I came across this great article that should challenge all parents to ask themselves whether they are preparing their children for life in the “real world.” The article focuses on the reason why so many kids are so easily bored, impatient, frustrated, and struggling socially these days.

She provides some spot-on, though somewhat painful, explanations including too much technology, immediate gratification, kids rather than parents being in charge, endless fun, and limited social interaction. The writer offers some simple, but not easy, ways to fight this downward trend including setting limits on technology, making kids wait, parents be the bosses, having kids do work that is, well, not fun, and teaching social skills.

Please read the article and then take a look in the mirror to see what you’re doing to ensure that your children will be able to survive and thrive in that jungle that we call 21st century life.