St. Patrick's celebrations

[danbrotherston]

I don’t think anybody said any of that here. My understanding of the above comments about “jerk” parents is that they are talking about having the kids figure stuff out for themselves, including things like transportation, rather than treating teenagers like preschoolers. This isn’t always appreciated by the kid at that moment in time, but if it’s done properly, the kid will usually realize at some point that they have skills that their more coddled peers do not.

It is definitely possible for a parent to be a jerk in a negative way, but that’s completely different from self-identifying as a “jerk”. In particular, there is a big difference between jerk and “jerk”.

Thank you Ijmoorlan....I couldnt have said it better myself.  Empathy compassion, and understanding are actually guiding principles on which I try to lead my children by example.  The term "jerk" is used anecdotally to describe a parent that doesn't always go along with the perceived norm.  The "Jerk" teaches our kids that life just isn't always fair, you need to suffer set backs and and learn how to overcome obstacles yourself with out the parent stepping in and saving the day all the time.  Studies are showing there is a real correlation between suicide of young people and parents trying to do everything for their children.  We (parents and society) are doing our children a real disservice by not teaching them proper copping mechanisms by trying to save the day or mitigate their situations.
I watch this video several times a year by Simon Sinek to remind myself why being a "Jerk" parent might just save my children's life one day.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNgQOHwsIbg    If you are a parent, have a watch.  Sorry for detracting from the discussion topic here, but  they totally took it off line over on Station Park about HSR, so why not here about an important subject...

You folks and I have very different definitions of the word "jerk"...and I'm not sure the scare quotes make a difference to me (nor did the OPs use quotes)...

Helping your children learn to live in the world is of course the point of parenting, and something some parents fail at. But I'd never call anyone a jerk for it.

I would call them a jerk for not having empathy and compassion for others.