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| We must take our kids back | |
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| Topic Started: Oct 30 2009, 07:29 PM (32 Views) | |
| D2ns | Oct 30 2009, 07:29 PM Post #1 |
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Advanced Member
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LETTERS We must take our kids back This letter is in response to the article about the Montes Family of Aug. 20, 2006. My message is this -- if a tragedy like this can happen to the Montes family -- no family is out of danger. I was blessed to live next door to the Montes family for three years. You could not find better parents than Diane and Andy. They are examples to all who know them of unconditional love and support of their children. I have personally witnessed the open and frank discussions that took place at their dinner table. Diane and Andy's parenting style fostered truthfulness, self-assurance, education and close family ties. They are parents who are respected and honored by their children and the teens with whom Diane works. I was the coordinator of Youth Ministry at St. Genevieve Parish while the Montes children where in high school. All three served on the Teen Leadership team. Diane was at nearly every meeting and event for 10 years her kids were involved. If any person COULD have approached his family, it was Brian. The bond with his brother, sister and sister-in-law can only be described as special. I have never seen two brothers get along like Scott and Brian. The Montes' are close and the parents very involved and the secrecy of drugs still crept into their tight knit family. I support and commend Diane for speaking out about this problem we are facing. It is easy to speak about the good things your kids do, but difficult to talk when their choices are not so great. Diane is taking a horrible personal pain and using it to make sure our community is prepared to battle this heroin demon. She is a hero and inspiration to me. My opinion, based on 13 years working with teenagers, is that the time for parents to play passive and submissive roles in their children's lives is over. I agree with the Royal Oak Police Chief who stated that conversations about drugs with children should begin as soon as third grade. He also told parents it is their obligation to look through their teenager's rooms, closets, etc., and that being a "friend" to your child is not the way to parent. I reiterate my message -- Diane and Andy Montes parented with love and respect. Most importantly, they prayed for their children daily. I will always think of them as the perfect couple and the perfect family. If this could happen in their family, I fear for the families in which parents are looking the other way or thinking this is an isolated incident that could never happen in their family. We as a community must wake up and take our kids back from a society that allows and shelters poor choices. Our children's lives depend on it. Katy Frederick Livonia Originally published September 28, 2006 |
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