Recently the college admissions scandal has been a hot topic of conversation, with headlines focusing on the fact that some of the most prominent perpetrators don’t like being called “cheaters” or “guilty.” Well guess what? – they are on both counts- Guilty and Cheaters. And they need to get over themselves. I mean seriously, wouldn’t we all like to have that magic wand to dictate to the world around us? I want to smart – Poof- I want to be successful – Poof- I want to be innocent of a crime – Poof – I want Designer handbags at 75% off – OK that last one is a stretch.
What was wrong with letting kids try and fail on their own? That’s how you learn. That’s how you experience the pride that comes with success. When you earn it – it is yours and yours alone. Participation trophies are counterproductive – they do not encourage achievement they bolster laziness. Why work for something if you can just get the same as everyone else by doing nothing? Stalin much?
Some of the happiest and most successful people I know did not go to college. Heck, a few of them barely finished 8th grade but they have something the privileged and entitled people don’t have – the desire to make it on their own and the self-confidence, success and power that comes from doing just that. You can’t teach that in a class room – that, my friends, comes the College of Life Experience. It comes from a home where chores are assigned are consequences are enforced. Homes that have your neighbor asking “why are there boxer shorts hanging in the tree outside your son’s window?”. Simple because when I say clean your room or else – I mean it.
I hope my kids grow up and work to reach their goals but you know what? – I hope they stumble and fall along the way. Because things given without being earned don’t mean as much as the things we work hard to achieve. I like to say “get a job that keeps you out of jail and out of my basement.” If college is the path you need to follow great – but we should never be ashamed of a child that makes it on their own, just down a different path. Learn a trade – I’ve hired a plumber and believe me they make bank. Want to write the next Great American Novel? – wait tables – I guarantee you will collect volumes of material. Have a kid that’s good with Legos? – encourage them to create- and instead of a new video game for their birthday, let them explore the Home Depot. We as a humanity need success, it bolsters our society and strengthens our souls – but empty successes are like empty calories – the sugar rush is great but the crash just isn’t worth it.
Chapstick in the Dryer 
This is your best one yet!
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