Articles

What can we do to stem the tide?

by Cheryl Baumgartner Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
Statistics show that our children are at risk.  They are at risk of  drug use, teenage pregnancy and prison.  Something must be done to stem the tide, but what?

Many children are at risk, more than we think.  Often we have parents who are too busy or too wrapped up in themselves to raise their child.  Children are hit with negative influence by video games, television, movies, peer pressure and more.  It's time for adults to take responsibility to reach out to a child and help them.

There are countless program dedicated to helping our children.  Big Brothers& Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club, Kids Hope USA and Foster Parents all try to help at risk children.  But you don't have to be part of an organized program to help.  We can all quietly do our part.

The most person way is through mentoring.  Do you have a niece or nephew?  Start there.  Spend time with them and show them the positive paths to take.  If you have a child of your own, open your home to your child's friends and let them see what a loving environment is.  Plan outings with these children, take them to the museum, camping or om a picnic. 

For some of these children, just knowing there is an adult available to them that cares can make a world of difference.  But the biggest thing is to be trusted.  Sometimes your child may tell you something that you know you must tell his parents or other authorities.  Don't go behind the child's back.  Tell them up front that you have to report it and why.  Make sure that the child understands you have their best interests at heart.  That child will thank you eventually.

So look around your neighborhood and family for a child you can connect with and mentor.  Not only does this help the child, it helps you.  You will find yourself changed for the better too!


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About Cheryl Baumgartner Professional Premium    Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance

1,142 connections, 69 recommendations, 4,101 honor points.
Joined APSense since, May 18th, 2007, From San Antonio, TX, United States.

Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

Comments

Jeff Greene Committed   Online Marketing Specialist/Consultant
There's powerful wisdom in them thar words, Cheryl! :)
Nov 8th 2007 13:15   
Cheryl Baumgartner Professional Premium   Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
Indeed there is! All too often we see the proof of young people making the wrong choices. I have an acquaintance who lives by a powerful motto, "Each one teach one" That's a major impact we can achieve if each of us would take it upon ourselves to mentor one child.
Nov 8th 2007 13:56   
Wendy Senior   
Cheryl

Could not have stated it better myself

My girlfriend has a daughter, she was skipping school, failing school, coming in late, and getting in all kinds of mischief. Not a good scenario at all

We get along terrific She now calls me Auntie Wen.and I just love it.

Her Dad called her name in the name in the book. Including stupid (that being the nicer one)

We spent hours on end just talking and having fun. Just her and I When we could.

I think I was the only one who respected her for who she is. At any rate last year she received the most improved student (private tutoring here) and will graduate with almost honours next summer.
She is soooo excited and now saving her money so she can attend hairdressing school. I am so proud of her and her accomplishments.

She now has a dream and a goal to aim for I for one know she will reach and surpass them

Wendy


Nov 8th 2007 14:00   
Cheryl Baumgartner Professional Premium   Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
Good Stuff Wendy! I have a foster daughter. It really spoke volumes when she called me to tell me I was going to be a "grandmother" before she called her own mother. A young person truly appreciates the time we take with them.
Nov 8th 2007 14:53   
Wendy Senior   
Hey that is awesome Anytime soon or has the event already passed you by

Wendy
Nov 8th 2007 19:39   
Penny Young Committed   Consultant
You people are so wonderful. Makes me realise that there is a lot of hope for the world ...
Nov 8th 2007 20:00   
Jean DAndrea Senior   Retired
Haven't had any children, but have always been glad to have nieces and
nephews over for the day, or to take them out sometimes.
Might even have taught them the odd value or two.......
Nov 8th 2007 20:24   
Cheryl Baumgartner Professional Premium   Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
My "Granddaughter will be one year old on the 21st of this month!
Nov 8th 2007 22:09   
Teodor M. Professional   Blockchain Real Estate
Hello Grandmother! How is your Granddaughter today? Hope she is very well!
Apropos, I see Wendy's comments here! Do you know something about her? Thanks.
Nov 21st 2010 16:28   
Cheryl Baumgartner Professional Premium   Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
She is doing great thanks Teo. She'll be starting school before I know it!
Nov 21st 2010 16:48   
Teodor M. Professional   Blockchain Real Estate
Yeah! I know how it is! We have 9 GrandKids!
Nov 21st 2010 16:51   
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