“To what shall I compare this generation?” Jesus asked. One thing which is a perennial throughout human history is that no matter what you do, you are going to be criticized. John the Baptist was criticized as a religious fanatic because of his lifestyle. Jesus was criticized as “a glutton and a drunkard” because he used to go to dinner parties with “tax collectors and sinners.” The bottom line — since you are going to be criticized anyway you might as well do what you think is best. You see this phenomenon frequently in the way others react to someone’s parenting style. It’s too strict or too lax. The kids need more freedom. The kids need more discipline. You can’t win so follow your own instincts.