. . .And the Enemy Is Us cont'd

So what can be done?

First, admit that the problem exists. For a parent to proclaim their child is immune is to declare self-destruction. All parents have had to 'eat their words' while raising their children. "My kid won't. . .," but he/she did.

For teachers to deny the existence in their classroom is to declare ignorance. Many have been heard to say or imply, "That is a sticky situation and I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole." As parents we must lessen the educator's fear of reprisal.

Second, be aware of clues when a child begins to exhibit unusual behavior, such as: (1) Always wanting to wear long sleeved shirts or blouses. These will cover up the injection marks. (2) Wearing dark colored glasses indoors. These will hide the red or glassy eyes and small or dilated pupils. (3) Excessive use of breath deodorants and mints. Continually trying to overwhelm the order of alcohol and/or the sweet odor left by some drugs. (4) Falling asleep at unusual times. (5) Drop in grades.

Third, make referral to an expert. It is past for timely use of the resources at hand, the community health and guidance centers, the school counselor, ministers and youth leaders. The behavior may only be a 'growing up' syndrome, but then again it may not.

Fourth, carry out treatment prescribed. The shame of a nation is to allow its youth to damage or waste themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually during their critical period of growth.

For us to continue apathy and indifference toward our children is to accentuate the attitude, 'No one cares, so what?' We must unite the greatest forces in America. . .parents, teachers, church leaders and members, even politicians to fight the epidemic of drug use and abuse.

Society's greatest challenge of the home, the church, the school, the community, and the nation is that of guiding and leading our strongest, strategic advancement. . .our children. Isn't it time to choose extremely carefully those things that are very supportive of our mission and pursue them enthusiastically?

Anyone who fails to recognize the hand-writing on the wall must wallow in their own graffiti. Shall the 'cock' crow before we realize we are facing the enemy and the enemy is us?

Answer to Teen Despair

A sublime, splendid perception:

It seems the more things we care

about

and the more intensely we care

the more alive you are,

I am.

The fuse lights, it sparks 'you

care'

He cares. She cares.

We care. They care.

You care. God cares.

The whole-wide-world cares.

I care.

Realizing that much learning is caught not taught, could it be our children are simply mirroring the adult reflections who make up their social, moral, religious, and educational envioronment? In order to chart new directions, let us mirror ourselves first, then get to work improving our own reflections.