Kids Need Love

In the office building where our company is now located, there is a child psychiatrist located on our floor. One day I said to a co-worker that when we were kids the only psychiatrist we needed was our father giving us a whack on the behind.

But seriously, why are so many children troubled today? I'll tell you why. The one thing they need is the love that only a warm and stable family can bring. Sure, they'll beg and plead for the latest this and the latest that. Sometimes they'll get and sometimes they won't.

I know from my own experience. When my boys were young, I couldn't provide them with a lot of material possessions. But I tried to make up for it in other ways. I was there for them as much as possible. You know, going to the games and driving them wherever. I remember going to many basketball games and it was just this one other parent and I.

I made time for my children. Friday nights were spent watching "Donna Reed" and "Mr. Ed". Sunday was always family day. My mother came over and we cooked dinner. Often, my brother Jim would join us. We even actually played board games together. Simple pleasures that no amount of money can buy.

Parents, love your children. Be there for them. Listen to me: they will not die if they don't go to Disneyworld. You don't need to buy their love. Read stories about the Great Depression. They had nothing but each other and the love got them through.