Why it takes a village to raise children contrary to “Not My Business Syndrome"

As we know raising children in current times brings on so many challenges.  Many of you may be aware of the the term, " It takes a village.... to raise children."  It is very true if you want to have success and encouragement along the way of raising children today.  Although, we have been burdened with caution due to today's climate of "Not my business syndrome", it is still our duty to invest in our future by guiding youth along the right paths of positive citizenship.

Great books relating to today's youth can be found here

Many times all a youth needs is to be heard and know that someone cares.  That can make a world of difference to any child.  We don't have to be experts on every topic, and showing a curiosity about what the youth you encounter on a a frequent basis is key to opening up dialogue.  Simply asking questions from a place of genuine interest and seeking insight on a topic your youth are interested in can build trust and confidence.

Ways to keep calm and create a positive space

As we all navigate the arena of the World Wide Web we learn and are exposed to a variety of topics.  Monitoring what youth are doing online can be a positive and educational experience.  Being transparent with youth by letting them know you want them to have a healthy and safe experience online.  This approach lets the youth know that you are not on a mission to invade their privacy, but as a concerned and responsible adult it is your duty to put safety parameters in place.  

There are many times while online you may receive unsolicited  adult topics in the form of pop-ups, posts, emails, and texts.  Imagine what your children are receiving?  All it takes is the exposure to pornography by your child that can lead to various unhealthy habits.  The habits can range to addiction to pornography, sexting (which can lead your child to being charged with a sex crime for having an underage nude person on their device), inappropriate approach seeking immediate gratification of sexual release, and further sexual dysfunctions in a healthy relationship possibly due to the addiction to pornography preventing healthy performance and release without viewing or fantasizing about the scenarios exposed to while viewing pornography.  By creating a safe space to openly talk about sex and the potential dangers of predators lurking online can prove to be very helpful to your child and the community.

Monitoring the types of music, television shows, video games, chapter books and apps youth are accessing can make great topics for teaching and open discussions on life long lessons.  We must take notice to the contents and ratings appointed to various forms of media our youth are exposed to.  We all know we are up against billion dollar plus industries that DO NOT HAVE OUR YOUTHS BEST INTERESTS AT HEART.  Their goal is to keep the mighty dollars flowing in their pockets.  We must have continuous conversations of what is appropriate behavior, and not rely on media to be totally responsible.

WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP RAISE THE CHILDREN IN OUR VILLAGES:

1.   Lead by example of your behavior and language.
2.   See something not right, SAY SOMETHING- approach with positive tone.  This pertains to your entire village.
3.   Have those talks at the table.  Make having meals at the table a priority proves to very beneficial.
4.  Take advantage of the short one on one sessions in the car to have substance filled conversations
5.   Vet your your youth's friends, and get to know their families too.
6.   Make positive community connections with fellow parents, guardians, neighbors, and public human services departments.
7.   Create a circle of positive personal resource people to reach out to in a time of need, and be that resource individual to them also.
8.   Be a positive resource to each youth you encounter in public.
9.   KNOW that "HURT PEOPLE, HURT PEOPLE."  Discuss with youth that not all people have their best interest at heart, and what are the risk unsafe interactions.
10.   Consider not allowing electronics in bedrooms with doors closed, and opt towards the use of most electronics in open spaces such as the living room or family rooms.  Inspect devices frequently.

Want more tips of raising children in the digital age?  Schedule your FREE life coaching chat by emailing:  LifeCoach702@live.com

Happy Parenting!

Roni~