Sometimes we want so much for
our children, and our community’s children, that doing what’s best for them can
seem overwhelming.
We can begin to feel that there
are too many bases to cover, and too many areas to support or protect to make
sure our children get our best efforts.
It can help to focus our energies
on a shared vision. A publication called Helping Kids Succeed has a great
approach.
It asks us to imagine living in
a community where all young people feel loved and supported by their families
and neighbors, with many positive, caring places to go.
• Where all young people know
what is expected of them — what actions are acceptable and not acceptable. And
where they see adults set good examples in those areas;
• A community where all young
people believe that education and life-long learning are important, and have
strong values that guide their actions;
• A community where all young
people have skills to make healthy choices and have good relationships; where
all young people feel strong, worthwhile, and connected to some purpose in
life.
Finally, it asks us to imagine
a community where all young people are valued by everyone.
Imagine the richness of life
for everyone in such a community.
