This is in response to the Aug. 15 letter from Angelo Giberti on defining family values. I am a stay-at-home mother of three children, happily married for 11 years, while my husband works to support our family.

“Leave It To Beaver,” we are not. My children do misbehave, get dirty and don’t like school most days.

I agree, times have changed. Teen suicide, drugs on every corner, violence on TV and families turning on one another – it’s no wonder family values have been misplaced.

Fortunately, that does not include every family in America. I know many people, like myself, who focus on their families and take the old-fashioned approach to child rearing. It’s sad to see children today struggle with drug addicted parents, with mothers not knowing who their child’s father is, and children just “growing up” rather than being “raised.” True family values mean both parents “raising” their children, teaching good from bad, right from wrong, building self-esteem, showing compassion, having high standards and strong morals.

Whatever happened to “truth or consequences?” That is why we are where we are today. Lack of discipline and too much freedom. Unfortunately, good old-fashioned values went out the window when divorce became a trend, sex a leisure activity and materialism a habit.

Just remember – today’s children are tomorrow’s future.

Tammy Thomas, Sabattus