Many times our teens are more comfortable with this fact than we are. Adapting to change has always been the hallmark of the survivors of the species, any species. Yet humans are certainly not just any species. Respect for self and others is better than the temporary lift of sarcasm and one-upsmanship. Justice and fair play are essential to living with others and feeling any satisfaction in one's victories.
Love overcomes cynicism.
You have other truths to teach your children, truths that offer ballast on a stormy sea. Of course, this does not preclude your changing directions now and then or cutting your engines when an iceberg appears in front of you. After all, we don't have to repeat the mistakes of the Titanic . Michael H. Popkin, Ph.D., is founder and president of active Parenting Publishers.