I am not talking about junk or trash or save the planet type refuse. I am talking about perfectly good, sometimes new costly items that will most likely have to be replaced because they are essential items. WE must be a rather affluent neighborhood to replace these lost or tossed articles without as much as a question or comment or requirement to our children. When I see someone digging through the lost and found box for a lost item, it is most likely a parent and not a student. I see this as a problem of course, but I also see this as an indication of worse things to come.
Children are masters at figuring how to control adults.
From infancy they soon learn how to push the right buttons and build on this knowledge for as long as you give them hope of success. They are tenacious with a strong will that often out lasts the parents patience and breaks down their defenses over time. Once they get their way they use it as a toe hold to go to the next level. My father gave me wise advice when I started my family and teaching career. Teaching responsibility will bridge the gap to all the other most important traits in life.