And very much for the better.

I remember (surprised?) back in the good old days when my life changed from a care-free sports loving husband to a doting father.

I didn’t think I had it in me, but it was wonderful and we have never looked back.

So I know how difficult it can be raising a family, no matter how much fun and pleasure it is.

We have always managed, and generally, I think society has done a pretty good job.

But this week, the government announced that first-time mothers and fathers might be required to take parenting classes.

They would be paid for by  tax-payers, and it is hoped they will improve family relationships.

I am well aware that there are parents out there who really struggle with raising children.

That can be for any number of reasons, but I have no doubt that the pace of life, our desire for material things to keep up with the Joneses certainly plays its part.

There are many more deeper concerns of course, and any help no doubt would be most appreciated.

This is fraught with danger, and I know I shouldn’t, but I have a few (obviously old-fashion) thoughts of my own.

For a start, some of the way-out modern thoughts on dealing with children should be seriously looked at.

The children for example, are not (that’s NOT!) in charge of the household.

They are not the bosses and dictate what happens.

That, I think, is still the role of the parents.

And setting boundaries for the kids - what they can and can not do - should be part of our parenting role. 

Not the other way round.

I have written many times that I fear a lack of discipline also plays a major role.

I’m not sure how discipline is implemented nowadays, but sitting down and talking to kids as if they are adults doesn’t exactly enthuse me.       

I see if often.

Letting kids know firmly they are doing something wrong or naughty worked in the past - and probably still does with most families today.

I also see many instances of kids getting away with ‘murder,’  simply because the parent is not bothered to get up off their backside and do something about it...consistently.

Not just talk about threatening, but actually doing something about it.

Ah, old Grumpy Bum is at it again - handing out advice as if he knows.

True, it’s been a long time for us - and it is now wonderful being able to hand back the grandkids at the end of the day.

But maybe, just maybe, parenting courses could do worse than ask for some guidance from people who have been there and done that - and with some success (my kids probably wouldn’t agree, but I’m pretty happy with the way they turned out).

- - - -

It certainly seems like it is going to be some party for Elvis’ 80th birthday celebration as part of the 2015 Elvis Festival.

The official launch was held on Monday and was quite an event in its own right.

There is a new brand (I think of it as a logo or theme) to highlight one of Elvis’ most popular movies, Roustabout (one of my favourites), and an impressive website where people can book now for any number of the events on the program.

And there is a small pocket-sized program available which will be very handy indeed.

Tickets for the Elvis Express train from Sydney went on sale that morning as well - and sold out in 19 minutes!!!

Fair dinkum, I never thought it could get bigger, but next year’s festival looks like it will surpass everything we have done previously.

Accommodation is certainly at a premium and vacant blocks of land are now trying to be secured so people can camp on them.

There’s more space being made available at Tent City, nearby towns are booked out and more buses are being organised to transport Elvis fans in and out.

All shaping up wonderfully.

A few weeks ago, we had members of the Defence Force here and we at the paper got to know some of them quite well.

One celebrated his 50th birthday while here and had a ball.

But he let it slip he was a huge Elvis fan and always wanted to come to the festival.

Well this week, Mick sent me an impassioned plea: 

“I'm very keen to get back up there and have a few beers with the people we met. 

“I was wondering if you could keep your ear open for a place to stay during the Elvis Festival in January for me? 

Myself and my mate (who is also 50) have been wanting to visit for years. 

“I only need a bit of grass to lay the swag as a minimum but if you know anybody who would lend a corner of their backyard or has a shed it would be much appreciated.

“I would rather meet up with locals than go to the showground or a camping ground.

“Any help would be appreciated.”

So if you can help out, let me know.

- - - -

And while on the subject of music icons, when I was growing up, Rob EG (Robbie Porter) was a bit of a legend. 

He had some big hits and was certainly one of the stars of his time.

Well, Rob EG was going to be performing in Dubbo and had arranged to call into Parkes to have a yarn to me on the way - a photo opportunity and promotion for his performance.

Sadly, while in Parkes, he was injured in a car accident (last Friday) and had to be transported to Sydney.

So he will remember Parkes for the wrong reasons.

We put a picture and story about the accident on our website straight after it occurred, and it was only through that his promotions team was able to find him.

One rang us to say they were worried they hadn’t heard from him - but noticed the accident report.

They asked  us to check further into it and we were able to confirm  he was the person involved.

Thankfully, it all worked out okay, but whether he will be back soon for a performance is another thing.

- - - - 

 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

“Television is an invention that permits you to be entertained in your living room by people you wouldn't have in your home.”