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**chuviskkk** · 02-17-2007, 10:03 AM

This shows that children in the USA and UK are the most unhappy in the developed world. Why?

Andreas, thank you for sharing this very disturbing report. It is so very important that we read this and share it with others.

Though I am not a child psychologist or counselor, nor do I have any expertise in the area except for having raise two children of my own to adulthood, I would suggest the reason that our children are the most unhappy because they lack the fundamental need of every person....basic love.

Speaking about children in the US, (since I do not live in the UK), they are given everything they want. Toys, electronic games, name-brand clothes, freedom to do/say/think whatever they want, and the list goes on. But are they given love?

The love of which I speak is that which comes from parental availability, discipline, teaching basic respect, expectations and follow through on helping to keep the family and home running (meaning having household responsibilities - like make the bed every morning, pick up the room every night, etc.).

Children are not taught that doing something good, or working hard for a good grade is reward unto itself. Instead they are taught that there must always be a reward for whatever they do. (Get an "A" on a test, earn a $1 for example.)

Children are not taught respect for their elders, nor respect for their ministers/priests/etc. They are not taught respect for one another or for themselves.

They turn to actions which make them feel good because life itself doesn't feel good though they have everything they could dream of. Everything except parents. Yes, I know this will spark a debate and I am treading on toes, so please forgive me.

How important is the family dinner table in the majority of US homes? How many eat dinner altogether every single night to discuss the days events, the current news, what they learned in Sunday school, learn about a Saint, celebrate their 'name day?'

It is my opinion that adults are not available to the children to be the stable force in their lives in a world that is spinning far out of balance.

Just my thoughts worth less than 2 cents. YMMV.

Athanasia

02-17-2007, 10:03 AM	#2
chuviskkk Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 498 Senior Member	This shows that children in the USA and UK are the most unhappy in the developed world. Why? Andreas, thank you for sharing this very disturbing report. It is so very important that we read this and share it with others. Though I am not a child psychologist or counselor, nor do I have any expertise in the area except for having raise two children of my own to adulthood, I would suggest the reason that our children are the most unhappy because they lack the fundamental need of every person....basic love. Speaking about children in the US, (since I do not live in the UK), they are given everything they want. Toys, electronic games, name-brand clothes, freedom to do/say/think whatever they want, and the list goes on. But are they given love? The love of which I speak is that which comes from parental availability, discipline, teaching basic respect, expectations and follow through on helping to keep the family and home running (meaning having household responsibilities - like make the bed every morning, pick up the room every night, etc.). Children are not taught that doing something good, or working hard for a good grade is reward unto itself. Instead they are taught that there must always be a reward for whatever they do. (Get an "A" on a test, earn a $1 for example.) Children are not taught respect for their elders, nor respect for their ministers/priests/etc. They are not taught respect for one another or for themselves. They turn to actions which make them feel good because life itself doesn't feel good though they have everything they could dream of. Everything except parents. Yes, I know this will spark a debate and I am treading on toes, so please forgive me. How important is the family dinner table in the majority of US homes? How many eat dinner altogether every single night to discuss the days events, the current news, what they learned in Sunday school, learn about a Saint, celebrate their 'name day?' It is my opinion that adults are not available to the children to be the stable force in their lives in a world that is spinning far out of balance. Just my thoughts worth less than 2 cents. YMMV. Athanasia
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