RESTRAINT: the concept is lost on today's youngsters. Half-baked cake taken out too soon will be garbage. Half-ripened fruit plucked too soon will get thrown away. Also, if allowed to remain beyond ripe; it will rot. So there is a RIGHT time for everything, and our parents, and theirs, AND theirs . learnt this vital lesson in their time growing up. As we are learning.

Unfortunately, the youngsters today have thrown off that mantle of restraint enforced by parents who had learnt why the cocoon is necessary for the caterpillar's transition to becoming a beautiful butterfly. Not for nothing did someone say,"Ours is probably the last generation who listened to their parents, and perhaps the first who will be forced to listen to our children."

Parenting instincts guide us in imposing some restraints, for the youngsters' safety, and of their family too. Because indiscretions will burn other family members too.

So when a kid says," I'll NEVER make the mistakes you made!", I say, "AMEN. Godspeed. Dont forget your helmet, baby!" And, Go forth, make your own mistakes, learn from them, and come home whenever you need to take a break and be a child again. With self-governance comes self-discipline and self-restraint. Yes, restraint, too.

Good luck and be safe. heart emoticon