We Are Our Children's Role Model

I am reminded of a story of a young girl who had been threatened by some other kids who wanted to fight her. This young girl (we’ll call her Shelley), had obviously become very upset by this. Another young girl (we’ll call her Carla) who had no idea what was going on and had nothing to do with the incident, past by her and saw her upset and attempted to console her. “Are you okay?” Carla asked. Shelley, still mad jumps up and began to curse at Carla and threatened her. Carla, stepped back, apologized for being concerned, and walked away. Several minutes later Shelley’s mom and brother had arrived. Shelley pointed at Carla as one of the girls who had threatened to fight her; Carla was astounded. She had no idea what had just happened. Shelley’s mom had threatened Carla and told her that they could settle the matter outside in the parking lot. “I’m not sure what is going on” Carla stated to Shelley’s mom, “I saw her upset, and asked her if she was okay”. At this point Carla found out what really happened and so did Shelley’s mom. Other adults got involved and the issue was resolved.

The reaction of Shelley’s mom is clearly one of the reasons our youth are involved in so much violent activity. Sometimes the parents are to blame. Now I am not saying that all negative acts are the parents fault but in this situation the parent was clearly ready to fight a child; and for what? Shelley’s mom is a prime example of how parents are lacking in parental guidance and education. She obviously did not think about the fact that if she had harmed this child she would have gone to jail, her children would have been displaced, she most likely would have lost her job, and she would now have a criminal record. It is obvious that Shelley is not use to someone looking out for her and consoling her when she feels bad. It seems that she has been taught that when you’re angry, take it out on everyone.

Let’s teach our children more respect not only for others but for themselves. We are our children's role models. What example are you setting?