I know it’s been a long time since I’ve posted to this blog but my wife sent me this YouTube video regarding “Teenage Affluenza” and I thought it was worth sharing.

I find the video especially concerning since I have five kids, one of which is already a teenager and another that will be later this year (that and we have heated seats in our van…not a good sign).  I am stuck in that position of wanting to bless my kids with a “good life” but simultaneously not wanting to promote “teenage affluenza”.  What’s a dad to do?

No, really…what’s a dad to do?  I have observed a pendulum like process that seems to occur in many families as it relates to this topic.  Many times a parent who grows up in difficult financial circumstances develops a strong work ethic and is driven to succeed financially.  That same person then gets married and has children who grow up in an environment where everything is handed to them and they miss out on the opportunity to struggle a little in their life.  They end up lazy and unmotivated as middle schoolers which morphs into teenage affluenza, and ultimately the child is 30 years old, still living at home, and completely lacking the work-ethic and drive of their parents. The details of the story and the circumstances vary greatly but that basic model seems prevalent.  Has anyone else noticed this pendulum cycle?  Have you seen a parent pass on their work-ethic and drive while raising children in an unearned environment of affluence?  Looking forward to your comments, Anthony