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macgeek2005 · Jan 16, 2007, 10:16 PM

I had no idea that there were still primitive families living in America. Can you believe there are actually teenagers out there who are NOT ALLOWED to get their own computer, and who have a curfew of 8:00? I mean, what is this, 1980?

It struck me as odd that there's still parents out there that are so paranoid and stupid that they would actually forbid their kid from getting a computer. I've also heard of some parents not letting their daughters hang out with guys AT ALL. But that's a whole other story.

rjenkinson · Jan 16, 2007, 10:20 PM

next thing you know, kids won't be allowed to play with swords anymore.

-r.

ShortcutToMoncton · Jan 16, 2007, 10:21 PM

Railhead, I hope you don't mind:

greg

CollinG3G4 · Jan 16, 2007, 10:21 PM

I've also heard about some parents who will not let their kids watch The Secret Gaarden nor listen to the soundtrack.

Oh, btw, when you have your own kids maybe all this craziness will be a little more clear.

SpaceMonkey · Jan 16, 2007, 10:22 PM

Did this happen to you? Because of the sword and/or you accidentally chopped your mom's hand off? Get off the computer and stop breaking your curfew!!!!! (unless you live in Hawaii)

Also, when my parents gave me my first computer, back in 1983, I accidentally found a back door into a military central computer, in which reality was confused with game-playing, and I almost started World War Three. So I guess what I'm saying is, it's understandable for parents to be concerned.

macgeek2005 · Jan 16, 2007, 10:23 PM

I'll let my kid buy a computer with his/her own money!!!

macgeek2005 · Jan 16, 2007, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by SpaceMonkey

Did this happen to you? Because of the sword and/or you accidentally chopped your mom's hand off? Get off the computer and stop breaking your curfew!!!!! (unless you live in Hawaii)

Also, when my parents gave me my first computer, back in 1983, I accidentally found a back door into a military central computer, in which reality was confused with game-playing, and I almost started World War Three. So I guess what I'm saying is, it's understandable for parents to be concerned.

No this did not happen to me. I'm still free.

kmkkid · Jan 16, 2007, 10:26 PM

I think curfews are a good thing until the kid is at least out of highschool. Personally I wouldn't want my daughter dating until at least 17 maybe even 18 nowadays. As for the computer bit, thats nonsense because most schools require homework to be typed now, and a computer can be a very useful tool.

SpaceMonkey · Jan 16, 2007, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by kmkkid

Personally I wouldn't want my daughter dating until at least 17 maybe even 18 nowadays.

For me, I think it would depend on how awesome the guy's katana was.

Mastrap · Jan 16, 2007, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by kmkkid

Personally I wouldn't want my daughter dating until at least 17 maybe even 18 nowadays.

let me know how that goes.

Captain Obvious · Jan 16, 2007, 11:10 PM

Originally Posted by macgeek2005

I had no idea that there were still primitive families living in America. Can you believe there are actually teenagers out there who are NOT ALLOWED to get their own computer, and who have a curfew of 8:00? I mean, what is this, 1980?

It struck me as odd that there's still parents out there that are so paranoid and stupid that they would actually forbid their kid from getting a computer. I've also heard of some parents not letting their daughters hang out with guys AT ALL. But that's a whole other story.

Maybe your parents don't bother with these kinds of rules for you because they know you're a loser and aren't in any real danger of getting out of control. I'm sure they figure a dork who's moved by a lousy movie made for 12 year old girls isn't a threat to knock up the cheerleader down the block.

Dakar² · Jan 17, 2007, 12:47 AM

All depends on the kids age.

Gossamer · Jan 17, 2007, 01:09 AM

My parents didn't care how long I was out as long as I let them know where I was. They knew I was a good kid and trust me. But if I didn't check in they'd kind of freak out.
They let me buy my own computer in 7th or 8th grade with saved up paper route money. I bought another one in 10th grade with saved up mowing money.
But I can definitely see the merit in wanting your kids to use a computer in a more well-traveled location. I don't think I'd want my kid using myspace or some other stalker-infested place.

wallinbl · Jan 17, 2007, 06:54 AM

Every kid is different and needs something different. Here's hoping the parents are paying attention and are reasonably responding to their kids.

RAILhead · Jan 17, 2007, 06:58 AM

NP, greg -- just use it wisely.

mac128k-1984 · Jan 17, 2007, 07:06 AM

Originally Posted by macgeek2005

I'll let my kid buy a computer with his/her own money!!!

Well hopefully you'll be older then 15 and more mature before having kids.

