sticks and stones...

Whoever said "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me" lied.  After hearing the news of yet another teen suicide due to bullying, I have to break the silence.  WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!  Kids are being pushed around.  Kids are being called names and made fun of until they feel so worthless that they honestly believe the world would be a better place without them.

Parents need a wake up call.  The best place to stop bullying is not at school.  It's at home.  Schools can put up "BULLY FREE ZONE" signs until the walls are covered in them, and it's not going to solve anything.  A bully isn't going to look at that poster and change their way of life.

It's time moms and dads quit raising children to be bullies.  Or bystanders for that matter.  To watch a child get bullied and turn a blind eye is just as hurtful.  Get rid of the "my child can do no wrong" attitude, and teach them some integrity and respect for humanity.  Lead by example.  Do you make fun of people and then wonder where your children get it?  Have you called someone fat lately?  Have you reached out to someone lately to let them know that you love them for the imperfection that they are?  Your kids know.  And your kids will follow in your footsteps.

I am genuinely saddened by the youth of today.  It's very difficult to raise happy, healthy children when they are exposed to so much garbage in this world.  My children can call me over protective.  My children can complain that "so and so is allowed to do this or that".  But so and so isn't my kid.  There has been a severe lack of parenting in most of this generation.  Talk to your children.  Eat dinner together.  Ask them about their day.  One day, that will mean more to them than the latest video game.

I am not a perfect parent, and have never claimed to be.  It is not my intention to tick my readers off by this.  It's just to open some eyes.  Spread the word.  DO SOMETHING!  If you know of a child being bullied, don't ignore it, and teach your children not to ignore it either!  What kind of world do we live in where the "cool kids" are the mean ones?

Something to think about:  How would you feel if you had no idea the pain your child was hiding inside?  The suffering and the  torture they endured at school, on the bus, or at the playground.  For being smart... not smart enough... chubby... too short... too tall... poor... rich...  What if you found out your child was being bullied?  What if the first time you found out was in his or her suicide note?

words hurt...
DRD