I think this morning's ep (also last night's late evening) was a good example of some lost values. For one thing, when Ward told the boys what to do, they were upset, but they didn't whine or talk back to him or June. They did what they were told because their parents told them to do it. Later, when they were sulking because they couldn't go to the carnival, Ward simply explained that sometimes you have to sacrifice your own happiness to make someone else happy and they understood. I think these are lost values.

As a teacher, I am always amazed at how fresh students are. And I'm not talking about them being mean or threatening, but how they just don't realize that talking to a grownup is different than talking to a friend. On the bus, I hear kids whining or talking loud and saying very disrespectful things to their parents and the parents just answer their questions. They never tell the kids to stop whining or to simply be quiet. My parents never would have stood for me calling attention to myself in public.

Just some thoughts.

I agree with this, but I think sometimes, especially in the later episodes, Beaver and Wally are too acquiescing to be realistic. You can still be respectful and stand up for yourself.

But I agree that lots of kids today need a firmer grip by their parents.

I see that all the time. Kids whining and throwing tantrums in stores and other public places. When I was little and did something like that, all my mom had to do was look at me a certain way and I would stop it. I would sometimes get spanked too. The problem today is parents don't know how to discipline the kids. If you spank them or leave any kind of marks on them you can go to jail. The kids know this and use it to their advantage. I don't agree with physically abusing a child at all and spanking should only be used as a last resort IMO. Back in the LITB days the majority of moms were able to stay home with their children and teach them good manners and values. Unfortunately today, many kids are being raised by daycare providers and babysitters, many of whom don't have the patience or the desire to sit down with a kid and teach him good values.

Yes, that's one of the attractions of LITB and Mayfield. Strong, clear, simple moral values. I agree.