When out girls get old enough they will have access to a computer (not in their bedroom). They also will have a curfew, heck my stepson who is 21 has a curfew (not 8:00pm of course).

vmarks · Jan 17, 2007, 07:22 AM

Originally Posted by kmkkid

I think curfews are a good thing until the kid is at least out of highschool. Personally I wouldn't want my daughter dating until at least 17 maybe even 18 nowadays. As for the computer bit, thats nonsense because most schools require homework to be typed now, and a computer can be a very useful tool.

I typed papers on an IBM 8088. I've typed papers on a Mac SE and SE/30.

Even with a modern age computer, at no point is networking required.

What I think is most interesting here is the claim that 1980 is the stone age.

Parenting hasn't really changed drastically. Curfews are a reasonable measure.

Dakar² · Jan 17, 2007, 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by mac128k-1984

heck my stepson who is 21 has a curfew (not 8:00pm of course).

Someone doesn't think much of him.

ghporter · Jan 17, 2007, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by Dakar²

Someone doesn't think much of him.

It may be an issue of when one comes in one disrupts the people who are trying to sleep. In any case, it's what works for that particular family.

My son has a curfew that varies according to the situation-and he's never broken it.

As to the "no computer" issue, macgeek2005, did YOU pay for the computer you're using? If not then don't whine about families that don't buy computers for every member. My son has a TV in his room-a B&W (yes they still make those) portable that doesn't have component inputs. He got that at age 16 from his uncle for Christmas. In other words, he did survive without a TV in his room. And he didn't have his "own" computer until this past summer when we got him a laptop for school. Again, he survived, and at 19+ he's doing fine.

Limits are important both for the parents AND the child. If they aren't YOUR limits, don't complain about them.

Dakar² · Jan 17, 2007, 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by ghporter

In any case, it's what works for that particular family.

That's an assumption about as big as mine.

Kerrigan · Jan 17, 2007, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by macgeek2005

I'll let my kid buy a computer with his/her own money!!!

Sounds like you got owned by your mom again.

Stop whining, follow her rules, and quit starting threads whenever she won't let you buy something.

Millennium · Jan 17, 2007, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by macgeek2005

I had no idea that there were still primitive families living in America. Can you believe there are actually teenagers out there who are NOT ALLOWED to get their own computer, and who have a curfew of 8:00? I mean, what is this, 1980?

Honestly, my first reaction toward something like this would be to ask what the kid has done.

Y3a · Jan 17, 2007, 09:58 AM

Under YOUR ROOF, under YOUR RULES!
If ya don't like it, become productive enough to get your OWN PLACE and computer!

Dakar² · Jan 17, 2007, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by Millennium

Honestly, my first reaction toward something like this would be to ask what the kid has done.

Yeah, if the kid is older than 13, I'm inclined to agree.

SirCastor · Jan 17, 2007, 10:38 AM

A surprising thing happens between the time you're a teenager and the time you approach having children. All those thoughts of being a "cool" parent that lets your kid do whatever they want, whenever they want are replaced by sincere, earnest love for your children and desire for them to be happy and successful.

unfortunately, Happy and Successful != limitless and unrestricted. (dept. of redundancy dept.)

I don't intend to allow my children to have a computer in their room. The computer(s) will be kept in a public area where everyone can see what's going on.
8pm sounds a little early to me, but I suppose it has to do largely with how old the kid is and what they're doing.

My Fiance told me not long ago that she intended never to let her kids sleep over at another child's house. My first reaction was that she was taking away a fun experience for kids. She noted that there are a lot of bad people out there, and I realized that a lot of bad things could happen leaving my child over at someone else's house for a night. (I know people who have been abused) Her argument made a lot of sense.
anyway. That was A few more cents than I intended.

finboy · Jan 17, 2007, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by macgeek2005

I had no idea that there were still primitive families living in America. Can you believe there are actually teenagers out there who are NOT ALLOWED to get their own computer, and who have a curfew of 8:00? I mean, what is this, 1980?

It struck me as odd that there's still parents out there that are so paranoid and stupid that they would actually forbid their kid from getting a computer. I've also heard of some parents not letting their daughters hang out with guys AT ALL. But that's a whole other story.

Gee, there are some parents out there who still have B*LLS? Amazing.

finboy · Jan 17, 2007, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by SirCastor

That was A few more cents than I intended.

Golf claps.

finboy · Jan 17, 2007, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by macgeek2005

I'll let my kid buy a computer with his/her own money!!!

You mean after they pay his/her rent?

sek929 · Jan 17, 2007, 11:29 AM

My parents refused to buy me anything besides food and clothes.

I never had a curfew throughout HS, I was trustworthy...and I didn't do anything to betray that trust.

Maybe this kid is a little punk and deserves a curfew and not to have a computer.

