I grew up on a farm and had chores to do everyday, regardless of whose birthday it was or what holiday it was. I asked for an allowance and my Dad and I worked out what I would get paid for chores. He then told me how much he would charge me for each meal, shower and night in the bed, clothing, etc. I told him never mind about the allowance...
We were given a lot of freedom to do what we wanted on the farm, but we faced our consequences. My parents never told me not to drink, just made me live with what I had done to myself. "I warned you, so don't come crying to me when..." was a favorite saying.
I also saw the affects of alcohol in my direct family and extended family. I still drank. The first time I drank, I threw up all over my dad in the car, my brother carried me to my bed, where I slept with my head in the garbage can throwing up all night. The next day, I was pitching manure at 9 in the morning, still dry heaving.
When my brother was in jail, my Dad hung up on him when he called for a ride home. When I got in trouble, I didn't bother asking for help. If I was out till 4 drinking, I still had to get up and work the next day. Eventually I stopped coming home.
Dealing with the consequences of my actions helped me quit drinking after only 4 years at the age 20; after 2 DUI's, three wrecked cars, numerous beatings, many 3-4 day blackouts, and trying to drink myself to death for over a year.
I've now been sober nearly 20 years, am self employed with a paid for home and two rentals. Also am working on bachelors degree, so I can someday stop killing my body to make a buck!
I don't see the young people today facing consequences for their actions. They are given excuses why it is ok do act the way they do, and it is considered abuse to punish. I got the belt a couple times growing up, and still remember what I did and haven't done it again since.
