[Purrybonker]

I'm generally with you on your numbers 2 & 3, with the minor caveat that as the ex-spouse of a high school teacher I feel some of their angst. There are no easy answers on this one.

As to your number 1 - fahgetaboutit. Kids gotta stand on their own two feet, particularily by high school age. Damage is long done in terms of parents being a good or bad example by that point.

Man, when I went to high school my parents didn't even know where the joint was let alone givin' me guidance. But that was the seventies and I'm sure my parents were laden with plenty of angst (or something) of their own. Nonetheless, we try to protect and coddle kids far too much as it is these days.

I just check the attitudes of the smart johnnies that make into my organization these days and shake my head.