet another values system and one that I believe is spawned from changes in law regarding abuse issues.

I have witnessed some horrible verbal harassment from the mouths of babes that would send my mother...

You know BBW, I think there is a different mentality with the 20 something year old generation. When I say "mentality," I'm NOT saying ignorance or anything along those lines. It's just the first word that I can think of to explain what I'm trying to say.

We (those of us in our late 40's-50's) still have some of the "old fashion" values system. I have noticed that folks in their mid-40's have a slightly different values system. And then when I look at the 30 and 20 yr old groups, I see yet another values system and one that I believe is spawned from changes in law regarding abuse issues.

I have witnessed some horrible verbal harassment from the mouths of babes that would send my mother to an early grave. Somewhere along the line, I feel that a rebellious attitude shift took place with the now up and coming younger generation and most likely due to the change in laws. I also sense the control these laws place on parents make them afraid of their own children. Maybe not consciously but does put awareness of abuses and harassments as defined by law in the back of their minds; thereby playing a key role in parenting and disciplinary actions or lack of. Nothing is "old school" anymore.

I believe that this gives the younger generation the "upper hand" in controlling relationships btwn parent(s) and child and young married couples. Mind you, these are just my personal observations. I have met many manipulative 20+ and 30+ yr olds that floor me with their interpretation of "friendships." And my husband and I are currently dealing with a 12 yr old female who is maliciously causing destruction - which I won't go into here with our boys. However, it is difficult to get the parents to cooperate.

There is a program offered by some state's called "The cycle of anger." The couple in this article should have been ordered to attend such a meeting or at best counseling. I have a feeling the upcoming years will find psychology and psychiatry a lucrative career.