Shangrala, in response to your question, "Adults losing touch with the youth," the answer is yes.

Some of us have gone on a spanking vs not spanking tangent and other important things have been left out. Family time is very important in the teaching aspect, too. This is where young children learn to interact with their family and that carries through into their social life.

Families don't seem to have time anymore for just being with each other. We don't need to continue beating the dead horse of TV, computers and video games. Yes, they are all at fault. Kids get addicted to them and/or parents use them as baby sitters. Better yet, they use them to get the kids out of their hair.

Families don't eat together anymore, they don't pray together or go to church together. Parents turn their kids over to the public school system to raise yet they take any authority away from the teachers. One of the biggest complaints from my grandkids teachers is that the parents don't get involved in their school work or school activities. It was a complaint back when my two oldest were in school. They are 46 and 42 respectively. Shoot! I remember in my junior year, I was in a school play and my mom showed absolutely no interest in even helping me with my lines! She didn't go to the play, either.

Even to this day, I encourge the two boys that are local to come have a picnic at our place at least once every two months. Sometimes it's a battle to get them together. It's not only important for the nucleous families to spend time together; it's important for extended family, too.

Anyway, I've contributed more than my two cents worth. I've said enough on this thread.