Are We Afraid of The Children--Connect or Disconnect?

How many times in your daily travels have you seen teenagers or even younger children, without adult supervision, behaving or speaking inappropriately? How many of those times did you attempt to redirect their behavior?

In conversation with a group of adults at the Willow Grove Mall one day, many in the group stated that when they see children cursing, or being rowdy on the bus, they say nothing. They feared being cursed out by the child or even more so, by the child's parent(s). We cannot just turn or shake our heads. If we turn our heads, then we can't complain when the children are out of control, and our communities become a place we do not want to live. It is our civic duty to engage with the children, and to gently guide them on the path they should go, when they stray. I believe because so many children come from broken homes, from single parent families, and from parents that lack good parenting skills, some may feel neglected, abandoned, and uncared for.

Just a word of encouragement can go a long way. Your words can show a child that someone does care. Your positive words can strike a relationship with a child in your neighborhood. Your positive words can forge a camaraderie with an adult, that that child may not have. I believe, if you get to know just one child, you will see a beautiful person, who needs direction and guidance. Perhaps the child needs to hear from someone else, what the parent has been saying for a long time--and you're that person! Also, instead of addressing the negative behavior you observe, ask the child how was their day at school. Gather a group of children and take a day trip (with the parent's consent of course). Engage with the child positively. I say, ask God to help you be a mentor to a child, pray for God to give you the right words to speak, and pray that the parent(s) will be receptive to you speaking direction into their child's life. Instead of cursing you out, the parent may welcome your assistance. If you pray on it, God will work it out. If you speak calmly, and not disdainfully or with anger, your words will be received. You can make a positive difference in a child's life. Don't be afraid to do what's right. It does take a village to raise a child, and the village will be better off for it!