It Takes a Village - A Community For Our Children

I thought being older and wiser I would be better prepared for helping to raise a child. I have raised two daughters already so I should know what I am doing right? I have educated myself, learned more about what children need to thrive and yet still I am feeling overwhelmed and out of my element.

Knowing more doesn't always mean better prepared. I honestly don't remember worrying, as much as I do now about helping to raise my granddaughter, about messing my girls up when they were growing up. I figured I would love them, clothe them, feed them, shelter them, stand by them giving them all the support they need and they would turn out all right. Now I realize how much I screwed up and how things matter that you don't even realize when you are young. Now I find myself scrutinizing everything I do and worrying because I know even the small things effect how they grow, learn and love.

I look around for answers for a better way and I am seeing too many questions. I am seeing too many parents struggling, tired, overwhelmed, and barely having the energy to enjoy their children while virtual strangers are actually raising them and doing even more damage. Babysitters, daycare, schools all are getting ridiculously indifferent to the children and their needs. Parents knowing they are probably not spending enough time with their children as others are raising them and screwing them up even more, that they should start putting money aside for therapy now even though they can't afford it.

What are we doing to our children? Why are we not able to see that parents; our children, sisters, brothers, grandchildren need our help? Sure, you may say that you did better than your parents did but how much better is that really? How long are you going to sit by and watch as our public schools become an even more terrifying place than when you were in school? How long are you going to say, "Its not my problem." How long are you going to stand by while children within your family, neighborhood, community, city, country are left feeling like no one cares if they are bullied, berated, molested, or just starving for someone to notice them.

I know there are systems and organizations out there that are supposedly helping them but they don't help until there is a problem, until the damage is done. All of us need to say enough is enough. You and I need to take responsibility before it is a problem. You and I need to help our families, friends, and neighbors to make sure that the parents are getting the support they need. That the children have lots of people who love them in their lives. That you and I are supporting our children to learn, grow and love. That we are helping the children to explore until they discover their passions in life. That we are supporting them to make wise choices for themselves.

Today make a difference for at least one child in your life and tomorrow and the next day.

• Volunteer to babysit so that the parent/s can take a little time for themselves
• Be a Big Brother or Big Sister
• Volunteer at your neighborhood school
• Ask a parent what you can do to help them
• Tell a parent what a great job they are doing
• Make an effort to be more involved in a young families life on a daily basis
• Write to your neighborhood school supporting the staff and teachers to create a more loving and supportive environment for the children to learn in.
• Ask yourself, "What can I do that would help a child feel more loved and supported?"
• Ask yourself, "What can I do that would help the parents around me feel more loved and supported?"

Lovingly be of service. I am sure if you look around you will see someone close to you that needs help.