I'm angry

I don't know about everyone else... but sometimes I forget that there are such young members on here. I'm sure there are times I have responded in a risky kind of way or posted a questionable thread in some eyes.. but it was not meant to hurt anyone.

The young members on this forum have displayed a maturity that goes beyond what many 13 year olds have... which makes it easy for us older folks to forget you are so young. I will try really hard to remind myself to edit questionable material I may post in the future... sorry if I've offended anyone.

You certainly haven't offended me Nancy! I think you are a riot!!

We have very few 13-year-old members and most of them speak their mind if they find a thread that is questionable. Let's keep in mind that at that age the stories they hear at school and from their peers are way worse than the ones we tell. At least here they have a place where they can safely ask questions and share their thoughts without having to deal with peer pressure and all the other problems that come with being a teenager.

That is a really good point saje... you are right. I know some of the stories Arielle has told me from her friends made my hair stand on end. I think this is a forum that people can share experiences and ask questions and not have to deal with the pressure of being afraid to ask or share.

Saje, your right!
i didnt think about it like that. our "kids" are very mature

Yes, some of our young members are very mature. However, that does not mean that they need to hear about drunken adventures on a dog forum. Let's also not forget that Chazhound is viewable by anyone... you do not have to have a membership in order to read the threads.

Also... I know of at least three members that are not even teens yet. Silly rules.

It amazing how insightful and thoughtful our younger members are. I can't think of one who would blindly read a thread without having any thoughts or opinions but I can definitely think of at least a dozen who would come on and tell us we are stupid or should be careful.

It's really, really unfortunate what happened to your husband but the truth is that most teens learn about being responsible in schools. They have designated drivers which is something that older generations never heard of when they are younger. Most drunk drivers are over the age of 40.

but they need to look up to older people. we need to be an example....

ALL of the internet is available to anyone. This is mild. They also don't need to hear about boob implants or tattoos but we talk about all kinds of things. We treat our younger members with respect and acknowledge they can rationally think about all kinds of situations. I think it's always better to talk things through than to avoid subjects with 'kids.' And I think it's good for people to see situations where people are being responsible, having fun and hanging out with people they trust.

Not sure if this was directed at one (or all) of my posts...but what kind of example are we providing by telling stories of drunken adventures to kids as young as 11, 12, 13? Food for thought...

No one wishes to "avoid" topics... it's just how we choose to speak about them.

But I digress...

Kids of any age could be getting on here but we can't parent them all. I don't expect people to only post thoughts that are G rated on this forum. There has to be some PG, PG-13 and the occassional M thoughts. This is a forum mostly of adults.

I am very sorry Squirtsmom. Although I didn't read the thread in question, I can totally understand why that would upset you. I tend to stick to the dog threads that interest me on this forum- some dog forum's only allow dog related threads. If you are looking for another dog forum that's a little different feel PM me.

Of course not, Saje.

I don't think anyone really thought about what kind of example we were setting. We were just sharing some funny stories.

I know for my family personally... some of my stories have been great learning tools to teach my daughter of things NOT to do.

I don't think sheltering our kids from such things as tattoos, drinking, piercings..etc is always such a good thing. If you teach them about them and the consequences attached to them it gives them more information to be able to make a responsible decision.

I definately agree that there are some things you just don't want your child to hear or be exposed to. But as far as this particular forum goes... I think this is harmless posting that goes on. Granted.. I've not read every single thread or reply.. but what I have read, I would not feel terrible if my daughter read it.

Some of those stories on that thread I found very humerous... nothing more than humerous. I never once thought of them as being "hey, go out and get plastered.. it's the only way to have fun" I guess others could possibly perceive it that way, but I just never thought about it.

I can have just as much fun without drinking... but I have to admit that MOST of my funny memories or stores involve drinking.. but NEVER drinking and driving.

I choose to be a member of only this forum because in all honesty .... I LOVE the fact that we have the different areas to post.

I go to the general dog forum for dog related stuff.. training for training issues..etc. I absolutely love the fire hydrant which is where I post most of my thread because they have to do with my personal life.

I'm sure there are forums out there that make you stick to just dog topics.. that's what makes chaz so different. I love this place. I can come here with dog problems or issues.. and can get advice on my personal life or vent when I am upset or angry.

You guys have no idea how much I have been helped on this forum. Your kind words and compassion and sincerity have made me come back day after day. I look forward to hearing about what goes on with your families and with your pets.

I consider this to be a very family oriented forum with some great people in here. I hope it never changes!

I'm so very sorry for your loss Squirtsmom. I had no idea. This has to be very painful and difficult for you and your family and friends. It will take a lot of time to ease the pain even a little. You're going through a tremendous strain, I'm sure.

I too, didn't read that thread as I am mostly interested in the behavior aspect of dogs. But I can imagine it brought up a lot of pain because you are particularily vulnerable. I'm sure it wasn't posted with any kind of hurtful intent as the poster probably didn't know about your loss. People drink, some a lot, some just a little. And as long as it's in moderation and no one is driving, most of society finds this socially acceptable and in some ways, actually medically beneficial when in small quantities. It's just particularily hurtful to you under these circumstances. And no one meant any harm, I'm sure.

Again...I'm terribly sorry for your loss.

buddy's parents...
i was talking about
we need to be setting an example for the younger people here. those 12 13 14 years old may look up to us. and we post about drinking and saying how fun it was??
however any kid anywhere can get online and read about drunken fun. and no its not a good idea to shelter kids from this sort of thing because its out there.

no no one said "go get wasted kids" but maybe an immature mind would think that?

i am not trying to start a debate. i completely see all sides that have been discussed.

I didn't say anything about sheltering kids from anything.

It could be done in a more tasteful manner is my point. You want to educate kids about drinking? Don't tell them about how much fun you had while get wasted two years ago or whatever. I don't see anyone posting about how sick they were after getting knock-down drunk, guess that's not the "adventure" part of being drunk. I suppose that appears to be beside the point. Oh well.

I feel like I've hijacked, sorry, Squirtsmom. If you need a shoulder I am availlable via PM. I hope that you won't let one silly thread turn you away from what is otherwise a great group of dog lovers.

It will not turn me away. Thjis relaxes me when I have time. I appreciate Rabbits are better, and +Buddysparents. You totally get what I am saying. Thanks for all the support. I just saw the thread, and saw red.