Kids in America Today!

Many children today lack the proper health, hygiene and nutrition needed to support learning and growth in the world.  Americans are more than willing to send aid to third world countries suffering famine, decay and disease in hopes of making the world a better place for all.  What startles me is Americans often neglect to look in their own backyards putting blinders on when it comes to those who live in similar conditions.  There are many that send support to poor communities and donations to non-profits since this has been their habit for years but they neglect to see what is happening to their neighbors or those in the middle class who are suffering due to the economy and often lack the knowledge to  get any benefits from organizations or the government because they have never had to depend on such help.  Much less, are they eager to admit they need such assistance after losing a job or having  pay checks cut in half putting their families in dire need for help resulting in a stressful environment for all.  

Parents often put on an act around their children to protect them from the negative elements in life.  It happens on a daily basis due to the economic collapse in this country and now the devastation that has resulted from mother nature in the Northeast.  Although parents try to conceal their emotions and needs to protect their children, they often do not realize that children can tell when something is not going as planned or things have changed.  They are very perceptive to the slight little changes in their parent's mood, habit.... 
They often ask, what's wrong?  getting answers like "nothing for you to worry about"  But you need to realize that children do worry about things and it drastically affects their personal pride, confidence and ability to learn.  Sometimes it's the little things that cause them to distress and parents often do not notice.

We all want to protect the children, especially our own.  We need to take the time to look around us and see if we can help our neighbor or the person who lives close.  Things are not always as they seem on the outside.  Look at the children.  Are they well nourished?  Are they healthy?  Does it appear they are getting regular dental and medical care?  Are their close clean?  Are they clean?  Children need to be taken care of in America and to do so, we need to start taking car of our own before we send millions to other countries.

All children deserve to be well-nourished; engaged in meaningful age appropriate activities; insured adequately to receive proper dental, vision and medical care at all times; educated to succeed in this world; and kept safe at all times.  America needs to take action and take care of it's own!

Penn State- Let the Children Down!

I have been reading and hearing quite a bit about problems stemming from the Second Mile Organization and it's relationship to Penn State.  I am shocked that this could of been going on for so long without the administration of Penn State not taking a proactive stance to stop this type of behavior.  The behaviors of this coach through his own acknowledgement during a phone interview with NBC are not only inappropriate and criminal but repulsive.  How can anyone try to rationalize the touching, showers, etc.?  It's apparent that Penn State was trying to avoid bringing this situation to the public for the scrutiny it would take but how could they go as far as try to perjury themselves to cover up such a horrible act knowing that it was most likely continuing through the years.  I believe that all people have a societal obligation to protect the health and well-being of all children.  The administration should of been more concerned about the children than their national image.  It's a shame that so many have been hurt due to their lack of moral consciousness.  I am applaud at the lack of action by the administration at Penn State, The Second Mile Organization and Coach Paterno. 

This man being an ex-football coach was still allowed to enter the Penn State facilities. While Second Mile was prohibited from having any further relationship with Penn State.  This looks like children were punished for crimes of others.  We need to protect children in our society from the actions of pedophiles like Standesky.  Adults should not be rubbing or caressing legs of children; taking showers with young children and horsing around naked . . . They really looked the other way while the one coach who brought this to Penn State's attention is receiving death threats.   Why?  Didn't he do the right thing by making sure it stopped that day and informing his coach, his immediate supervisor?  Could of he done more?  I don't know.  It doesn't sound like anyone was truly listening.  It is easier for all to sweep it under the carpet.  That is until the carpet is lifted and it makes national headlines.  What was Penn State thinking?  JoePa, What were you thinking?   Everyone could of done more to protect the children! 

The World Through a Child's Eyes!

 Don't you ever want to sit back and look at the world through a child's eyes.  Their perspective is so innocent and untarnished.  They have such curiosity.  The utter will to just explore practicing and developing skills through simple experimentation, inquisition and trial & error.  A child is unconditionally loving, unforgiving and carefree.  They forgive, forget and move on instantly.  They are constantly on the move during their waking hours always observing and wondering why, what, when, where and how about the world around them.  They do not hold grudges, bully, or intentionally cause anyone else pain or discomfort.  A child is learning each and every moment watching those around them, modeling what they see and forever praising their role models.  They want so badly to be big just like you and me, so they try to be us by simply modeling our behaviors, words, and daily routines.  A child is not innately mean, prejudicial or lazy.  They do not pull inappropriate behaviors or words out of the sky.  These are all learned behaviors from those very role models they worship~ parents, teachers, older siblings.  Lets raise a kinder, more tolerant generation by being exemplary role models for each and every child our lives touch.  I know I will be, how about you?