It Depends.

I've been fortunate to have never been in a position where I've had my parenting ethics hugely challenged. Sure, I took a duck home accidentally. And I've discovered items in my bag that I didn't pay for thanks to a careless check out person.

But I've never had to lie or steal for the sake of my kids.

And I hope to never have to.

In trying to find a preschool for my daughter, I did find myself trying to think of ways to circumvent the waiting list. It was never about offering money. But I did consider telling them about my background in music and offering to teach music classes for the kids.

And it was only partially because I'd want to do it. There was definitely the other half of me that thought it might help her chances to get into the school.

I can't really say how far I would go for my kids. If they were starving, damn straight I'd steal food for them. And if they were in danger, then in my opinion, all rules fly out the window.

But I can't say I'd do anything over top to get them something they want. Like a tickle-me Elmo, or a Cabbage Patch doll.

Or an ivy-league school. 

But I just don't think it's fair to say parenting decisions are black and white. "I'll never steal." or "I'll never commit a crime."

Never say never. Because it really just depends.

So, how far would you go for your kids? Write a post about it today and be entered to win a $200 Visa Check Card. Click here for details.

Comments

[Joel Maners]

Years from now when my kids are confronted with a difficult decision, I want them to think, "What would Dad do in this situation?" It may not dictate exactly what they do, but I want to be a guiding light for them and show them how to live a well lived life. For me, that would be the ultimate success as a parent. So perhaps I need to be less focused on trying to teach ethics and more focused on living a virtuous life. After all, kids will forget what I say to them but they will never forget the type of person I am.

[Tiffany]

I would like to say that I wouldn't do any major, life-threatening, felony for them. But I have to agree with you, in a life-threatening, dangerous situation, then ya all rules are out the window. Yes I dont want them to get hurt, or feel pain or disappointment but that is a aspect of life. I want them to learn to get things on there own. And if perhaps there was someone better for "head-cheerleader, or football capatin" then they need to learn that next time work a little harder. As for never saying that I wouldn't do this and that... Right now I can say that I have never jeoparized any beliefs or broke and laws for them. But again they are only 4,2,and 1. So we willl just have to see :p