Chuckit · Jan 17, 2007, 11:34 AM

I'll let my kid have whatever curfew he wants as long as he's paying the going rate for a rented room around these parts.

besson3c · Jan 17, 2007, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by Captain Obvious

Maybe your parents don't bother with these kinds of rules for you because they know you're a loser and aren't in any real danger of getting out of control. I'm sure they figure a dork who's moved by a lousy movie made for 12 year old girls isn't a threat to knock up the cheerleader down the block.

Was this necessary? Sheesh...

Teasing about his sword and Secret Garden infatuation is one thing, but outright insults are another...

Rumor · Jan 17, 2007, 11:45 AM

Believe it or not, that is not as archaic as you may think. In many situations, it's a great idea to have you children obey curfews. I wouldn't want my 16 year old daughter walking the streets of Oakland at 12am on a Friday.

As for the computer, perhaps the parents want thier children to be productive and not make videos of them with sharp objects.

Dakar² · Jan 17, 2007, 11:46 AM

Okay, I think we're starting go a little black and white on this.

I don't think anyone is arguing against having a curfew in general.

Railroader · Jan 17, 2007, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

Was this necessary? Sheesh...

Teasing about his sword and Secret Garden infatuation is one thing, but outright insults are another...

Like you're one to judge.

Perhaps he should have made a joke about his God and bowel movements.

olePigeon · Jan 17, 2007, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by Railroader

Like you're one to judge.

Perhaps he should have made a joke about his God and bowel movements.

He worships the god of bowel movements?

Reminds me of a joke:

I hear the Romans have a god for everything except premature ejactulation... but I hear it's coming soon. (Thanks Mel)

Dakar² · Jan 17, 2007, 01:03 PM

Oh, nice.

besson3c · Jan 17, 2007, 02:16 PM

It is possible that Jesus didn't have to poop. I mean, how do we know he did? I don't think this was ever mentioned in the Bible.

Just something I lie awake about wondering sometimes.

ShortcutToMoncton · Jan 17, 2007, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by vmarks

I typed papers on an IBM 8088. I've typed papers on a Mac SE and SE/30.

Even with a modern age computer, at no point is networking required.

However, I do think in most schools nowadays, if you don't have access to the internet for your schoolwork you are at a significant disadvantage.

greg

Rumor · Jan 17, 2007, 02:25 PM

Most public schools nowadays are a significant disadvantage.

jokell82 · Jan 17, 2007, 02:25 PM

I had a similar rule with regards to the computer when I was a kid (especially after I ran up a $400 CompuServe bill one month). I'm sure this kid's parents work it the same way - no computer after a certain time unless it's for actual school work.

Dakar² · Jan 17, 2007, 02:27 PM

I thought the computer and curfew were two separate issues.

ShortcutToMoncton · Jan 17, 2007, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by Rumor

Most public schools nowadays are a significant disadvantage.

Huh?

greg

Rumor · Jan 17, 2007, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by ShortcutToMoncton

Huh?

greg

Overcrowding and lack of budget, among other things, has made a negative impact on the public school system in the US.

cjrivera · Jan 17, 2007, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by jokell82

I had a similar rule with regards to the computer when I was a kid (especially after I ran up a $400 CompuServe bill one month).

bwahahahah!

you too? I ran up a $350 Compuserve bill + $200 for the phone bill (it was a long distance number) on my Apple IIc. Man, I was in deep crap for a long, long time and it took me forever to repay that.

I thought I was the only one "naive" enough to do that...

Stupid kids!

shifuimam · 08:44 PM

...

kick52 · Jan 17, 2007, 03:43 PM

my mum doesnt like me going out late, but i have 10 computers, and she doesnt monitor me in any way.

slpdLoad · Jan 17, 2007, 03:46 PM

Consice version OP:

Originally Posted by macgeek2005

parents...paranoid and stupid

imitchellg5 · Jan 17, 2007, 03:47 PM

I have a curfew on 9 and until last month I couldn't have my own computer in my room ( which I had to buy). So what? I live with it! All you spoiled kids have no idea what rules are/

imitchellg5 · Jan 17, 2007, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by macgeek2005

parents... paranoid and stupid

Or maybe they just love their kids and want to keep all of the crap of the world from polluting their minds.

Railroader · 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

It is possible that Jesus didn't have to poop. I mean, how do we know he did? I don't think this was ever mentioned in the Bible.

Just something I lie awake about wondering sometimes.

I believe this is called "trolling" or "baiting". Reported.

EDIT: HA HA! I got an infraction for this post. http://forums.macnn.com/89/macnn-lou...t/#post3272241