We are now into a new year and it's the time for New Year's resolutions.
But for me it's also a time to allow my dreams and wishes to be articulated. I want to see a better world for our children and it can happen. It's simply up to us to decide what we want to see and get moving to realize our desires. Yoda (from Star Wars) would say, "Do. Or do not. There is no try." We need to simply decide to do what we need to do for our children.
Kathy (from Parenting Today) would add that we need to think big. If we do not dream of a better world for our children it simply will not happen. So I have wishes and dreams for our children in 2015. I dream:
- That all our children be free from hunger and pain. That something as simple as a school lunch program be a priority for all parent committees in all schools, particularly the affluent ones. Should we not feed all the children before we fundraise for computers or soccer sweaters? My dream is that in this land of abundance our children have enough to eat but also that food banks be a need of the past.
- That all our children be free from sexual, emotional and physical abuse. And that we understand that physical punishment of children is antediluvian and unnecessary. That our children need to be protected, nurtured, raised and cared for by responsible and loving adults who would never dream of hurting them.
- That children become a priority for all of society. That parents understand that they need to meet the needs of their children first, not last or even second.
- That communities understand that the children of their community need their neighbours to care and watch out for them. That governments at all levels consider the needs of children when legislating.
- That teens be recognized as young people with different needs from their younger counterparts. But that doesn't mean they don't need parenting. They need limits, rules and parental expectations. They need to be welcomed in our communities, not shunned. A group of teens is simply a group of people and we need to look on them and smile, just as we would if they were preschoolers or older folk.
- That the streets and parks become safe places for children to run and play. Children need play areas and we need to work to change our attitudes toward fears of abduction which deny our children their freedom.
- That parents in the are honoured for the work they are doing in raising the next generation of adults. That they are supported and recognized for both their paid employment and the parenting work they do.
- That parents take the time to enjoy their children. Our children are fun, interesting and stimulating. Let's enjoy them.
Kathy Lynn is a professional speaker and author. Sign up for her informational newsletter at parentingtoday.ca.
