A Nation’s Epidemic – Gun Violence
The recent epidemic of gun violence in our nation is causing all of us to reassess the safety of our schools and communities. The ways in which we cope with the inevitable stress and trauma that comes from this unpredictability is paramount and requires support, education and definitive action. In addition, the demands of a changing world, the influence of pop culture, media violence, physical, emotional and sexual acting out as well as the pace of innovations in technology are creating the “perfect storm” that can lead our children adrift. They are increasingly adopting a wide range of negative and destructive behaviors, which require our intervention, on-going support and love.
Our children are expressing low self-esteem, disrespect of adult intervention, avoidance of difficult tasks and accountability, mental illness and psychiatric disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, narcissism, depression, eating and sleeping disorders, suicide/cutting, oppositional behaviors and substance abuse.
Many children are not mastering the developmental milestones of maturation, which will continue to make their experience of the world around them more difficult. As these deficits follow them into adulthood we become a society marked by chronologically aged adults driven by base needs and emotional immaturity.
As a presenter with over 25 years experience in the mental health, social services, criminal justice and education field I understand the concerns and stressors facing professionals, parents, students and educators. As adults it is our responsibility to nurture the relationship we share with our children and provide the safe haven, open dialog and respect all humans need to develop. Considering the inevitable generation gap and our own responses to these stressors, reaching our kids has become even more difficult, but it doesn’t need to cause undue pressure or surrender.
We can commit to understanding our own personal history and how our experiences inform who we are, how we behave and ultimately how we intervene in our children’s lives. We too are children in need of validation, respect, compassion, inclusion, and love. We can create a foundation for effective relationships with our children and each other and minimize the sources of conflict and rejection of guidance and support.
Therein lies the opportunity for growth through crisis; teachable moments that form collaborative bonds that outlast the crisis and help to build strong foundations for the future.
I hope you will join me on our shared path of discovery, education and hope.
Wendy