| News
& Views
- Dec, 1993 (#25) |
PARENTAL DISTRESS REACTION
(PDR)
In the July 1993 issue of Adolescence
magazine, Richard P. DeSantis and Gerald J. Manney
of Beech Hill Hospital and coauthors of the book
"Suspended Adolescence" identified a condition
they call Parental Distress Reaction (PDR). They say
it manifests itself when parents with children with problems
react to child workers in a way that "seem to be uncooperative
and resistant to help." It is often concluded that the parents
don't care. "It is quite natural to point an accusing finger
and place most of the blame on parents without knowing more
about what is happening in their lives." The authors argue
that "Family or Parental Distress Reaction is a condition
where individual or family resources are stretched to or beyond
apparent limits. These resources may include emotional and
physical endurance, finances, and social supports. When people
are overwhelmed, their ability to respond effectively is often
diminished. Often individuals may try even harder to control
a situation, becoming even more depleted or simply withdrawing
physically or emotionally."
The following figures are taken
from the book HOLLYWOOD VS. AMERICA by Michael Medved.
In 1965, 45 million people went
to the movies every week.
In 1969, it dropped to 19 million
with a low of 16.8 million in 1971. It was at 18.9 million
by 1991. This was a bigger drop than when television was introduced
and movie going was cut in half.
In 1965, the best picture Oscar
went to The Sound of Music. In 1969, it was Midnight
Cowboy, an X-rated story of a bisexual hustler.
Comparing "R" vs. "PG" films
since 1980, PG films on median earned triple the gross of
"R" films.
A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL HELPS
STUDENTS DEVELOP GOOD HABITS
One of the central aims of education is the formation
of strong character. This profound challenge has a simpler
side. From the habit of simple courtesy grows tolerance and
compassion. From the habit of cleanliness grows a sense of
stewardship and respect. From the habit of accuracy grows
honesty. Good habits lead to good character. Another central
aim of education is to develop a student's intellect. In ten
years there has been no agreement on what this means nor how
it is to be accomplished. Here again, the development of good
habits comes to bear. When a student develops the habit of
asking questions with an open mind, curiosity develops. The
habit of finishing a project develops persistence. The habit
of reflection develops wisdom.
- Todd R. W. Horn, Headmaster,
Orme School Bulletin, Fall 1993.
Copyright
© 1993, Woodbury Reports, Inc. (This article may be reproduced
without prior approval if the copyright notice and proper
publication and author attribution accompanies the copy.)
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