⸻
We didn’t need a manual.
We had parents who were there—
not hovering, not micromanaging,
just there.
And that was enough.
So we learned to handle life.
Alone. Early.
And just fine.
We were told what to do
and when to do it.
No debates, no feelings circles.
No “gentle parenting” BS.
Just structure.
And it worked.
Now?
People are soft.
They overthink the petty
and ignore the vital.
Impulse leads, discipline’s dead.
Parents don’t raise kids anymore—
cell phones do.
TikTok is the new babysitter.
Screens hand out validation
and rot the backbone.
We raised ourselves
with keys around our necks
and real consequences waiting at home.
Today’s kids?
They scroll for direction—
and get lost in the algorithm.
I’m not religious.
Not even close.
But I believe in movement.
In spirit. In energy.
In universal truths
that don’t need to be preached—
just lived.
And don’t get it twisted—
we weren’t neglected.
We were trusted.
We were built.
We were given space
to fall, get up,
and figure shit out.
That’s how resilience is made.
Not in a screen glow.
Not in a timeout chair.
But in real life—
with real stakes.
And here’s another thing—
you didn’t get a trophy
unless you goddamn earned it.
No ribbons for showing up.
No medals for breathing.
We learned to fight for recognition,
not expect it like it’s owed.
And sharing a birthday?
Get the hell out of here.
One kid, one cake, one spotlight.
Life’s not a group project.
Everyone deserves
their own damn moment.
This “everyone’s equal” fantasy?
It’s not kind.
It’s lazy.
And it teaches kids nothing
but entitlement and mediocrity
Copyright © May 26, 2025 J.Doucette
All right reserved.
What a ride. This is fantastic. I was one of those latchkey kids as well. We did it and made it work. Ingenuity & creativity. It made us for what we are today. We weren’t kids sitting in the corner crying about spilled milk or some lame ass shit they cry over today. Nice work here.
Hi there Vision, I don’t know, I’ve been on this whole spinnaker of how life used to be. I think it’s the fact that the past 30 + years, life in America has just been decimated and eliminated; everything America was, is truly gone. And I’m feeling the burn. It’s not like generations before, where things would change and that was the way life goes, but it hasn’t just changed, It’s just gone.
Thank you for visiting. I always appreciate your presence on my page❤️
Jackie
I don’t agree with everything but that’s okay. Your work makes you think. It’s a topic that is right at the front of the world but everyone is ignoring it. I like how you just tackled the issue in the room.
You might enjoy Ray Bradbury’s short Story “The Veld” it echoes what you are highlighting here.
Keep up the intensity my friend
I really enjoyed this
James
Nice to see you James. I appreciate you coming by to read me. It’s just a crazy world we live in. That’s all. And I will check out Ray Bradbury Veld.
Thank you my friend
Jackie