By Chris Lott
Today’s children are getting a crazy world wide message. A message that that has become the new normal for some. A message not unlike the one I received during my formative years in the 60s, 70s and so on..
I understood that there were nuclear threats and what that could do. A violent political war with a non-voluntary draft was terrifying. “Peace” protesters, violence and death were not uncommon. Morality was frowned upon. Illegal drugs were passed off as enlightening. Political militant agitators (infiltrators) were as common then as they are now. American pride was at an all time low. And then there were gas shortages and lines…
A confusing time. Direction was needed.
My parents didn’t discuss any of this with me. They were simply trying to find their place in this progressive mess. I received my information from the media and “friends”. I remember privately praying for the first time to not have to be part of the draft, killing and war. On top of that, abortion, pandemic flu and three lettered sexual diseases were being discussed daily. I was genuinely scared and really confused.
Kids absorb more than you think. New Normal.
Today’s children understand that there are scary issues in their timeline as well. And, it’s more important than ever that they have an outlet to discuss and deal with these issues. An outlet they can trust.
Children are concerned and even scared (anxiety) from time to time and as parents we can’t be naive to this as my parents were. They are bombarded with biased information 24 hours a day. Really scary information. They see hate, violence, lying, sexual abuse, abortion and so much more. Intense stuff that becomes the elephant in the room sometimes.
Leaders and Educators are not getting it.
One of things that helped me get through the craziness of my time was education and sports. Highschoolers especially need this outlet to help keep them in check. To focus on things other than current events is not only healthy but necessary.
I understand why our government shut the schools, sports, and religious activities down when the coronavirus was first detected. But not forever. Keeping them closed seems to be more of a political and power play than a safety play at this time. It is critical to our children and in my opinion borders on child abuse not getting the youth back to these activities.
Solution? Less anxiety and more direction.
Parents need to be involved in discussing the new normal with their children. Finding out if there are concerns, anxiety and if guidance is needed. Our government needs to let our children participate in healthy (physical and mental) activities once again and it needs to happen now.