Posted by Cheryl, the kid from CA on February 02, 2001 at 16:41:14:
In Reply to: Re: Out of touch posted by Jeff R on February 02, 2001 at 12:39:51:
I was "given" my first tuba by my parents when I was 16 years old. Maybe I am the exception, but I feel like I have been nothing but grateful for their gift. No, I haven't repaid them back with money. Instead, I have 1. not gotten pregnant, 2. didn't drop out of high school, 3. I am going to a good college, 4. Respect them, etc.
Now, I understand your point that some kids (really, teenagers) may seem ungrateful. In my experience with people my age, I have NEVER met a single player NOT thankful that their parents care enough about their development to buy them a horn. Yes, teenagers are rebellious and have attitude problems...which is probably why a guy at the age of 15 (the peak of rebellion!) smirked at the original poster's comment about his horn.
Maybe I'm just looking at the situation through rose-colored glasses, but I really do think that these kids are grateful...give them time, they'll come around.
Cheryl Budisch
cbudisch(AT)ups.edu
tubagodess(AT)aol.com