Parents’ Ridiculous Behaviors: When Entitlement and Insensitivity Become Norms

Every family has its quirks and peculiarities. However, some parents’ ridiculous behaviors can cross the line from harmless eccentricity to unbearable entitlement and insensitivity. In this article, we delve into some common and uncommon behaviors exhibited by parents that might need attention and intervention.

Entitled and Inconsiderate Parents

My mother, at 70, is the epitome of an entitled and insensible parent. She believes that she can say and do whatever she pleases, without any repercussions, because she is an elderly white Christian Republican female. This attitude perpetuates a culture of disrespect and a lack of accountability. My father encourages this behavior, stating that everyone's opinion is valid, and they are always right. Their lavish rhetoric and offensive remarks, however, often defy any positive outcome, especially when others feel uncomfortable or offended.

Their approach to life presents a picture where they are always superior and immune to any form of criticism. They harbor a selfish attitude, often showing little regard for the feelings and boundaries of others. This has led to numerous confrontations and a general air of discord within the family. I have repeatedly attempted to instill in them the importance of grace and compassion, only to witness the same harmful behaviors persist.

Overstepping Boundaries

One particularly egregious example of their inappropriate behavior was when I accidentally caught them having sex in their sixties. Despite the apparent excitement and curiosity I felt, I refrained from interrupting them for monetary reasons. Such events highlight the need for setting and respecting personal boundaries and maintain a certain level of privacy and dignity.

Unsightly behavioral patterns

My father’s tendency to get drunk and walk naked into his backyard lake is an eccentric but personally distressing habit. Such actions not only border on public indecency but also compromise personal safety. Similarly, the 6-year old son being forced to walk next to the car for a while is a behavior that disregards the child's fundamental rights. Children, especially at that age, require consistent nurturing and respect for their emotional and physical needs.

Neglect and Emotional Harm

Another troubling instance is the behavior of my parents after a divorce. They left their child alone for a year, sending money and asking only about their wellbeing. This neglect can have significant emotional and social impacts on a child. It raises ethical concerns and highlights the importance of responsible parenting. Ensuring a child’s emotional and physical well-being should be a priority at all times.

Childhood Trauma and Influence

During my childhood in Detroit, I witnessed a disturbing incident involving a family on my street. The youngest boy was often in tattered clothes, and his sister's careless remarks led to physical violence from their mother, who used an attitude adjuster (a baseball bat) to punish him. She then used the phrase "Sticks and stones will break your bones, but names will never hurt you" as her justification. This harsh, neglectful, and emotionally abusive environment had lasting impacts on the child's well-being.

Brotherhood and Consequences

The youngest boy's older brothers were later shot, supposedly due to being on someone's lawn. Their family moved away shortly after, and I never saw the youngest boy again, left to ponder his fate. While the older brothers did not die from their gunshot wounds, the incident and the repressive home atmosphere suggest a turbulent and dangerous upbringing. Understanding and addressing such issues can play a crucial role in preventing future harm.

Conclusion

Parents’ behaviors, while sometimes amusing, can have severe and long-lasting negative impacts on their children and the family as a whole. It is imperative for parents to recognize the importance of setting boundaries, respecting personal spaces, and ensuring the emotional and physical well-being of their children.

For others facing similar issues, it is crucial to seek support and take necessary actions to address these behaviors. Professional help, such as therapy or counseling, can be beneficial in coping with emotional distress and navigating challenging family dynamics.