Comments from Patchland: Things That Are Awesome and Parent Problems

Parents take it on the chin a little in this edition of “Comments from Patchland”. Some of our readers think the parental units aren't doing enough to teach their children well. Meanwhile, you can see examples of some "feel-good" stuff in the community this week, as well as a tribute to Things That Are Awesome.

As always, the floor is still open for your comments. Click a link and chime in.

Today's trend: Parents need to be parents — in drug education

"All D.A.R.E. has ever been is a 'feel-good' program that lets parents and teachers think they are actually doing something. By the time your kids enter school, you have already laid the foundation for your kids being substance abusers or not. If Mommy or Daddy polish off a case of Bud Light every night, they're going to be booze hounds, because Mommy and Daddy do it."
— foxxydrummer, Fenton-High Ridge Patch


"Why are police officers teaching drug safety, anyway? Police officers doing the teaching leads young minds to contemplate the illegality of drug use and the societal implications, rather than the very real, long-term detriments to the individual."
— Marjorie Schamburg Dellas, Chesterfield Patch (via Facebook)

Today's trend: Parents need to be parents — in financial education

"We never tied it to chores. Chores were something you did just because you are in our family. I actually think it is important for children to have money of their own to decide how much to spend, save and give to others. It is an ongoing process."
— Jayne Langsam, Ladue-Frontenac Patch

Today's trend: Parents need to be parents—in social education

"Everyone keeps screaming the school is responsible. The truth of the matter is there is not enough teachers, too large of a building, and too many parents who have left the task of raising their kids to the schools."
— Michelle, Hazelwood Patch

Would 'under-restauranting' solve the obesity problem?

"Parking IS a good problem to have. Let Gianino's in!"
— Shari, Kirkwood-Webster Groves Patch

"I can hardly believe that yet another restaurant is thinking of moving into the downtown Kirkwood area. I have to agree with Walter Smith that we are 'over-restauranting.' I am sure it is a fine establishment, but they are late to the party."
— Terry Sibbitts, also Kirkwood-Webster Groves Patch

Then there's the problem of restaurants leaking out to the street

"First, get rid of the outside dining so the sidewalks are available to pedestrians, as originally intended, rather than for the personal enrichment of select businesses—paid for and maintained by taxes (public money)."
— Mike Baldwin, also University City Patch

Another solution to the obesity problem?

"I switched to public transit (and my bicycle) long ago. Looks like that's not going to be changing any time soon."
— Tom Klimczyk, Mehlville Patch

Things that are awesome

"This is AWESOME! I hope it did come from the city/state tax dollars. At least you know the money is going to a great cause."
— toasteroven, Town and Country-Manchester Patch

"The concert was awesome. The band was great. I look forward to being at the park more and enjoying this new facility, regardless of how it was paid for."
— Vince Laurent, also Town and Country-Manchester Patch


"That is so awesome. Both my friend Penny and her pup Tasha are survivors! You go girls."
— Kim Raile Smith, Maryland Heights Patch

We just need some 'feel-good historical' photos

"We are well supplied with drug stores and banks! The new Walgreens has 'feel-good' photos in its windows while the CVS store was required to have historical photos in theirs. What's up?"
— David Caldwell, Creve Coeur Patch

If you are reading this, Anonymous Donor, would you like to buy an ad?

"If you are reading this 'Anonymous Donor,' thank you SO much for what you are doing for my kids and all the other kids in the district. Your generosity is astounding! Praise God for you!"
— Robin Seaton Jefferson, Wentzville Patch

"This is just so exciting—even though I am a grandmother now and all of my children and grandchildren so far have attended the Wentzville School District schools. I am so proud of our district."
— Teresa Frey, also Wentzville Patch

Who knows what astronauts do behind their tinted windows?

"I always said that if I had kids, I would get a van with tinted windows so they could move about freely on a road trip, like I did, instead of being strapped down like astronauts. Too bad those days are gone."
— David Clark, Maplewood-Brentwood Patch