Why children are not be the most important members of a family
The opinion of a family psychologist is going viral.
By Livia Gamble
March 20 2017
Are your children the most important members of your family?
If so, psychologist and author John Rosemond wants to know why.
Taking to social media to share an old newspaper clipping written by Rosemond, Facebook user Mike Harms said: “My Dad gave this article to me today, wish he gave it to me 15 years ago! Maybe not too late and maybe my parent friends should read too.”
Since posting the article online, which was originally published in the Naples Daily News in 2007, it has been shared over a million times.
In the article, Rosemond describes an encounter he had with a married couple who told him their three children were the most important in the family.
“What is it about your kids that gives them that status?” he asked.
Unable to answer, he answered for them. “There is no reasonable thing that gives your children that status."
He continues saying, "Most of the problems the couple have are as a result of treating their children as if their marriage exist because of the kids when in fact it is the other way around.”
For Rosemond, the issue is “clear”. “When we were kids it was clear to us that our parents were the most important people in our families. And that, right there, is why we respected our parents. And that, right there, is why we looked up to adults in general.”
He also expresses his thoughts on co-sleeping.
“It was clear to us – I speak, of course, in general terms that our parent's marriage was more important to them that their relationship with us. Therefore we did not sleep in their bed or interrupt their conversations," said Rosemond.
“The most important person in an army is the general. The most important person in a corporation is the CEO. The most important person in a classroom is a teacher. And the most important person in a family are the parents.”
And as parents, it is our job to prepare them for “responsible citizenship,” he writes.
“Our child is the most important person in our family is the first step to raising a child who feels entitled.”
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Despite the blunt nature of his message, many parents on Facebook agree with what Rosemond said.
"That's exactly what's wrong with our family today! Great article!! He nailed it," wrote one person.
Another added: "This is the best post I've read in a long time. As much as I don't often agree with you, this post is so true, it should be hung up on one wall of every house."
But not everyone agrees.
"Sorry, I do not agree. My children are #1 in my life, as they are #1 in my husband's life," one mum wrote.
Another wrote: "My children are the most important ppl in my life, always have been always will be."
What do you think about this article? Tell us in the comments.
