User Comments

1. 

   1/26/09

   melindaville

   What a terribly sad case--I remember reading about it quite a long time ago. I left a comment on the blog.

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   1. 

      1/26/09

      MadameX

      Thanks, Melinda. I agree with you about the jail issue, but then I'm not a big believer in jail all around. I'd be interested in hearing your take on the child-rearing impact of this kind of behavior on the part of parents (even without such disastrous effects)
   2. 

      1/26/09

      melindaville

      The most worrisome thing about this mother (Drew) is that this type of behavior is actually quite common in a lot of younger mothers (not all). Younger mothers are at higher risk for all kinds of parenting problems but one of the most prevalent is seeing the younger mother who wants to be a 'friend' rather than a parent.
      
      Children don't need their parents to be 'friends'--and they can't really be a friend in all reality. The role of the parent is to be a PARENT--which means you have the responsiblity (and it is a HUGe responsibility) of raising children that are morally sound. This mother's actions were the opposite. She was modeling terrible behavior for her daughter--and that is the worst part of all of this. When that type of behavior is modeled for children, they are going to mimic it when they become parents--and so the cycle of poor parenting continues.
      
      I currently teach several classes in human development and I truly believe that every single parent should take one of these classes. Nothing is more important than raising a child who has sound morals--one that will make a positive contribution to our society. Unfortunately, anyone can have a baby--but it takes much more to be a parent.
2. 

   1/26/09

   aningeniousname

   Great piece, there's a case that has just concluded in England that could give that woman a run for her money in the mother of the year competition.
   This woman hid her 10 year old daughter with a local pedophile and then pretended she had been kidnapped so the public would send her money like they did to Madeline Mcann's family.
   www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/3547821/Shannon-Ma...
   She has just got eight years for it.

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3. 

   1/26/09

   timethief

   I posted a comment and I clicked post 3 times but it didn't seem to "take".
   
   "This is so gut wrenchingly sad. An adult, who would bully a child is so obviously off-track that one can only hope her daughter does not follow in her footsteps. I don't think this woman should be placed anywhere near children. If she's launching a counter suit then clearly she is not feeling regret. I'm not clear on whether or not legal charges can be laid but if they are and if she's convicted then I would like to see a sentence that places her behind bars every weekend for 6 months. "

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4. 

   1/26/09

   Anok

   Thanks for the promotion, Tiffany, and for publishing the article.
   
   I have trouble commenting on the site, so I'll be happy to comment here - Mytyler - yes, you hit the nail on the head. I also believe that there is a very real problem today of parents trying to live vicariously through their children, lashing out at perceived bullies or popular kids or geeks through their children.
   
   Anin, thanks for the link - WTH is wrong with people?
   
   
   TT, she was convicted, but with a misdemeanor. I don't remember there being a penalty of jail time. She has been ostracized by the community at large, however.

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5. 

   1/26/09

   MadameX

   I'm not sure what the problem with the comments is. It seems there's a long "hang time" and it looks like comments aren't going through, but if you don't try to resubmit and just let it spin for a minute, it seems to come through. Waiting for vendor support for a better answer.

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   1. 

      1/26/09

      Anok

      I've barely had any luck commenting on the site I let it run...and run....eventually I have to just close the window. It could be my computer, though.
   2. 

      1/26/09

      timethief

      I tried again to leave a comment. I clicked "add comment" and nothing happened. The page did not load. There was no spinning and there's nothing wrong with my computer according to my techie.
   3. 

      1/26/09

      MadameX

      No, the problem is definitely on our end. For me, though (and some others, apparently, since Melinda was able to post), if I just let it run it looks on the screen like it hasn't posted, but it shows up in the comments and I get an email notification.
      
      I'm hoping the problem will be resolved quickly.
6. 

   1/26/09

   busylizzy

   Mytyler77 - I am so glad I took child psych and development classes (for my early childhood education degree) - I think I am a much better parent than I otherwise would be. Winging it is scary!

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   1. 

      1/26/09

      Anok

      I think there are plenty of people out there who have or had appropriate role models teaching them how to properly parent. So it's not really winging it.
      
      However there are those who did not....and yes, I think they could benefit a great deal from parenting courses.
      
      In my high school, we had family planning and "life courses" that addressed everything from baby care to financial planning. Along with what I learned at home, the lessons have proven invaluable.
      
      One of the things I find detrimental to children in schools today is the lack of practical courses such as life courses, home ec and etc.... These courses provided some basics, some fundamentals that taught kids how to be not only responsible, but also productive (in the home) and how to do things efficiently so that you aren't overwhelmed.
      
      I think about all of the stresses of marriage and parenthood, and all of the tips and tricks I've learned at home, and through courses like those offered at school, and I know that I'd be a wreck if I couldn't figure this stuff out, or had to do so on the fly.
   2. 

      1/26/09

      timethief

      I also took early childhood development courses and continued on taking more family life and parenting courses too. I was a caregiver for children who had experienced traumatic events.