“Strict parents create rebellious children.” Growing up with parents that spoke to me about sex, drugs and alcohol at a younger age than most, I was prepared in more ways than one. I was always surrounded by kids that had no idea what the world held or the bad things that can happen. I know most parents think that it is the absolute best way to raise their children, but in my experience I do not believe that it is. Going through middle school, I saw girls getting pregnant (no the school system doesn't do very good at preventing this), kids experimenting with drugs for the first time or consuming alcohol. I was the kid watching movies and hanging out with my family, and I never understood why these kids were ruining their lives.

Not that I had the chance to do it necessarily, my parents just reiterated the things that could come out of it. Instead of punishing me when I asked questions, they would tell me what could happen if I went down that destructive path, then they would tell me if I ever messed up they were only a phone call away and there would be no questions asked. Everyone messes up and has the chance to shoot down the wrong path at anytime of their life; but with the knowledge of how the world can trick you and the education of things not to do, anybody can shoot down the right path as well. At a very young age they made it important to talk to them about what was going on in school and around me. I walked into the first day of high school with not a worry in the world, and that is how I will be entering college too. I know if I ever get caught up with the wrong crowds or need to talk to someone, my family will be there to talk too. Early on I realized a bunch of things that many kids don't even remotely think about until they enter high school, or leave high school. Why don't parents talk to their children about sex? Why don't parents talk to their children about alcohol? Why don't parents talk to their children about drugs? Many think these are foreign topics that should never be spoken of unless in dire situations, or after their children had an interaction with them. Everyone overcomes obstacles, but the obstacles can be less destructible if kids know what they are facing in the real world. Instead of fun and games, the world is life or death, college or not and success or not. There is a thin line of what you can do in so many situations, yet so many kids don't know that line and ruin their life due to making decisions based on feelings and not on knowledge of what the consequences could be. Of course I'm not bashing any way of parenting, but some people should help their kids instead of punish them as well as answer their kids questions. Mistakes are lessons learned and not a condemnable fact.

In addition to talking to kids about the physical things, I find it important to also speak to children about diversity. When I was in Kindergarten, my parents told me to always stick up and be friends with the kids that were different from me. That is exactly what I did, all the way through high school. No matter the race, grade point average, hobbies or language they speak I would take them to lunch, show them around and make them know that they were appreciated and loved around me. In conclusion, the way people raise their children is important. Love them, respect them and teach them like my parents did for me.