It is said that all great ideas start on a simple bar napkin. There are also many bad ideas that get scribbled down between drinks. This is one of those.
It is commonly agreed upon that children today are being told they’re special at an alarming rate. They’re praised and given rewards without actually accomplishing anything. While the intentions of parents and society may be good, the results are not. And what we’re left with is a culture of “special kids” growing into “less-than-special adults” that lack character or the drive to work for anything.
I have devised a parenting tactic that can get America’s kids back on track. Introducing: Demerit badges.
Children across America will be fitted with a sash, to be worn across their chests. As the child inevitably fails, parents will sew hand-stitched badges of defeat onto the sash. To get a patch removed, a child must face their shortcomings and defeat them. For example, if the child wets the bed, then he or she will be branded with the “Bed Wetter” badge until the damp dreams no longer persist. Through this constant and very public shaming, kids will struggle through adversity and become better-adjusted humans.
And the best part is, it’ll give children a fun activity to do with their parents and build strong family bonds.
