“How to Raise a Juvenile Delinquent"

The sheriff’s office in a Texas city once published a list of rules titled “How to Raise a Juvenile Delinquent"  as:

1. From infancy, give a child everything he wants. He'll believe that the world owes him a living.

2. Pick up after your child.  He'll learn to pass his duties on others.

3. Side with him always even against authorities. Tell him they're prejudiced against him because he is a “free spirit” and is never wrong. This will make him disregard anyone who corrects him or limits his behavior.

4. Prepare for grief as your child will end up in jail or have a messed up life. A child who never hears the word no has a limited understanding of the word yes.

In fact, St. John Bosco’s “No” is preferred by the kids to Bl. Michael Rua’s “Yes”. St. John Bosco takes the time to listen to the request. Then he kindly explains why the request is not good for the boy. So, the young feels loved despite the rejection or the limitation. ( Bl. Michael Rua is cold by temperament. So, his “yes” can appear to be impersonal. But he is a holy man.)